The new Dodge Caliber is leading the Dodge charge back into South Africa after an absence of 25 years - or perhaps charge is not quite the term to use, if the results of many a Dodge Caliber review are anything to go by...
One test driver was unimpressed by the baseline 1.8-litre petrol model's lack of willingness to exceed the speed limit on a freeway, barely keeping pace in top gear.
The New Dodge Caliber
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However, the 2.0l CRD turbodiesel was found to be quite a bit closer to the muscle-image of the Dodge lineage, with a decent given 0-100km/h sea-level figure of 9.3 seconds. No doubt the planned South African introduction of the 2.4l diesel at Dodge dealerships will finally settle the power-issues surrounding the launch of this model.
For South Africans used to cabin finishes of German cars over the years, the new Dodge Caliber car still has some way to go to beat its rivals, and not everyone will be at home in the hard plastic environment.
On the other hand, the vehicle does offer lots of surprising storage spaces behind all that plastic - including a handy cooler compartment in the luxury Dodge Caliber SXT.
And while on the topic of finishes: the plastic floor of the car's luggage compartment can be easily cleaned, making it one of the more practical "hatchbacks" around.
On the specifications side, the new design is right up there with the competition. All models available from dealers offer side-curtain air bags, driver one-touch-down power windows, remote central locking, a 12-volt power connection, and ABS brakes. The top models also sport features such as cruise control and fog lamps.
No doubt the car will make its mark in South Africa, especially considering the specifications offered on the entry model at a very competitive price - if you can let go of some of your expectations on the muscle side... As in the case of the Kia Carens, this set of wheels also succeeds in keeping your car insurance quote within reasonable limits.
Regardless of what is said about this new Dodge car, the best thing to do is to try it yourself... So, your dealership is waiting to introduce you to the Dodge Caliber!
