2010 Dodge Caliber revealed
September 10, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Details of the 2010 Dodge Caliber have today been released. Key changes are minimal though a revised interior as well as the dropping of the SRT-4 model from the line-up are perhaps the only real highlights of the news.
Inside the door trims receive softer vinyl than before as does the revised centre console. New brightwork around the console and centre stack also help break up the acres of dull grey plastic.
A revised instrument panel, larger HVAC controls, and increased storage areas, one of which is chilled, round out the changes.
European markets will also receive a new 120kW/320Nm 2.2-litre CRD four-cylinder diesel engine, sourced from Mercedes-Benz to replace the 2.0-litre unit previous obtained from Volkswagen.
The rest of the world will get two petrol engines: a 2.0 litre 115kW/190Nm four-cylinder and a 2.4-litre 125kW/220Nm four-cylinder.
“The Dodge Caliber is not your typical C-segment car. When we launched the Dodge Caliber only a few years ago, its bold style made a clear statement on the European roads, allowing owners to be active, stand out and do more,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC.
“Now paired with an all-new turbo-diesel engine that offers better fuel consumption and performance and an improved interior full of value and customer-friendly features, the Dodge Caliber continues to offer our European clients unique Dodge attitude combined with one of the best value proposition in the segment.”
News on Australian specification and timing are yet to be announced.
Tags: Dodge Caliber
ugly. and what someone from vw designed the dash?
Those airconditioning dials are balatantly Honda, not VW
If only one of the storage compartments is chilled does that mean the others are stressed out?
:)
No, they are quite VW. Looks like the centre stack has been lifted straight from a MK 5 Golf (minus the boxy, dated gear surround).
Then there’s the issues of Dodge’s dodgy cabin plastics..
Well as I said J and I googled pics to confirm, those Air con dials are almost identical to those found in a CRV SE, the screen and stereo Buttons do have a VW look about them, but as I posted before, the Aircon Dials are blatantly Honda.
Carfanatic says:
September 10, 2009 at 3:19 pm
WTF, There is a world outside waiting for you to go visit.
I remember liking the idea of the SRT-4. Didn’t it have like 224kw or near that? Looked pretty mean too.
What sort of person buys one of these? The only sort I can think of would be men who’s wifes won’t let them have an SUV and wifes who’s husbands own a Nitro and want them to have the “smaller one”. It’s just a terrible car. I think Jeep make decent cars, but does anybody else agree that Dodge should just go away?
Hmmmm i once liked the look of these suckers. They obviously havent sold well because you dont see them anywhere. Nice to see the americans getting it together with the interiors for once, copied or not.
I must say I agree with you on the looks, saw one today in black in SXT form and it reassumed that belief. Would never buy one based on many reasons but its SUV/hatch appearance is a better attempt than the Dualis.
Just read a Top Gear bit about Dodge Caliber. Their assessments are so much more fun to read!!
The Dodge Caliber offers the (pig ugly) looks of an SUV in the form of a poorly packaged hatchback. What’s not to like? Bearing in mind this is America’s attempt at the VW Golf, full marks must be awarded for sheer optimism.
Comfort
Soaks up the bumps, you have to give it that, but at the expense of any composure in quicker corners it’s a bridge too far.
8 out of 20
Performance
The 2.0-litre diesel is relatively lively, managing to find 100km/h in a respectable 8.8 seconds. It’s another VW unit though, so we can’t give Dodge any credit for that.
Cool
There aren’t really words to describe how far removed from cool the Caliber is. Anyone who buys one deserves public ridicule. And will surely get it.
4 out of 20
Quality
Not as bad as any number of its shabbily assembled countrymen, primarily because Dodge has gone for ‘chunky’ switchgear that is inherently hard to break. You’ll manage eventually though.
5 out of 20
Handling
In a market bursting at the seams with agile, sprightly offerings like the Focus and Golf, the Caliber is nothing short of laughable. Wallowing US-spec suspension and unsophisticated front-wheel drive make for a disastrous combination.