GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Dodge - Caliber - CRD

Dodge Caliber (PM Caliber)

PM Caliber

Make: Dodge

Model: Caliber

Released: Jan 1970

Dodge logo1 Aug 2006

By THE GOAUTO TEAM

DODGE returned to Australia after a 30-year absence with the Caliber, a front-wheel drive small car about the size of the Mazda3.

Based on the DaimlerChrysler/Mitsubishi GS platform that also underpins models as varied as the 2007 Jeep Compass and Mitsubishi Lancer, the Caliber is available with four four-cylinder engines.

The smallest is a 1.8-litre variable-valve four-cylinder unit, developing 110kW at 6500rpm and 168Nm at 5200rpm. A five-speed manual-only proposition for now, it is available in the ST, SX and SXT models.

Buyers opting for a Caliber automatic must choose the CVT transmission featured in the SX 2.0-litre CVT.

This 2.0-litre variable-valve unit VVT four ups the ante slightly with 115kW at 6300rpm and 190Nm at 5100rpm. Fuel economy is 7.4L/100km combined for the 1.8 and 8.1L/100km combined with the 2.0.

A Volkswagen sourced 103kW/310Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, mated to a six-speed manual, arrived in late 2006, along with the higher-performance 127kW/224Nm five-speed manual 2.4-litre RT model.

In 2007, a more powerful 224kW/353Nm turbocharged petrol-engined SRT4 version will become available.

The Caliber sits on a 2635mm wheelbase - a Ford Focus is 2640mm – with a 1520mm front and rear track, which means interior room is plentiful for four and there is a large luggage area with a washable rear vinyl floor.

At 4415mm long, 1800mm wide and 1535mm high the Caliber sits right in the small car class. By comparison a Ford Focus is just 63mm longer, 40mm wider but 92mm lower.

Reviews

When it was new

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here