Dodge Demon Concept (2007) CAR review

So what's overall driving experience like, top-speed run aside?

Pretty good. For a concept car, the Demon is pretty well resolved. The driving position is good and the interior does indeed feel more spacious than an MX-5. You're not wowed by an extreme engine note (in fact the Demon concept sounds rather harsh), and neither does the car try too hard to impress – it's just satisfyingly honest on the move. Agile and fun too. We'll reserve judgment if and when a production model comes along, but Mazda has proved that the basic small roadster formula works.

'If and when they build it'? What's the latest?

Well, we can't ignore the fact the DaimlerChrysler group is no more and the chances of any concept on the Chrysler side of the equation making production are decidedly shaky. Like the last chunky Dodge concept, the Hornet, the Demon will need to be underpinned by a chassis sourced from outside the company if it is to make production. Dodge will admit that they have made some tentative enquiries globally, but won't tell you who with. And interestingly, they wouldn't rule out a possible tie up with their ex: Mercedes Benz. Now if they could pinch the SLK's fine chassis, adopt some cost-savings and get the Demon to UK customers for less than £20K then they could be onto a winner. The Demon is exactly the kind of car Dodge could use in these turbulent times. Straightforward, fun and funky.