Charger. Challenger. Viper. These are just some of the most recognizable and imaginative American cars of the new millennium, and they all come from one brand: Dodge. You got to leave it to the folks over at Chrysler; they’ve always had the cajones for coming up with something different. And their fray into the entry-level market was no different. In the 1990’s, the Neon served up a healthy doses of cute looks with genuine handling. It was proof that Americans can come up with a homegrown solution against the Japanese compacts. So when news came out that the Neon nameplate would be retired for something else, there were those who aired some concern: can lightning strike twice for Dodge?
Dodge’s answer to their critics is uniquely, Dodge: the Caliber. And after all the teasers, speculations and hearsay, the Caliber has finally come to our shores. Anyone who’s seen the Caliber in person would be surprised at how tightly packed the car really is compared to photos. It’s actually the size of a compact, rather than that of an SUV. But don’t let that fact fool you. Indeed, the Caliber is tall, but because of its bulging fenders, sleek roofline and angular surface treatments, it makes for a very strong, very confident appearance. Dodge design DNA is stamped throughout: the large crosshair grille, broad shoulder line and small greenhouse are all design motifs we’ve seen before. This different design treatment has done two things: first, it has given the Caliber a unique appearance, literally making it stand out of the crowd. Second, it has given the passengers a higher hip point making for a commanding driving position similar to that of an SUV.
The Caliber’s cabin reiterates this commanding feeling once again. The dash is squared-off and mounted as to give a high-nosed feel behind the driver’s seat. The overall look may be utilitarian (mainly because of the squared-cut center console and door frames), but because Dodge expects a split male-female buyer demographic, the Caliber contains a multitude of creature features for just about everyone. Families will enjoy the stain and odor-resistant seat fabric. The rear cargo area takes it a step further by offering a removable vinyl load floor that’s washable. The wagon-like configuration suggests that owners will buy the Caliber for heavy-duty shopping, and it obliges by offering folding rear seats with a 60/40 split. As a bigger bonus, the front passenger seat fold forward too, perfect for loading long items, say like, a Christmas tree. Its maximum load, excluding passengers, top up at a remarkable 570 kilograms.
Beyond the Caliber’s versatility and space, there are some truly techie stuff inside too. First is the audio system. Though it offers nothing extra-ordinary in terms of audio inputs: stereo, CD, MP3 and aux; it does pump its sound out of 9 Boston Acoustic speakers. And that’s not all, the rear speakers (packaged in the lift gate) flips down rearward for tailgating. Dodge calls it MusicGate Power. There’s even a flip pocket on the center console that can hold an Apple iPod in place. The party doesn’t stop with music; the top portion of the glove box features Chill Zone—a cooled beverage storage bin that can hold up to four 20-oz. bottles. If there’s a need to hydrate a night, there’s no feed to fumble around for the cup holders, on the Caliber, they’re lighted to match the center-stack lighting.
CATS Motors, the official distributor of Chrysler products in the Philippines, is offering just one variant of the Caliber: the 2.0-liter front-wheel drive SXT. The engine is the first locally available “World Engine”—the product of a collaboration between the Chrysler group and several other car marques. The all-aluminum construction pushes out a remarkable 158 horsepower thanks to dual variable valve timing and an intake manifold with flow control valves. The ultra-clean engine is mated to an equally earth-friendly transmission: a second-generation CVT (CVT2) for a combination of performance and fuel economy. Underneath, the Caliber features an all-around independent suspension that, like the engine, is a “World Platform” that will underpin other products too. The 17-inch alloy wheels are unique though.
The grippy wheels are just a tip of the Caliber’s safety feature iceberg. There are 7 airbags including a driver’s knee bolster, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, tire pressure sensors and the highest grade for the US government’s crash worthiness test. If something unexpected does happen, the Caliber’s cabin light doubles as a removable/rechargeable flashlight.
Dodge continues to defy industry convention with breakthrough products that are designed to driven. Hard. The Caliber, the second locally available model after the Durango does just this. Though the Neon was received very well in America, the Caliber is the first true taste of an American compact in the Philippines. Though quintessentially American, the Caliber hits the rights notes and manages to communicate well with the world market. Target achieved then.
By Ulysses Ang
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