2005 Dodge Caliber Concept

According to Dodge marketing boss, George Murphy, the brand is aiming to attract young, capable, bold and assertive people,

According to Dodge marketing boss, George Murphy, the brand is aiming to attract young, capable, bold and assertive people, looking for a bargain. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

looking for a bargain. Considering Dodge's current lineup, the compact SX 2.0 (Neon) would certainly fit the bill as a bargain, but it's neither capable nor assertive.

Time for a change. At the 75th Geneva International Motor Show, Dodge will display an all-new C-Segment (Golf-sized) concept car, the vehicle which is set to launch the brand name in unfriendly European territory.

The Caliber project was specifically designed for Europe, and is the most recent addition in a string of concepts which focus on smaller, sportier passenger cars, sport utility vehicles and sports cars. The Caliber is said to be the spiritual successor of the

The Caliber project, considered the spiritual successor of the part-SUV, part-hatchback Avenger concept of 2003, was specifically designed for Europe. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

part-SUV, part-hatchback Avenger concept of 2003. This evolution has seen a focus towards simplifying the vehicle for production, and as a result, it has lost most of its over-the-top styling.

Dodge has applied many of the same styling techniques to the Caliber that it learned from the Magnum wagon, the most noticeable being the large metal-to-glass ratio for the doors. This 'optical illusion' gives the vehicle a sportier, swept-back look without actually resorting to reducing its overall height. The roofline of the Caliber is also similar to the Magnum, with an arched, flowing shape.