Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD SXT
Content
Although this Dodge has exactly the same engine as the Golf, and although the Caliber belongs to the same size class as the Golf, its ambitions are nowhere near that great. In other words: Caliber is looking for special customers in this class. Yet this is not entirely necessary: the buyers may be from somewhere else.
This policy started with a name; in that part of the DC concern that is at home on the other side of the pond, they decided to sell the successor to the Chrysler Neon under the Dodge brand. There's definitely some meaning to this - maybe the Neon (like Chrysler) didn't leave a good enough name. But the naming policy is pretty lively; partly already in Europe, and even more so in the United States. So it doesn't seem to burden you too much.
Without being burdened with the brands that rank first in the case of Caliber as buyers of (such) a car, they will almost certainly study it. While it is measured in the lower middle class, and while it doesn't push you out of that class, those who mean a small compact limousine van might look after it, or even those who follow SUVs, but solely because of their more (off-road) aggressive appearance. Both, however, like to sit longer.
Well, such a Caliber. The body (at least at the front) is closer to American pickup trucks (distinctly large vertical surfaces) than to soft, more precisely sporty sports sedans of European origin. Chrysler's design policy is very aggressive and bets on being different from American design values, and it certainly doesn't make sense to ship a copy of one of the products here for the European market (which the Caliber is primarily intended for).
And inside? When you open the door, America ends. Only the audio system and small numbers on the mph speedometer remind us that this car may have something in common with the United States. The dashboard and very upright steering wheel (which always turns out to be friendly and ergonomic) is quite eye-catching, but even in this car, the interior design is at least a step behind the exterior. And make no mistake, this isn't just about Dodge, Chrysler, or American cars in general; we are already quite used to this in the automotive industry, and we are especially careful when the look is drawn to the exterior.
When measured, the caliber is well proportioned on the inside: there is no shortage of width, height and length, and the overall feeling of inner "airiness" is good. Particularly noticeable is the slightly raised gear lever, which ultimately (together with the placement of the steering wheel and pedals) means a comfortable driving position. Only the clutch pedal is noticeably overstated. At night, you will be able to notice the dimly lit areas behind the cans between the seats, and while all four doors only have two small drawers (in the front), there is plenty of storage space for knickknacks (again in the front), including two (one double) large drawers in front front passenger. Another transition to sensors: they also contain a trip computer, which, despite the compass, is quite rare, and most of all, its control button, which is located directly between the sensors, interferes with it, which can be dangerous while driving. And those who like to completely lower the steering wheel will not see more on the sensors.
Only the trunk is average. Its bottom is high (it does have a spare tire underneath, but that's an emergency measure), it's covered in hard plastic, and it doesn't have any handy drawers. Imagine what happens (for example) to the first aid kit at every turn. Only an additional rubber gasket can eliminate this drawback. Well, the trunk can also be extended in length, since the Caliber is a classic five-door sedan; after the third backrest (previously having five possible tilt positions) are folded and the seat is fixed. The enlarged trunk has a completely flat bottom that is still quite high.
Perhaps a few words about the equipment, especially since there is some unwritten rule that "Americans" are well equipped. For the Calibra, this is only partially true, even when it comes to the SXT package, which is even richer than the SE package for fog lights, light wheels, cruise control and carpets. Good thing it had a test Caliber (standard) ESP, auto-dimming interior mirror and great Boston Acoustics sound system, but it lacked side airbags, cold box, locker, illuminated vanity mirrors, adjustable steering the depth of the handlebar, pockets (or nets) on the backrests and the lumbar seat settings. However, it had good interior lighting, including an additional (removable) portable lantern.
The combination of mechanics is completely American-European. The chassis, for example, is quite soft, which in scratches means a fairly longitudinal vibration of the body during acceleration and braking. The steering wheel is also too soft, at least at high speeds, but that in turn means a little more comfort and easier handling at lower speeds. European products also have more extensive soundproofing inside, which makes it clear that the Volkswagen 2.0 TDI, referred to here as CRD, is not nearly as quiet an engine at all. And the engine is the most European part of this car.
