Plans for the Chrysler 100 compact are close to being approved, according to a recent interview with Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne.

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It was only a matter of time until Fiat‘s small car DNA seeped into Chrysler‘s veins and morphed a small car capable of competing with the Ford Focus and Honda Civic, the Chrysler 100.

Truth be told, that already happened with the Dodge Dart, which we reported on during the Detroit International Auto Show last month. That said, it’s still significant that the company is going to launch something new in that segment, considering they haven’t really appealed to the compact market. That is, unless you call a PT Cruiser appealing, which we flatly refuse to do.

The 100 will borrow underpinnings from Fiat, just like the Dart, though this one will be a five-door instead of a sedan that looks a lot more like the Alpha Romeo Giulietta (pictured above).

Speaking of looks, the car spied by Road & Track has some interesting touches we didn’t see when the first concept debuted at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. For example, we can see that the rear door handles are hidden, not something common to American cars. It also looks as if the head and tail lights will sport LEDs.

We don’t have details, but the fact that there will be a Dodge and Chrysler version of essentially the same car will position the company nicely to offer product differentiation. The Chrysler will likely be more comfort-oriented, leaving the Dart open as a sportier version for younger consumers.

[Source: Road & Track]

Now that the Dodge Caliber production has ended, Chrysler will no longer have a hatchback offering in any of their models. It turns out that Chrysler has been thinking the same thing and is possibly considering building a compact hatchback for their Chrysler brand.

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne spoke to USA Today and revealed the consideration of a Chrysler 100 compact hatchback. Though the vehicle hasn’t been approved for production yet, Marchionne also noted that it would be exported as a Lancia if it does come to fruition.

So given that Marchionne stated it would be exported, it’s a safe bet that the 100 hatchback would be produced and built in America, or “Imported from Detroit” as Chrysler likes to say. There is probably a real good chance too that it’ll be based on the new Dodge Dart, which is replacing the now defunct Caliber.

[Source: USA Today]