In Mexico, Ram continues to market small trucks, while Dodge also offers compact cars. The latest model from Dodge is the Attitude, which was derived from the Mitsubishi Mirage. However, with the Mirage now ceasing production, Stellantis is planning to transform the Attitude into a badge-engineered version of a different compact sedan—this time sourced from China, which promises to be a significant improvement.
According to a post by Motorpasión México on X, and teased by Dodge Mexico, the upcoming Attitude will essentially be the GAC-Trumpchi Empow at its core.
El Dodge Attitude 2025 se destapa por primera vez en La Casa de los Famosos, y no tiene nada que ver con el anterior. pic.twitter.com/JYd4mnW15k
— Motorpasión México (@MotorpasionMex) July 30, 2024
The Empow, produced by the GAC Group in China and sold under the Trumpchi label in its home market, will swap its prominent “G” emblem for Dodge’s distinctive dual-striped badge in Mexico. However, the specifications of the compact sedan will remain largely unchanged, as reported by Mopar Insiders.
Set to debut in 2025, the Dodge Attitude will feature a 1.5-liter turbo inline-four engine with an output of 168 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This marks a significant upgrade from the previous Mirage-based model, which was equipped with a 1.2-liter inline-three producing a mere 76 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. Having driven the former model, it was apparent that the engine struggled on Mexico’s hilly terrain.
The Empow’s exterior and interior designs suggest that the Dodge Attitude is set for a substantial makeover, featuring a more dynamic look that aligns with the brand’s identity, a state-of-the-art digital cockpit, and a 10.25-inch center touchscreen.
The Dodge Attitude has an intriguing lineage in Mexico, having evolved from a rebadged Hyundai Accent to a rebadged Mirage. Its journey across countries is notable: initially based on a South Korean model, then a Japanese one, and now transitioning to a Chinese design for its third generation.
Dodge has experienced moderate success in Mexico by marketing a rebadged Chinese vehicle, specifically the latest Dodge Journey, which is derived from the GAC-Trumpchi GS5. Even in developing markets, major manufacturers like Stellantis prefer to import more economical vehicles produced by their joint venture partners overseas.
This strategy seems aimed at releasing production capacity in Mexico for vehicles bound for the more lucrative American market. While rebadging a Chinese car to replace a former Japanese model may have once faced criticism, the growing popularity of Chinese automobiles in Mexico—and globally—reflects a significant shift in consumer preferences.
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