2025 Dodge Neon Makes a Scripted Return Sending French Hatch Vibes

Thus, it's safe to say the brand is a mere shadow of its former self. However, it wasn't always like this, as Dodge's portfolio used to be vast. Besides the muscly models of its past, it also had a lot of other low-slung models, and if it is one that doesn't get much love these days, that is the Neon.

Also marketed as a Chrysler and Plymouth, it came out in the 1990s, with the second generation following it. The Neon was put to sleep in the mid-2000s and made another appearance some ten years later as a rebadged Fiat Tipo for Mexico and the Middle East.

Since traditional compacts (and other body styles) are no longer popular, we can assume the Dodge Neon will not make a comeback in our market – at least not in this shape. Nevertheless, Stellantis, which is the brand's parent company, possesses the right tools to rebadge a compact vehicle sold on the other side of the pond and bring it to North America as a brand-new Neon. You know, just like Nihar Mazumdar did in the virtual world.

Does the design of this CGI-infused 2025 Dodge Neon look familiar? That's because it was based on the third-generation Peugeot 308, a compact hatchback that is nearly two and a half years old. It builds on the EMP2 modular platform, just like the Opel Astra, DS 4, and Citroen C5 X, and it is a versatile proposal with pure ICE power, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric, with the latter adding the 'e' prefix.

Compared to its French cousin, this hypothetical revival of the Neon brings a less intricate face that makes it look more like a Dodge than a virtually rebadged 308. It has a smaller grille, a full-width light bar, a different DRL signature, and an identical lower part of the bumper. Not much has changed on the sides either, and at the rear, it retains the same bumper and diffuser, save for a few tweaks, and brings a fresh lighting signature and a modified tailgate.

The digital artist gave it the SRT-4 moniker and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, as emphasized by the charging port and fuel filler cap on the left and right rear quarter panels. The yellow finish, black accents, Neon logo on the tailgate, and a dark hue applied to the wheels complete the car's virtual makeover. We wouldn't necessarily support such a model, but if Dodge was given the green light for it, is it something you'd consider buying over a similarly-sized (and priced) crossover?