DODGE HAS GIVEN its Caliber small five-door hatchback a facelift and powertrain update for 2010, boosting power, lowering fuel consumption and improving refinement.
The Caliber, Dodge’s highest-selling vehicle outside of North America in 2008, now receives a 2.2 litre common-rail turbodiesel engine, replacing the current 2.0 litre CRD in the Caliber line-up.
Compared to the outgoing diesel, power is up 16 percent to 120kW, torque is up 3 percent to 320Nm and fuel consumption falls by 5 percent to 5.7 l/100km.
Drive is delivered to the front wheels by a six-speed manual transmission, and no automatic gearbox option exists for the range-topping diesel.
Vibration and noise from the diesel is reduced by twin balance shafts and the addition of more sound deadening material.
The base 1.8 litre petrol four is replaced by a 2.0 litre ‘World Engine’, which develops 115kW and 190Nm. A 2.4 litre petrol four cylinder engine sits in the middle of the Caliber’s revised powertrain line-up, producing 125kW and 220Nm.
Exterior styling changes are virtually non-existent, but more chrome in the front grille and the addition of 18-inch polished alloy wheels in an optional Sport Appearance pack add a little extra spice to the Caliber’s appearance.
Inside, it’s a different story. The dash, door cards and interior fittings have been completely revised for 2010, and a new design aesthetic and the use of more premium materials boosts interior quality.
More storage space is built into the 2010 Caliber’s cabin, and a refrigerated storage bin, iPod/auxillary input and voice-controlled sat-nav system still feature. Extra chrome and satin silver trim also dress up the interior.
The 2010 Dodge Caliber will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, and Australian sales are expected to commence late next year.
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Offering a diesel without an automatic gearbox option is insane. Few people after this class of car would want a manual gearbox. I’ve moved to order autos for work lease cars because relief staff may have only an automatic licence. In my own family my wife won’t drive a manual. It’s quite some time since I looked inside a Calibre (yes, I like the Bristish spelling!) but the ones I looked at had an interior in quality and appearance worthy of Tata, not a mid-range marque. The update might put the Calibre into the pseudo-SUV lots of space class, but without a diesel/auto, forget it! (the 18″ wheels aren’t an attraction either- owning a 4WD with them and about to renew tyres, there are less choices and much more expensive- they also give a poor ride).