Dec. 22, 2006
ON THE ROAD: Dodge Caliber Not a Typical Small Car
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
The year 2006 gave automakers fits.
* The economy didn't seem to know if it was coming or going.
* Fuel prices were rising and the only question was: How high?
* America's previously insatiable appetite for sport utility vehicles
and
full-size pickups was finally beginning to wane.
* Consumers were again shopping for fuel efficiency. But they still
liked
the looks of the SUV.
Of all the efforts to hit the bulls-eye in this mercurial market, none
showed more creativity and precision than the 2007 Dodge Caliber and
its
Jeep Compass platform mate.
Through November, DaimlerChrysler sold more than 82,000 Calibers and
might
have marketed more but for production constraints at the Belvidere,
Ill.,
assembly plant.
With its combination of frugality, innovative styling, ingenious
accessories
and surprising roominess, the Caliber earns top ranking among my cars
of the
year.
Runner-up status goes to the Nissan Versa, another tall, small car that
provides more for $15,000 than many consumers might expect.
Like the Monroni label on the Versa, the entry price on the Caliber
seemed
to produce a case of reverse sticker shock.
For a base price of $13,985, the Caliber did a lot more than replace
the
aging Neon platform. It created a whole new category.
Featuring the bold Ram-like grille, the Caliber looked much bigger than
its
actual measurements because of brawny shoulders with chamfered edges
and a
reduced ratio of glass to sheet metal.
The Compass cousin retained the relentlessly adorable features of the
Jeep
fleet while matching the Caliber's fuel efficiency and flexibility.
Although there are many reasons to like both models, two memorable
features
are typical of Chrysler's inspirational gifts: the ChillZone beverage
cooling container below the glove compartment and the optional lift
gate-mounted, fold-out stereo speakers. I cannot imagine younger
buyers,
tailgate partiers or campers not finding these features irresistible.
Park
the Caliber or Compass on the beach, open the lift gate, turn on the
stereo,
flip down the speakers and you have an excellent outdoor sound system.
Other thoughtful touches include a rechargeable flashlight within easy
reach
in the rear cargo compartment and a center console that operates as an
armrest capable of sliding 3 inches forward or back for drivers of
varied
proportions.
Dodge Caliber is the first Chrysler Group vehicle to offer a range of
so-called "World Engines" and a second-generation Continuously Variable
Transaxle (CVT2).
In foreign markets, Dodge offers a 2-liter turbo diesel engine that one
suspects will make its way to North America in the next couple of
years. The
1.8-liter, 2-liter and 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engines rate 148, 158 and
172-horsepower respectively.
Caliber also is Chrysler Group's first compact car to offer all-wheel
drive
and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with traction control.
Chrysler also made side-curtain air bags standard on the Caliber and
Compass
along with front air bags.
Caliber also earned National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA)
top ratings for side- and frontal-impact crash protection.
"Dodge Caliber is not your typical small car," said George Murphy,
senior
vice president for global marketing. "Caliber redefines the compact car
by
combining crossover styling with space-efficient packaging, interior
flexibility, innovative features and affordable performance"
Richard Williamson writes about motor vehicles for Scripps Howard News
Service.
