The Caliber crossover provides the first salvo in Dodge’s latest attack, and it’s now available in South Africa.The archetypical US brand Dodge is blazing a trail across the globe as part of its aggressive new expansion strategy. The Caliber crossover provides the first salvo in Dodge’s latest attack, and it’s now available in South Africa.
Though the brand’s development is closely tied to that of Ford in the US, Dodge’s focus has remained largely in the US market where other members of its motoring fraternity have expanded to markets beyond North America.
The Caliber spearheads Dodge’s expansion to the world market, and the classic American brand returns to South Africa after an absence of almost three decades.
The unconventionally styled Caliber gets its fair share of double takes and, following its anticipated launch, the exciting Nitro SUV is likely to be introduced here by the end of 2006.
In South Africa, a 1,8-litre petrol and two 2,0-litre (one petrol and one turbodiesel) offerings power the Caliber line-up. The four-cylinder petrol engines are all new, and developed as part of a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motor Corporation.
The 1,8-litre is fitted with double overhead camshafts and uses VVT variable valve timing to produce 110 kW at 6 500 r/min with peak torque of 170 N.m at 5 200 r/min. Equipped with this engine, the Caliber accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 11,9 seconds and hits a top speed of 184 km/h. Fuel consumption is a claimed 8,1 litres per 100 km.
The 2,0-litre petrol engine develops 115 kW at 6 300 r/min and 190 N.m at 5 100 r/min. Mated with a CVT gearbox, the zero-to-100 km/h sprint is covered in 11,3 seconds and the 2,0-litre has a top speed of 186 km/h with a (claimed) combined fuel consumption figure of 6,1 litres per 100 km.
The Volkswagen-sourced turbodiesel engine produces 103 kW at 4 000 r/min and 320 N.m at 1 750 r/min. Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, this Caliber sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 9,3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196 km/h.
According to figures supplied by the manufacturer, fuel consumption for this model is 7,3 litres per 100 km on a combined cycle, which does seem improbable when compared with the 2,0-litre petrol engine’s figure quoted above…
The 2,4-litre petrol derivative forming part of the joint engine development does not form part of the intial line-up, though it could be made available at a later stage, depending on demand.
The Caliber rides on a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement, and is suitably damped for most driving conditions, providing a comfortable ride all round.
All derivatives were made available at the launch, and after having previously driven the 1,8 SXT, the base SE model was taken to the road for comparison purposes.
The presence of a more sober facia colour combination initially came as a welcome relief, but the driving experience provided by the 1,8 SE was as uninspiring as before. The 1,8-litre tends to struggle in the lower reaches of its rev range in a “car” of the Caliber’s size (the crossover’s overall length is close to 4,5 m), though once on the move, proved to be a relaxed cruiser on the undemanding launch route.
Apart from the widespread use of rickety hard plastics across the facia, the base model is packed with driver, passenger and side curtain airbags, illuminated front cup holders, removable interior dome light, one-touch power windows and mirrors, MP3 compatible front loader, air conditioner and height adjustable driver’s seat, and folding and reclining split rear seats.
The rear luggage space is vinyl coated and washable, and thankfully comes with luggage nets and hooks to prevent loose items from skating about. Space is good, and the standard 523 dm3 grows to 1 341 dm3 with the rear seats folded down.
Moving up to the 2,0-litre turbodiesel was a lot more pleasurable. By this time we’d started to look past the rickety grey plastic dash, and the diesel’s smooth torque delivery and easy cruising six-speed ‘box were appreciated.
Fitted with the Luxury Group trim package, which includes leather seats, steering wheel mounted audio controls, six-disc CD player with MP3 compatibility, cruise control, front fog lamps, tyre pressure monitor, and a handy beverage cooler in the g