Today, however, Chrysler’s starved-for-product Dodge division is so eager for a fresh start, and so desperate for a reboot in the compact sedan segment, that it turned to its European cousins for inspiration.

Under its new skin, and despite its red, white and blue name, the Dart is an Alfa Romeo at heart.

The car’s basic structure comes from the much-admired Alfa Giulietta, the runner-up for 2011 Car of the Year honors in Europe. The chassis, suspension, electric power steering, engine, transmission and other driveline components are direct from the Fiat Group, parent of Alfa and the reborn Chrysler Group. A recently announced variant will be sold in China and other international markets as the Fiat Viaggio, and as many as a half-dozen other yet-to-be-announced models — coupes, sedans, hatchbacks and crossover utilities — may eventually use the same versatile platform.

The adaptability of this chassis, as well as its relatively low cost, is its core strength. By comparison, the Caliber rode on a Franken-chassis: part Mitsubishi Lancer, part Chrysler Sebring, part Jeep Patriot — perhaps, for that matter, part Conestoga wagon.

But comparing the Caliber with the Dart is like comparing a scruffy mutt with a pampered best-of-show purebred. A more interesting comparison is between the Dart and the Giulietta. A fully equipped Giulietta costs Europeans about $42,000, whereas a Dart can be had for half as much. But the Dart, which in base trim is priced even more attractively at $16,790, does not feel cheap or dumbed-down; in fact, in back-to-back test drives, I preferred the Dart to the Giulietta over all. Dodge has scored a neat trick here, with an entry-level made-in-America compact sedan — the Dart is assembled in Belvidere, Ill. — that trumps a premium European sport hatchback.

Dodge engineers and designers seem to have retained the best of the Alfa, including precise steering and driving dynamics, while improving on features that may matter most to Americans, like comfort, roominess and utility.