The aerodynamics of the Caliber have an effect: at a speed of about 150 kilometers per hour, the wind blows strongly on the body, and this engine manages to accelerate the body to 190 kilometers per hour (according to the speedometer, which is less than that of the Golf), but that's enough. The engine, as we already know, is lively and economical, even in fifth gear (out of six) it turns on the red field (4.500 in the tachometer) and pulls well below 2.000 rpm. Due to its capabilities, it requires a more dynamic ride at times, which is greatly aided by the manual transmission with short and precise lever movements that make the transmission pleasant and easy to operate.
So those who want more European dynamics in this car should take it for a gentle chassis tuning. Otherwise, the steering wheel would have remained the same, and the body slope would have been noticeably less. Even with this chassis setup, the driver can be surprised by the speed in the corner during normal driving, and of all of the above, perhaps the most disturbing is the poor stability of the car in a given direction, but this is not the case. overly anxious. In any case, the impression remains that the Caliber is already a moderately dynamic car with this engine, including the brakes, which resist well several times in a row.
So Dodge hunting season is open, and buyers of this caliber will of course have to find themselves; however, it is not bad if they are not worried about their American origin, although not so clearly. After all, Caliber still has some nice features. From the difference in appearance and beyond.
Vinko Kernc
Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD SXT
Basic data
| Sales: | Chrysler – Jeep Import dd |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 20.860,46 € |
| Test model cost: | 23.824,24 € |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Power: | 103kW (140 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,3 with |
| Maximum speed: | 196 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 6,1l / 100km |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection turbodiesel - displacement 1968 cm3 - maximum power 103 kW (140 hp) at 4000 rpm - maximum torque 310 Nm at 1750–2500 rpm. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 6-speed manual transmission - tires 215/60 R 17 H (Continental ContiPremiumContact). |
| Capacity: | top speed 196 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 9,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 7,9 / 5,1 / 6,1 l / 100 km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front individual suspension, spring legs, gas shock absorbers, stabilizer - rear single suspension, multi-link axle, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS - round wheel 10,8 m - fuel tank 51 l. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1425 kg - permissible gross weight 2000 kg. |
| Box: | Trunk volume measured using AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 1 backpack (20 L); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 1 × suitcase (68,5 l); 1 × suitcase (85,5 l) |
Our measurements
| T = 12 ° C / p = 1014 mbar / rel. Owner: 53% / Tires: Continental ContiPremiumContact / Meter reading: 15511 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 9,9s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,2 years ( 134 km / h) |
| 1000m from the city: | 31,2 years ( 170 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 7,0 / 10,2s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 9,4 / 11,1s |
| Maximum speed: | 196km / h (WE.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 8,8l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 11,5l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 10,5 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 39,5m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 59dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 57dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear | 57dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 67dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 63dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear | -dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 71dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 69dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear | 68dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (323/420)
While (aside from looks) it doesn't sound quintessentially American, the ratings have shown just that: on the other hand, they rely more on usability than on driving dynamics. The car is made for more daring people.
Exterior (13/15)
In any case, the exterior is bold and recognizable!
Interior (103/140)
Good ergonomics and roominess, poor trunk.
Engine, transmission (40
/ 40)Great engine and transmission!
Driving performance (70
/ 95)Just a middle wheel, but nice to drive.
Performance (29/35)
The top speed of this engine is quite low.
Security (35/45)
It does not have side airbags, but it does have an ESP system as standard.
Economy
Favorable fuel consumption, traditionally a big loss in value.
We praise and reproach
appearance
good ergonomics
large exterior mirrors
gear lever position
Transmission
engine
places for little things
hard seat backs
syringe on the ceiling
box in plastic wrap
longitudinal body vibrations
some equipment is missing
turnkey fuel tank cap
