Dodge back Down Under

DaimlerChrysler US-performance brand, Dodge, will re-enter the Australian market in 2006 -- it's official. The marque will debut at least one new model this year, the Caliber, with a pre-production prototype of the car to be unveiled at the Melbourne Motor Show next month.

The first new Dodge to be officially imported into Australia for approximately 30 years, the Caliber was unveiled in production form at the recent North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. The compact but upright five-door wagon is Dodge's first 'global' product and will go on sale in Australia in the third quarter of 2006.

According to Dodge, the Caliber is designed to appeal to owners who want "Dodge attitude packaged with the capability and versatility of a sport-utility vehicle and the affordability and fuel-efficiency of a compact car."

The front-wheel driver will be powered by a range of mid-capacity (2.0-2.4-litre) petrol four-cylinder engines. A turbodiesel variant is understood to be under consideration for Australia.

Said to incorporate innovative packaging and top-line amenties such as a high-spec audio system and optional navigation, the Caliber is eventually expected to be sold in up to 100 countries outside North America.

“The Dodge Caliber is not your typical small car,” said Gerry Jenkins, managing director, Chrysler Jeep Australia.

“Caliber will appeal to owners looking for a compact car that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and gear," he said.

“The compact car segment is competitive, but our research tells us that customers are tired of the bland offerings in this segment. The Dodge Caliber is boldly designed but will also deliver with affordable pricing, European-style handling and fuel-efficient engines,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins and his team will brief the Australian motoring media on their plans for the Dodge brand early next month.

Keep an eye on CarPoint for more news on Dodge's plans Down Under.