Dodge comes out fighting

After a hiatus of over 30 years, American brand Dodge is back in Australia. But unlike the big V8 Phoenix four-door sedan that was last sold here in 1972, this time around the DaimlerChrysler-owned carmaker is aiming to appeal to buyers in the small car and compact SUV markets.

The Caliber five-door, five-seater hatch which goes on sale next week will be the first of a range of new Dodge models that are due to arrive over the next two years. Other Aussie Dodge models will include the Jeep Cherokee-based Nitro mid-sized SUV, a medium passenger car and one other model -- expected to be the Chrysler 300C-based Magnum sports estate.

However, until the Nitro arrives towards the middle of next year, the Dodge brand will be solely represented by the Caliber.

The car was launched to the media last night sitting inside a boxing ring with guest presenter Australian boxing champion Kostya Tszyu on hand to try and pump some excitement into the event. And Dodge will certainly need some of the diminutive sports star's energy and passion if it is to try and meet its target of selling around 160 cars a month through to the end of next year.

For despite the four engine, four trim-level model lineup, only limited variants are available with an automatic transmission in a market segment that largely eschews manual gearboxes. Those are the mid-range SX and SXT that use an 115kW/190Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to drive the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is priced from $28,490.

The Caliber range starts with a five-speed manual-only Caliber ST powered by an 110kW/168Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. The ST is priced from $23,990.

Two more engine variants will be added by the end of this year including a diesel and larger petrol engine. The diesel is a 103kW/310Nm 2.0-litre VW-sourced turbocharged unit mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. A sportier Caliber R/T model will get a 127kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

No announcements have been made about the local future for the 200kW (approx) turbocharged SRT-4 variant of the Caliber.

The Caliber is a distinctive-looking high riding cross between a small hatch and compact SUV, and comes equipped with air-conditioning, power windows and mirrors, CD sound system, remote locking, four airbags (dual front and side curtain), and ABS.

Dodge cars will be sold through 48 existing Chrysler Jeep dealers around the country.