But enough about all this technical hooey, the big news is really
the interior. Dodge has finally broken out a new bag of tricks that prove its designers and engineers are true to their claims that the "Caliber's flexible two-box design provides ultimate interior utility." As with many wagons and utes, the rear seatbacks split and fold in a 60/40 configuration, and can provide up to 48.0 cu-ft of stowage capacity. That's a lot by the way. The rear cargo area features a removable vinyl load floor that can be taken out and hosed down.
Beyond sheer storage capacity is a multitude of typical convenience features, but what's impressive are some of the things that come standard, such as side-curtain airbags, an auxiliary radio input jack, electrically lit front cupholders, and a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player. Additional standard features include body color grille and fascias and black door handles. And those are just the tricks you get on the basic SE.
Some of the features that you can add with various package
upgrades include a six-disc audio head with AM/FM radio, cassette and MP3/CD play capability, a one-touch power window for the driver, power locks, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, body color liftgate appliqué, air conditioning, Chill Zone (which is an integrated instrument panel beverage cooler included with air conditioning), SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a Uconnect hands-free communication system, trailer tow group, floor mats and MusicGate Power (a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with subwoofer that includes two articulating speakers that can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgate parties and other activities).
We've known for a long time that the Caliber was in the chamber, but it's reassuring to see that Dodge keeps coming out with production vehicles that other companies would be afraid to call concepts. And like the previous new models that Dodge and Chrysler have released, the Caliber is priced so low that it will give the Koreans pause. Its MSRP of $13,985 is at the lower end of the compact price chart. Amongst its true competitors, such as the Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Suzuki Aerio Wagon or Kia Spectra5, none are even within $500 of its base price.
Of course, it's critical that the Caliber is price competitive due to its
unique, wagon-only configuration, because without a lower-priced sedan to bolster sales, Dodge, and all of Chrysler Group for that matter, are hanging their holster on the Caliber in the compact class, what is fast becoming one of the toughest, leanest and meanest segments in the American market thanks to high gas prices.
The Caliber will make it to showrooms this coming spring as a 2007 model, and you can definitely expect Dodge to come out with (yup, strap yourself in for one more firearm metaphor) guns blazing and a marketing campaign that will make the beer companies look like bus-stop advertisers. Calibers will be everywhere you look, and in my eyes, that's a darned good thing.
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| The Caliber targets youthful, active types, and features 48 cu-ft for their active gear. Plastic construction means easy clean-up. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Beyond sheer storage capacity is a multitude of typical convenience features, but what's impressive are some of the things that come standard, such as side-curtain airbags, an auxiliary radio input jack, electrically lit front cupholders, and a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player. Additional standard features include body color grille and fascias and black door handles. And those are just the tricks you get on the basic SE.
Some of the features that you can add with various package
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| Dodge takes the 'cupholder' count to a whole new level with ChillZone drink cooler. It's just one of the many nifty segment firsts, details sure to appeal to Caliber's buyers. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press) |
We've known for a long time that the Caliber was in the chamber, but it's reassuring to see that Dodge keeps coming out with production vehicles that other companies would be afraid to call concepts. And like the previous new models that Dodge and Chrysler have released, the Caliber is priced so low that it will give the Koreans pause. Its MSRP of $13,985 is at the lower end of the compact price chart. Amongst its true competitors, such as the Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix, Suzuki Aerio Wagon or Kia Spectra5, none are even within $500 of its base price.
Of course, it's critical that the Caliber is price competitive due to its
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| High levels of equipment and durable, resilliant interior build give the Caliber universal market appeal. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press) |
The Caliber will make it to showrooms this coming spring as a 2007 model, and you can definitely expect Dodge to come out with (yup, strap yourself in for one more firearm metaphor) guns blazing and a marketing campaign that will make the beer companies look like bus-stop advertisers. Calibers will be everywhere you look, and in my eyes, that's a darned good thing.