DODGE CALIBER SXT SPORT 2007

The Dodge Caliber replaces the Dodge Neon, also known as the SX 2.0 in the later years of its career. In the size department, the Caliber is shorter and higher than its main rivals. It comes in a four-door model with liftgate and in SE, SXT, and R/T versions, each with its own engine. Only the R/T has Active Torque Split all-wheel drive as standard. The others are front-wheel drive with a manual gearbox or continuously variable automatic transmission. Interior and trunk The front seats are comfortable but nothing exceptional. There is no adjustable lumbar support, but seat height can be adjusted. The steering wheel is only tiltable. The driving position is good with quite generous head and legroom. Narrow doors make it difficult to enter, but especially exit, the rear of the vehicle. Only two people can sit on the seat because the hump for the 4X4 version driveshaft and the two cupholders on top take up all the space. Rear bench comfort is only average because it is firm and a little low. Fortunately, both seatback sections can be reclined to different angles. The seat splits 70/30 to create a flat floor when down. The trunk offers good cargo space and is easy to load and unload thanks to the liftgate’s large opening. The floor is flat and covered in plastic. Convenience and safety Even with well-assembled, high-quality materials, our test car still made the occasional cracking sound. The soundproofing is poor, especially against road noise. There are good storage areas, including a split-level glove compartment, with the upper level refrigerated.

Photo: Dodge

The instruments and controls are well laid out. At night, only the front cupholders and the switch for the driver’s window are lit up. The air conditioning gets the job done, but only just. The side vents blow air onto the side of your body and/or arms, which is aggravating. They cannot be completely closed either, so you constantly feel air blowing across your legs. Among the vehicle’s new features are the two speakers built in to the liftgate that can be lifted out to listen to music at the rear of the vehicle when the liftgate is open. There is also a ceiling lamp that can be removed for use as a flashlight. Safety features on the Caliber include two front airbags, two curtain airbags, an antilock brake system, and four head restraints. The two in the rear don’t go high enough for people of average height or taller. Visibility is restricted by the wide roof pillars as well as the two rear head restraints. Moreover, the windshield is not high and the end of the hood is not visible. The headlights are fine on low beam, but lacking on high beam. In U.S. government tests, the Caliber obtained five stars out of five for front seat passenger protection in a head-on collision and for all passengers in a side-on collision. Its rollover resistance earned it four stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded a “good” rating—its highest—for driver protection in an offset head-on collision and the “marginal” rating—its second worst—for protection in side-on and rear collisions. Engine and transmission The 2.0-litre four-cylinder churns out 158 hp and 141 lb of torque. It looks good on paper, albeit with not much torque, but in reality initial acceleration is rather sluggish. Once the engine gets going, things pep up a bit. This underwhelming performance might be put down to the fact that the rather modest torque is only at its best at 5,000 rpm. Only the continuously variable automatic transmission is available with this engine. The second-generation continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT2) generally performs well, though you may have to put up with the occasional jerking sensation. On the road Despite being a touch firm, the four-wheel independent suspension delivers a smooth ride most of the time, although reactions on some bumps were almost stiff. We also noted the odd suspension noise, which did nothing to inspire confidence. Handling is good with normal leaning into curves when the driving gets more sporty.

The power steering is well calibrated, stable, precise, and fairly quick. The turning radius is short. It transmits little road feel. The brakes are powerful and show good fade resistance. In a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, we noted that the car’s underbody is quite robust, which can’t be said for the front suspension. In the engine compartment, there are three reservoirs side by side (windshield washer fluid, antifreeze, power steering liquid), which can lead to confusion when replacing liquids. Anti-rust protection is spotty and the rear fender flares are flimsily attached. The three engines, developed in conjunction with Hyundai and Mitsubishi, feature chain-driven camshafts. Conclusion The original shapes of the Caliber make it a standout from other compact cars in its class. On the other hand, these same shapes limit visibility. In spite of its numerous qualities, including its versatile liftgate, the Caliber doesn’t impress us as much as some of its rivals. Furthermore, for the 1.8- and 2.0-litre engines, only one gearbox is available for each: manual with the first and the CVT2 with the second, which rather limits your options. PROS: versatility due to the liftgate, road handling, pleasant steering, choice of versions, good low beams, meticulous finishing. CONS: soundproofing, only seats four, access to rear, air vents need redesign, only one gearbox available for each engine (except R/T), visibility.

DODGE CALIBER 2007 Engine: 16-valve, 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder; 16-valve, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder; 16-valve, 2.4 litre, 4-cylinder Horsepower: 148 hp at 6500 rpm; 158 hp at 6400 rpm; 172 hp at 6000 rpm Torque: 125 lb-ft at 5200 rpm; 141 lb-ft at 5000 rpm; 165 lb-ft at 4400 rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual; CVT2 Suspension: fully independent Brakes: disc/drum (R/T: 4 discs) Wheelbase: 263.5 cm Length: 441.4 cm Width: 174.7 cm Height: 153.3 cm Weight: 1,378 kg Tires: P205/70R15; P215/60R17; P215/55R18 Maximum towing capacity: 454 kg Airbags: dual front and two curtains

Fuel consumption with the 2.0-litre engine: Transport Canada rating: City 9 L/100 km (21 mpg) Highway 7.3 L/100 km (39 mpg) Test result: 9.5 L/100 km (30 mpg) Test temperature: 14°C to 32°C Fuel tank capacity: 51 litres Fuel requirement: regular grade Acceleration: 0–100 km/h: 10.4 seconds 60–100 km/h: 7.3 seconds Competition: Chevrolet Cobalt and Optra, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Pontiac G5, Saturn Ion, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Rabbit and Jetta Warranty:

Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 3 years/unlimited km Perforation damage: 5 years/160 000 km Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8

years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module). Factory replacement parts

Rear bumper: $594 Front brake disc: $92 Brake pads: $101 Muffler: $192 Front fender: $400

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $816 to $1,095 Price according to trim level:

SE: $15,995 SXT: $17,695 R/T: $23,995

Main options:

ABS: $660 (SE and SXT) Sunroof: $850 Leather seats: $800 24E package: $600 (SXT) 6-disc changer: $455 Cruise control: $250 CVT2 transmission: $1,200

Price as tested: $20,940 Freight and preparation: $1,050 Dealers: Quebec: 157 Canada: 595 © July 2006. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec