A tough competitor in the segment

The Caliber is a replacement for Dodge Neon. It is a 5-passenger hatch with plenty of designer attitude. The all-new Caliber draws the curves and lines from all segments and has plenty of space, fresh young looks, choice of different engines, and an attractive price making it the hottest pick of the lot.

The Caliber package becomes all the more attractive with a couple of additions like the chill zone in the glove box and the retractable speaker in the liftgate. It is available in four trims with two options for the R/T trim. The various trims are SE FWD, SXT FWD, SXT Sport FWD, R/T FWD, and R/T AWD. You are given a choice of two different engines, the 1.8L for the SE and SXT trims and the 2.4L for the R/T versions. The top-of-the-line model R/T and SXT have plenty of power throughout the band. The 5-speed manual and Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) mated with these engines is fuel efficient. The R/T AWD trim gives you the option to go for an automatic transmission.

The Caliber has good cabin and cargo space, and great ground clearance, pricing and power-to-weight ratio. It comes with a basic warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles.

The Caliber gets two engine options, 1.8 Liter (L) and 2.4L. Both are in-line 4 engines. The 1.8L produces 148 horsepower (hp) and generates 125 lb-ft at 5,200 rpm and the 2.4L engine produces 172 hp while generating165 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. All engines are capable of producing maximum torque at low engine speeds proving to be fuel efficient.

The SE and the SXT trims get a standard 1.8L engine with a 5-speed manual transmission inclusive of the Continuously Variable automatic transmission (CVT) which is optional. The R/T has a standard 2.4L engine with an option of a 5-speed manual transmission with an optional CVT or an automatic transmission. EPA estimated fuel consumption for the SE and SXT trims is 28/32 mpg city/highway and that for the R/T trims is 23/26 mpg city/highway.

The design of the Dodge Caliber is bold with bulged curves and sharp crease lines, making it an impressive car. The frontal of the Caliber is adorned by chrome U-shaped grille with the Dodge badge placed in the center of a cross. The sculptured bumper and the overtly blistered fenders hold the large square-shaped headlights along with the turn lamps. The beefy beltline runs from fender till the taillights and the raised creases on the door look like rocker panels.

Some of the standard features include All-Season tires, halogen headlamps, 15-inch x 6 inch rear window wiper/washer, rear window defrosters, day/night rearview mirrors, solar control glasses, variable intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear body colored bumpers, and front air dam.

The five-seater hatch has quality interiors, chic design, and dual-tone color schemes. Large gauges have prominent white dials on the black console making it easy to read both during the day and night. The metal finished centre stack accentuates the interior visuals. The glove box has two compartments one of which can be used as refrigerator to store beverage.

The SXT and R/T trims get a 60/40-split folding backseat. With the seats folded, 48 cubic feet of cargo space is available.

Standard interior features include air-conditioning with Chill Zone™ Storage, AM/FM Radio with 4 speakers, CD player, radio antenna, rear HVAC ducts, Satin silver Bezel located on the instrument panel, removable rubber floor covering located in the cargo area and a carpet located in the passenger cabin.

Some of the optional features include: AM/FM Radio, cassette, 6-Disc CD changer, MP3, or AM/FM Radio, 6-Disc CD changer; MP3 player, Sirius satellite radio, leather seats, and cloth seats with color-keyed insert.

The power from the 1.8 is good and the 2.4L with AWD provides plenty even for winter driving. This makes driving the Caliber a blast in every season. The CVT was designed to churn out more miles per galloon and the results are quite impressive.

The build quality of Caliber is exceptional. It carries Independent suspensions in the front and rear that makes that helps it drive soft in cities while giving it great balance. With its extremely responsive handling, it is ideal for city rides.

The SE and the SXT trims are equipped with disc brakes in front and drum at the rear. R/T models come standard with ABS and head-protecting side curtain airbags for all sides. The Caliber gains “five stars” in the IIHS crash tests, which is the highest in the safety tests.

Standard safety features include rear 3-point center seatbelt, front side head curtain airbags, driver airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger airbag cutoff activated by weight, passenger airbag with multi-stage deployment, LATCH, front and rear outboard 3-point seatbelts, side guard door beams, child safety door locks located on rear doors, power door locks with automatic locking, vehicle anti-theft via sentry key engine immobilizer, keyless entry operated via key fob, multi-function remote operates door lock/unlock, and an illuminated entry.