Dodge is famous across the pond for making pick-up trucks. The Daimler/Chrysler-owned firm has now set up shop here and is offering a family hatchback for Ford Focus money. Starting at €22,295 the Caliber is a genuine alternative to the norm, but is it any good?
Being American everything about the Caliber is super-sized. Instead of a 1.4 litre engine that is the most popular in the segment, Caliber has a 1.8 litre (145bhp). If you want diesel power Caliber comes with a 2-litre with 140bhp (€26,995 SE). Even the illuminated cup holders, which Dodge is very proud of by the way, take XXXL sized mugs! And guess what size wheels are on my ‘SXT’ test car, 14 inch, 15 inch? No, they’re 17 inches in diameter with suitably massive tyres.
The five-door Caliber is no shrinking violet as it projects a strong image that screams born in the USA. Just like its sister company Chrysler managed with the ‘PT Cruiser’ the front end is unlike any other car on the road.
Dodge has mimicked the front end of its ‘Ram’ pick-up truck and stuck it on a hatchback. Despite the obvious SUV crossover styling Caliber will be sold here only in front-wheel-drive (there is a four-wheel-drive version in the States).
Inside the cabin you are reminded of the Caliber’s American connection as the build quality and materials used are not class leading nor is the availability of space. However the front passenger seat can fold flat and the rear seats (60/40 split) have adjustable backrests.
The driving position in my manual test car is poor despite having the usual range of seat adjustment. In order to operate the clutch pedal correctly I’m forced to sit too close to the steering wheel (and airbag!). From the driver's seat with my back correctly against the backrest I should be able to stretch out my arms straight and touch my wrists on the rim of the wheel. This ensures that when driving there’ll be a natural bend in the arms. I cannot do this in the Caliber.
On the go my diesel test car delivers a lot of torque steer when accelerating hard. I wouldn’t recommend taking the twisty way home as Caliber can behave like a car ferry in the bends and prefers going in a straight line.
The diesel unit is sourced from Volkswagen and it is clear that one area Dodge saved money on was sound insulation. The engine makes an awful racket at times.
SE and SXT are the trim levels with in the main a two-grand price walk between them. Metallic paint is a very steep €595 option. A petrol fuelled 2-litre (158bhp/€27,295 SE) is available with a CVT ‘automatic’ gearbox (constant velocity transaxle).
Dodge will have a limited range of cars for sale through Chrysler/Jeep outlets this year with the Nitro SUV being next up and due any day now. Truly rugged looking the Nitro will turn a lot of heads.
As for Caliber? I like its attitude a lot, but not much else.
Michael Sheridan
