Mario James, Gleaner Writer
The 2007 Dodge Caliber, available in Jamaica from Motor Sales & Service for $2.7 million.
This one gave us pause, it did. First, it is classified as a 'subcompact, crossover SUV'. Now, what the heck is that? Second, it is a global product, in that it is made in Illinois, U.S.A., but is intended for 100 different markets across the big blue ball. So there are left- and right-hand drive versions. It is targeted at the Toyota Matrix, the Ford Focus, the Pontiac Vibe and the Subaru Impreza.
Look at it.
It has a six-speed CVT transmission (made by Nissan, but also found in the Mercedes A Class). The package also includes a 2.4-litre four cylinder, 178 hp engine. If that seems a bit pedestrian for you, a turbo-charged version exists that pumps out 285 hp and more than 300lb ft. (Subaru's WRX Impreza only does around 240 hp. The turbo 2.4 option is also NOT offered here by Motor Sales. Cho, man!). But, wait, there's more. It has a wine cooler in the front. Yup, the glove box doubles as a fridge. It is also available overseas as an all-wheel drive unit (but this option also will NOT be offered by Motor Sales here. Stateside, the option will be available with a 40 /60 split front to rear). And in that retina-searing colour, it is drop dead gorgeous.
Look at it again.
The outside colour is also resplendent on the inside. The dash and the seats have a splash of the same exterior colour. For the Inspector Gadget in you, the centre armrest houses an IPOD holder! Alan Magnus will love the fact that the driver can change the level of 'dip' on the headlights via a control in the dash. So if you have a load in the capacious back that causes the rear end to squat a little, tweaking the appropriate button on the control panel will angle the lights back to the road. Kinda tricky, huh? Oh yeah, Caliber also has cruise control.
Are you staring yet?
The chassis was co-designed with Mitsubishi. The floor started off from the now defunct Dodge Neon, but evolved into what you see before you. McPherson struts are up front. A multilink rear rounds out the suspension package. 17 inch alloys are wrapped on the inside of 235 70 17's. Four wheel discs all around, with ABS.
I just love it!
It is not as high as a regular SUV, yet still has good ground clearance. There is above average room in the front of the cabin (read no belly impingement). However utilizing all of the rearward seat travel of the front seats will cause the taller of us seated in the back to experience some discomfort. But the color coded interior really comes together - controls fall in hand and the Boston Acoustics sound system is the one of the best I've ever heard. Four 8-inch woofers pour sound into the cabin from the doors. The satellites are positioned at the extreme front of the dash, and for those who like to tailgate party, the hatch comes equipped with a fold out boom-box, with two more eight inch speakers! The factory claims 458 watts, and it does sound the part.
Driving Experience
Caliber delivers big time on the driving experience. The engine's torque seems bottomless; light throttle application is all that's needed for a tree stump-pulling grunt to be released. The engine is whisper quiet and extremely smooth. The transmission, like the Mitstubishi Lancer's, is immediate and intelligent. Running the engine up to its 6500 rpm redline was a joy to behold, gear changing taking place right now, not sometime tomorrow. There is torque multiplication after every shift, as the car rides on the swell of power produced at every upshift, Caliber's steering lightning quick, progressive and intuitive, making corner carving much less of a chore it should have been, with a car having Caliber's stance.
And there's the ride. The CRV and RAV 4 can't hold a candle to it. There is body roll, but it is never excessive, and does not intrude while tossing the vehicle about. Seating is very supportive, and does a good job of keeping the occupants where they're supposed to be.
There's no smoke without fire, though, at least that's what grandma told me. The downside to having all this power is that a overweight right foot can pull down the mpg's to the low teens. This is what was actually observed. However, all of the overseas owners interviewed were adamant that their mounts gave them much better mileage, in the 23/26 range (city / hwy). I have a hill route to traverse when I go home, and I did step in the belly of the beast. I have a story to tell about a very surprised CRV driver, but that's another time... they say power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Brand Sales and Marketing Manager of Motor Sales and Service Co. Ltd. Ian Lyn, who is responsible for both Dodge Chrysler and Mitsubishi brands says that the Dodge Caliber is targeted at the segment of the market that would opt for its Mitsubishi Galant, which is no longer in their model line up. But with its INTENSE youth appeal (the colours are REALLY grabby), fresh unique look and Swiss army knife flexibility, Automotives thinks that this crossover should 'cross over' and transcend quite a few market boundaries. It is not an SUV, but it is very SUV like. The package includes a world class transmission, and probably the supplest ride in this end of the price spectrum. There aren't too many competitors that have the calibre of the Caliber!
