Dodge is introducing a high-mileage version of the Dart called the Aero.

As if you didn’t see this coming.

Dodge is introducing a high-mileage version of its smallest car, the Dart to do battle with “eco” versions of the Ford Focus on Chevrolet Cruze. Like the others, it uses lightweight body components, added aerodynamic tricks and other features to wring the most miles possible from a gallon gasoline.

But Dodge’s entry in this battle is bigger than the Focus and Cruze. Can it match the others in the all-important fuel economy numbers.

In fact, Dodge’s Dart Aero beats some of the others in EPA fuel economy ratings, but it can’t quite top the top fuel miser in its class. And it does it at a lower base price.

The Aero comes standard with the 1.4-liter MultiAir intercooled turbo engine making 160 horsepower. It features several aerodynamic enhancements, including active grille shutters, underbody aero kit, a lowered profile, low-rolling resistance tires and lightweight aluminum chassis components.

It achieves 41 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway with the six-speed manual and 40 mpg on the highway with the six-speed Dual Dry Clutch Transmission (DDCT). It’s rated at 28 mpg city with either transmission.

The high-mileage Dart betters that of the Cruze Eco (26/39 mpg), 2013 Ford Focus SFE (28/40 mpg) and the 2013 Mazda3 Skyactiv (28/40 mpg) when all are equipped with an automatic transmission. But it falls just short of the Cruze Eco with a manual transmission, which is rated at 28/42.

However, the Aero requires premium gasoline to achieve its lofty numbers, which negates its fuel economy advantage.

Dodge also undercut the price of its domestic competitors with a base price of $20,090, including destination. That compares to $20,475 for the Cruze Eco and $20,185 for the Focus SFE (although the Focus comes standard with an automatic transmission). But the Mazda 3 SkyActiv is cheaper at $19,170.

“The new Dart Aero builds on these attributes by combining a remarkable 41mpg with interior room of a mid-size car and class-leading technology, style and safety,” Dodge President and CEO Reid Bigland said.