Dodge Caliber 2006 Review - International

Not so much
>> Cheap trim materials
>> Flat, unsupportive seats
>> Bulky A-pillars rob visibility

On sale next month, the Caliber basically is a tougher take on the PT Cruiser and the now-departed Chrysler Neon. Sales of the Neon petered out here in 2003, but the car lives on (at least its front-drive platform lives on) under both the PT Cruiser and the newcomer Caliber (even then, it’s originally drawn from an early Mitsubishi Lancer).

One look at the photographs will tell you the Caliber isn’t your run-of-the-mill small car. A glance at its unique equipment list confirms it.

The fact that it looks like an SUV but doesn’t come with costly all-wheel drive hardware won’t hurt sales one bit. After all, both Ford and Hyundai have proved that with healthy demand for their two-wheel-drive Territory and Tucson models.

This is a five-door compact hatchback that stands tall and (essential to Gen-X and Y-ers) looks sharp and is loaded with goodies pitched squarely at buyers who weren’t even born when you could last buy a Dodge in Australian showrooms. 

The Caliber will come in three engine specs: 1.8-litre/110kW  and 2.0-litre/115kW petrol and 2.0-litre/103kW turbodiesel. And each will be available in base-level SX and top-spec SXT guises.

And, down the track – although Chrysler’s not yet saying when or if it will come here – there’s the prospect a 224kW turbocharged 2.4-litre performance SRT4 (Street and Racing Technology) version to add solid streetcred to the Caliber’s already tough looks.

Apart from what should be sharp prices, this is where the Caliber shines. Even at entry-level, standard equipment includes ABS, air-conditioning, cruise control, front airbags (including curtain ’bag) and 17-inch alloy wheels (18s are optional). ESP will be optional on all but the range-topping turbodiesel model.

Then there’s the cute ’n’ quirky stuff the Gen-X/Y buyers are going to love. Things like the chilled glovebox (which taps into the aircon system and holds up to four drink bottles), iPod or mobile phone cradle, self-charging LED removable torch, “mood-lit” front cupholders and MP3-compatible Boston Acoustics audio system (with nine speakers in the optional premium sound pack).

Speaking of the sound system, there’s even a flip-down speaker system built into the tailgate, for outdoor parties, picnics and camping trips. And then there’s a fold-flat passenger seat that doubles as a part-time desk or small party table. And, if you spill the tomato sauce or need someone to stash wet swimming gear, the cargo area vinyl floor is washable and removable.

Interior space is good with the rear bench seat a 60-40 split type which folds flat.

The bad news? Trim and interior materials are something of a let down compared with the Caliber’s trend-setting features. Plastics are hard, and even the leather trim in the top-spec turbodiesel version isn’t all that special.

SAFETY
As you’ll see from its features list, the Caliber comes standard with impressive passive and active safety hardware. Front airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard, together with ABS. At its projected pricepoint, they’re significant offerings.

Even at its expected sub-$30,000 price, the range-topping turbodiesel model’s standard ESP is an important addition. And it’s admirable that Chrysler is likely to offer the stability program as optional even on the entry-level Caliber.

Step up to the 2.0-litre petrol four and you’re looking at 115kW and 190Nm and a constantly-variable transmission (CVT), much like that Mercedes’ A and B-Class compacts. Like the Benzs, the Caliber’s CVT comes with a quasi-manual option dubbed AutoStick. This allows the driver to shift manually through six electronically determined ‘gears’.

The range-topper is the 2.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. No auto is offered. Significantly, the engine is sourced not from the DaimlerChrysler stable but rather from VW where it features in the Golf TDI.

Drive is through the front wheels only belying the Caliber’s all-road looks. Front suspension is a fairly conventional strut-type, while the rear is a twist-beam axle with Watts linkage a la PT Cruiser. Brakes are discs all round.

Ground clearance is soft-roader high (195mm), which lends the Caliber even more versatility and a command-style driving position for a better view down the road.

COMPETITORS
The Caliber will arrive in the crowded and ultra-competitive small car market and in theory will be up against such five-door hatchbacks as the Nissan Tiida ($19,990-$24,490), Holden Astra ($21,990-$29,990), Renault Megane (at least, the $29,990 2.0-litre Dynamique) and Subaru Impreza ($24,440-$30,440 … forget the WRX).

Vehicles like the Mazda3 ($20,790-$29,320), Toyota Corolla ($19,990-$27,890) and Volkswagen Golf ($25,490-$32,990 … again, forget the GTI) will also be fighting in the same space.

 Given its potential multi-segment appeal, the Caliber may well also chip away at sales of mini-MPVs  and SUVs alike. Models such as Renault’s mini-MPV Scenic ($29,990-$35,490 and Volkswagen’s newly-launched Caddy Life ($27,990-$31,990) could end up on the same shopping list as well as softroaders like the Honda’s CRV ($29,990-$37,290), Nissan X-Trail ($31,990-$38,490), Subaru Forester ($31,990-$44,490), and Toyota RAV4 ($31,990-$41,990). 

Because of the high seating position, the driver gets a good view of the road ahead. But the chunky A-pillars detract from cornering vision.

 Despite the high roofline, body roll seems well controlled, and the 17-inch wheels are shod with decent tyres with useful grip. The only obvious ride and handling shortcoming is the fairly uncommunicative steering.

Both petrol-engined Calibers got along well – at least, on the aforementioned Spanish resort island’s roads – and in AutoStick manual mode the 2.0-litre CVT-equipped car at least gives sports-oriented drivers a chance to get involved in the action.

Not surprisingly, the turbodiesel Caliber is the driver’s choice, with grunt aplenty and that sporty six-speed gearbox to help you row it along and take advantage of the wide and flat torque curve.