But back to the introduction of new SUVs, and maybe more significantly the new Caliber, Chrysler Group has chosen not to offer a small
sedan as a SX 2.0 (Neon) replacement at all, at least for the time being. Is this a stroke of genius or an oversight? The automaker has cited that there isn't a market for one, but this seems odd due to the extremely popularity of Honda's Civic, Toyota's Corolla (which sells significantly better than the Japanese automaker's Matrix, a Caliber competitor), the Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cobalt/Pontiac Pursuit. Yeah, it's easy to see there's little interest in compact four-door sedans... not! Of course, if Chrysler is judging interest in the segment based on the aging SX 2.0 (Neon) alone, which has been struggling more and more with every year it continues forward unchanged, the move to only offer a compact wagon makes sense.
Possibly, Dodge's small car initiative will follow in the tire treads of its large car
introduction, which saw the five-door Magnum enter the market almost a year ahead of the four-door Charger. This strategy might make some sense, if it is indeed what the automaker is doing, as it will allow some excitement to build in a segment where there is less competitiveness, Honda doesn't offer a five-door in this category for instance, a grand oversight of its own as it seems, preparing the four-door market for the arrival of the next-generation SX 2.0 (Neon) replacement.
One thing is for sure, whether Dodge comes to market with a five-door and no four-door, or both, anything compact couldn't come soon enough to appease dealers, who watch every other automaker lure in entry-level buyers day after day with only price cuts and additional incentives left to spur on SX 2.0 (Neon) sales. A bevy of new compact SUVs will also be welcome, and no doubt, Chrysler's profit-packed Aspen SUV. But speaking as a Canadian, can't we call it Whistler north of the forty-ninth?
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| Chrysler Group has chosen not to offer a small sedan as a SX 2.0 (Neon) replacement at all, at least for the time being, but rather initially only bring its five-door Caliber to market. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
Possibly, Dodge's small car initiative will follow in the tire treads of its large car
 |
| One thing is for sure, whether Dodge comes to market with a five-door and no four-door, or both, anything compact couldn't come soon enough to appease dealers. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada) |
One thing is for sure, whether Dodge comes to market with a five-door and no four-door, or both, anything compact couldn't come soon enough to appease dealers, who watch every other automaker lure in entry-level buyers day after day with only price cuts and additional incentives left to spur on SX 2.0 (Neon) sales. A bevy of new compact SUVs will also be welcome, and no doubt, Chrysler's profit-packed Aspen SUV. But speaking as a Canadian, can't we call it Whistler north of the forty-ninth?
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