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The Dodge Caliber is to go on sale in Europe next spring, the Chrysler Group's contender in the Golf/Focus/Astra small family car sector. Co-developed with Mitsubishi - which is also previewing its new range in Frankfurt - it will come with, Chrysler confirmed, 1.8-litre (140bhp), 2.0-litre (150bhp) and 2.4-litre (170bhp) petrol engines or a 2.0-litre diesel. The diesel develops 136bhp and 229lb ft of torque, and signals Dodge's intent to market the Caliber as a strong, sporting alternative to mainstream choices in its class, besides offering consumer-friendly characteristics: "We focused on customer benefits during the selection and development of the Dodge Caliber engines and transmissions, targeting the hottest issues in the C segment: fuel economy, reliability, performance and value," said product development executive Eric Ridenour.
The "World" petrol engines were developed with the aim of reducing fuel economy by five percent from the units they replace. "The engines will be built through a joint venture (with Mitsubishi) and simply stated, the World Engine program allows us to build premium features into our engines without a premium price," continued Ridenour. "We set and met high standards in key customer attributes: fuel economy, refinements, durability, quality and performance for our gasoline engine offerings." These engines feature variable valve timing, and are claimed to be exceptionally smooth and quiet. A new continuously-variable transmission (CVT) gearbox will be offered, with sequential-shift facility.
Chrysler boasted too of its upcoming advertising and marketing campaign for Dodge, which refers to the company 'Ram' badge and declares "grab life by the horns". By the time the production Caliber is launched at the Geneva Motor Show next spring, this will have made its debut on TV and cinema screens across Europe. You've been warned.
