The Size Of It
by Richard Yarrow (10 Feb 06)

It's the eighth biggest selling name badge in the world today, but the chances are, unless you've been Stateside on your hols, you've never seen it. But that's about to change; all-American brand Dodge is being launched in 150 new countries and the UK is included.

It arrives here in July as part of the Chrysler Jeep group and its first model is the Caliber, a small front-wheel drive family hatchback. The styling won't be everyone's cup of tea, and the Chrysler UK bosses know that. It's designed for people who are fed up with seeing the Focus, Astra and Golf at every set of traffic lights, and who aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd.

Prices will start at around £12,000 for the entry level 1.8-litre 148bhp manual petrol model. We'll also get two-litre 158bhp automatic, and a two-litre 136bhp diesel, mated to a six-speed manual box. Top price will be around £15,000. A 300bhp flagship called the SRT-4 (see news story) will arrive early in 2007.

Riding 18cm off the ground, the Caliber is halfway between a standard car and a crossover SUV. At the front is Dodge's signature crosshair grille, with sculpted bumpers, flared wheelarches and boot spoiler boosting the aggressive stance. The rear light clusters that cap the back corners are said to be the biggest on any of the brand's products.

Compared with previous American offerings that have crossed the Atlantic, the car is very refined. The engine is probably the weakest point; it's adequate but tends to run out of steam as you push it up the rev range. There's no official 0-60mph time, but it's not especially fast.

The steering has been well engineered and it's nicely weighted and direct. Drive into a corner at speed and the Caliber's nose turns in sharply with little body roll. It's not quite up to the standard set by the class leaders, but it's better than US imports of the past.

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