As I mentioned a while ago the 2007 Dodge Caliber is set to launch Dodge’s Australian offensive in mid August. In times of such high fuel prices, I wonder why Dodge wants to launch a SUV as their first car? Dodge likes to think of the Caliber as a Mini-SUV. Either way, if Fuel isn’t all that matters, those holding out for the Caliber will be happy to know that the car has gotten the U.S. government’s highest ratings for side and frontal-impact crash protection from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Dodge Caliber recieved a five-star rating for frontal crash protection. In addition, Caliber received the government’s highest crash ratings for protecting the driver and rear passenger in a side impact. The Dodge Caliber is equipped with many safety and security technologies including high-strength steel structure, advanced multistage driver and front passenger air bags, side-curtain airbags and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
Other Vehicles from the Chrysler Group which includes brands such as Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, and have recorded five stars for frontal crash protection and are available in Australia include:
- Chrysler 300C, J
- Jeep Grand Cherokee,
- Jeep Commander,
- Dodge Caliber.
At the Australian launch in August, two efficient petrol engines will be available, a 1.8-litre (110 kW) and 2.0-litre (115 kW), and the company also plans to make available a 2.4-litre petrol engine (127kW) and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine soon after.
Some worthy features of the Caliber include the Chill Zone® (pictured), a cooled beverage storage bin that can hold up to four standard drink bottles, a dual purpose self-recharging removable flashlight which is mounted in the headliner above the cargo area and MusicGate Power®, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate.
Its just a shame its a SUV!
