The Dodge Caliber is the highly anticipated successor to the Neon-based five door hatchback. The Caliber got a racy styling in an affordable, front-wheel-drive compact wagon.

A choice of two four-cylinder engines is available with the Dodge Caliber, 2.0 liters and 2.4 liters. The base Express, Heat, Mainstreet and Uptown have the 158-hp 2.0-liter engine, while the 172-hp, 2.4-liter engine is offered on the Caliber Rush. Both engines are available with an optional continuously variable transmission.

The Caliber has a decent ride but doesn’t handle as nimbly as most small cars, and fuel economy is decent with the manual gearbox. The 2.0 litres engine achieves 23mpg in the city and 31mpg on the highway with the standard five-speed manual gearbox,

and the 22.4 Liters engine achives 23mpg in the city and 29mpg on the highway with the same standard five-speed manual gearbox. The CVT automatic-a transmission delivers 23mpg in the city and 27mpg in the highway when paired with the 2-liter and the 2.4 litres engine delivers 21/25 mpg.

The entry-level Express model comes standard with cloth upholstery, 15-inch steel wheels, remote keyless entry, heated outside mirrors, air-conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary audio/USB jacks and satellite radio, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, an in-dash beverage cooler, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Bluetooth connectivity and 60/40-split-folding rear seats.

Thehe Caliber Mainstreet trim level adds a sportier suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome grille, foglights, a tachometer, a power-adjustable driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat, reclining rear seatbacks and a rechargeable flashlight. The Uptown trim-level adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear disc brakes, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and a premium nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls and flip-down speakers in the liftgate.

The sporty Caliber Heat adds sport-tuned suspension and steering, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, a rear spoiler, rear disc brakes and specialized cloth interior trim. While the Caliber Heat adds automatic climate control, 18-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, leather upholstery and a premium audio system with a touchscreen interface and 30-gigabyte hard drive. Many of the options found on the upper trim levels are offered as options on the lower trims. Other options include a sunroof and a navigation system.

Standard safety features in Caliber include a driver-side knee airbag, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and antilock brakes. Stability control is available on all trim-level except the Express. Front-seat side airbags are offered as options for all but the Express trim.

The cabin is specious and quiete. A decent amount of head- and legroom ensures comfort for front and rear passengers. The trunk can hold up to 48cubic feet of load, which is comparable to other hatchbacks, but 60/40 splid rear seats and folding front passenger seat makes caliber more practical.
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