So how does Dodge make these cars appeal, especially to males? Big,
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| The Caliber is more of the practical city car treading that fine line between hatchback and wagon, and stylistically, crossover SUV. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
intimidating grilles, big flared fenders, big knobs and buttons, and big wheels. The Caliber is more of the practical city car treading that fine line between hatchback and wagon, and stylistically, crossover SUV. The body-colour shape, in profile, gives it racy hatchback proportions. A strip of black plastic running along the roofline extends straight back from the roof line into a high spoiler, but it also gives the rear cargo area more room while deceiving the eye to maintain the curvy rear end.
While the top half of the hatchback is curvy, the bottom half is severely upright, extending a few inches past the glass, maximizing the useful stowage area below the window line. The sheared off tail also helps the cars overall aerodynamic package, reducing drag by
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| The 19-inch wheels look great, filling the wheel arches with no room to spare. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
helping to disperse otherwise turbulent air, similar to some racecar's Kamm tail designs.
The front end of the Caliber is dominated by Magnum-sized headlamps and a Magnum-sized grille with the outline and crosshairs of the latter detailed in bright chrome. The wedge-shaped clamshell hood flows out of the grille and visually leads into the A-pillar and the aforementioned black trim strips, while also providing definition for the oversized fenders. Clamshell hood? Does that mean that it opens in reverse like a Viper? No. While this is how the term is often used among us commoners, Howell explained that a clamshell hood is one that extends/folds down over the fenders to line up with side panels (as opposed to body panels making the edge, butting up against a completely flat, inset hood). He said both the Caliber and Nitro feature this type of "clamshell". Does this matter? Probably not, but the 19-inch wheels look great, filling the wheel arches with no room to spare, and the rims, with a satin-alloy finish, appear as good as many aftermarket efforts.
