Dodge Caliber 2007

By Benjamin Cyr

First impressions

Let’s forget the Dodge Neon (oups, I meant to say the SX. 2.0) and welcome with a drum roll the all new Dodge Caliber. This is quite a drastic, but a welcome change in size, design and direction. The new compact has a lot going for it.

Many versions

Long before it was available to consumers, we had the opportunity to try a preproduction model. As far as I’m concerned, this car will be a hit for Chrysler.

To begin with, the base price will attract a lot of consumers; the SE model retails for  $15, 995. Considering the price, the basic package is a good one. Other available versions include the STX at $ 17, 595 and the sporty R/T starting from $ 23, 995. The basic model is powered by a four cylinder, 1.8 litre, 147 horsepower motor, while the STX model has a 2.0 litre with 10 extra horses plus 17 inch wheels and a continuously variable transmission.  The R/T stocks a 2.4 litre engine developing 173 horsepower with the same variable transmission. The R/T sports 18 inch rims and all wheel drive. This is, by the way, the version we tried out.

Regardless of the version, practicality is the dominant feature. Like the Toyota Matrix or the Mazda3 sport, for example, it has a tailgate making hauling easier and adding to its diversity.

Beautiful and competent

The one we track-tested was the R/T with all wheel drive. It has a rugged look with angular, even aggressive lines (a Dodge feature). The Caliber delivers excellent road handling due in part to the variable transmission and 18 inch wheels.
The CVT is good but a manual transmission option would have been in keeping with this “sportier” version of the group. Strange indeed! The CVT is slow to react in certain circumstances. This Caliber does 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, which is the norm in this class. This is rather average for an R/T sport. But, for the high performance buffs who already bemoan the loss of the Dodge SRT-4, you’re prayers have been answered; Dodge has announced the roll-out of a 300 horsepower Caliber SRT-4 later this year. Yes, you read right! 300 horses in a compact vehicle. I can’t wait to drive it...

Although, the SXT is less interesting, with weaker accelerations and numb steering feel.

Interesting features

Now, let’s get back to the test drive and check the interior layout, Typically, Dodge has lots of plastic and big dials .This is no exception. Then again, some may say that you can’t argue with the price. I will respond by saying that a Toyota Yaris or Honda Fit are way better in terms of assembly and the quality of materials.