FirstDrive/Dodge Caliber: The Dodge marque is coming to Ireland and the Caliber will be its first offensive. Daniel Attwood reports
Dodge "the all-American brand best known here for its Viper muscle car" has launched the first of its new range of models aimed at attracting buyers looking for something more distinctive than a Focus or Golf.
The marque's arrival on this side of the Atlantic is part of a move by parent company, DaimlerChrysler, to boost non-US sales by 50 per cent.
And, while the 510bhp Viper has been available in Europe since 2005 as a special order, it is the Caliber's arrival that really marks the start of the Dodge European offensive.
The five-door Caliber is competing in one of the most aggressive sectors of the market. It is up against Ireland's most popular cars, such as the Corolla, Focus and Golf.
If that was a tough enough job for a newcomer, the Caliber also has to find buyers willing to move up to a minimum of a 1.8-litre engine in a segment dominated by 1.4-litre cars.
Once this hurdle is overcome, there are benefits to the US-built Caliber. With its cross-hair grille, high waistline and masculine stance, it is unashamedly American, which at least means an exciting new look in a segment awash with bland compact cars.
It is also comparatively cheap for those looking for more bhp for their euro.
The entry-level 150bhp 1.8-litre starts at just €22,295, which is on a par with a less powerful 1.6-litre Focus. In addition, there's a 2.0-litre 156bhp petrol engine coupled to a Continuously Variable Transaxle, or CVT, which provides an infinite number of gear ratios allowing the engine to stay in its most efficient operating range.
Finally, a manual six-speed 140bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is built by Volkswagen, makes up the Caliber range.
While the look is all-American, so are some of the fixtures and fittings. The overuse of poor and rather ill-fitting plastics throughout the cabin do little to give the interior a feeling of exclusivity.
In addition, there are gimmicks such as optional stereo speakers that swingdoor from the open tailgate, which will do little to enamour owners to their neighbours. However, the three engines are powerful and the handling, while not to Focus standards, does allow some fun. The car is also roomy and flexible with a fold flat front passenger seat making transporting long awkward items easy.
In addition, there are stain resistant seat fabrics as standard, which will win support with family owners.
As will the iPod compatible stereo and the optional drinks cooler.
As an affordable large-engined American car, the Caliber will win fans among those who value individuality and flexibility more than the class-leading handling of the Focus or the rock-solid residuals of the Golf.
It is expected that by the time the full range of Dodge cars arrive, which will not be until 2007, there will be some 20 dealers nationwide to sell the Dodge-branded passenger cars. Currently there are 17, all of which are current Chrysler Jeep dealers.
Following the Caliber's arrival will be a five-seat SUV known as the Nitro, which arrives here in March 2007.
That will be followed by a mid-size family hatch later in the year. All models will have a distinct US appearance, while offering larger capacity engines at a lower price than many competitors.