By Aida Sevilla Mendoza
Philippine Daily Inquirer

TAKE one look at the 2008 Dodge Caliber and tell me: Is it a compact sport utility vehicle? A wagon? Or a compact car?

CATS Motors Inc., the Philippine distributor of Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep, is marketing the Caliber as a compact car, having launched it in Manila last October as the entry-premium compact car of Dodge. In Europe, the Caliber was introduced last spring as a sporty compact car representing the brand’s entry into the European market.

More SUV-like

However, the Caliber looks more like a car-based SUV than a passenger car. It shares the same platform and drivetrain with the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, both of which are compact SUVs. It is taller and roomier than the Dodge Neon sedan (which it replaces), the Mazda3 hatchback and the Chevrolet Optra wagon (its competitors.) The driver’s seat is high like an SUVís. The broad shoulders, sculpted fenders, 17-inch wheels and swaggering stance are very SUV.

On the other hand, the ground clearance is low like a passenger car’s and the only model sold here, the 2008 SXT, is front-wheel drive, not all-wheel drive. Come to think of it, CATS Motors’ projection of the Caliber as an affordable, fuel-efficient premium compact car with the capability and versatility of an SUV makes marketing sense — although the P1,575,000 price may be steep for an entry-premium compact car.

Not cute

The “It’s anything but cute” tagline in print ads sets the Caliber apart from the “cute ute” genre and underscores the bold, masculine character typical of Dodge vehicles. Any way you look at it, the Caliber projects a strong, powerful presence. On the road, its sharp angles and American muscle turn heads since it looks different from Asian cars.

When you drive the Caliber, you feel utterly protected and safe because it feels so solid and gives you a commanding view of the road. The Caliber’s crashworthiness is impressive: it earned five stars, the highest frontal crash test rating given by the US government. Dodge claims that 40 percent of the Caliber’s body structure by mass is constructed of high-strength, ultra high-strength and hot-stamped steel.

Safety

In addition, there are more than two dozen safety features such as advanced multistage driver and front passenger air bags, supplemental side-curtain air bags, disc brakes with ABS on all four 17-inch alloy wheels, power, heated and fold-away side mirrors and remote keyless entry with theft deterrent system. However, the Caliber SXT has no traction and stability control.

The 2008 Caliber SXT sold here has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline powerplant that is actually the new Chrysler Group World Engine featuring dual camshaft variable valve timing and producing 158 hp at 6,400 rpm and 141 lb-ft max torque at 5,000 rpm. The second generation 6-speed continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT 2) with Autostick manual shift capability is touted to improve ratio control and fuel economy over conventional automatic transmissions. The SXT’s estimated average mileage in combined city and highway driving is reportedly 10.4 km per liter.

Power

The 2.0-liter engine of the SXT provides adequate power, but of course the turbocharged 285-hp, 2.4-liter Caliber SRT-4 (not sold here) would be much more exciting. The throttle response of the SXT’s CVT is better in city driving than at highway speeds. The ride quality is compliant enough, the brakes have good pedal feel and steering response is sharp, with little body lean going into corners. However, engine, road and wind noise intrude during acceleration.

For a premium compact car, the interior of the Caliber is somewhat austere despite the satin silver instrument panel, adjustable sliding armrest with cell phone holder, illuminated front cup holder rings and refrigerated glove box. But when it comes to sounds, the Caliber SXT is awesome: Music Gate Power with nine Boston Acoustics speakers including a subwoofer and swing-down lift gate speakers is standard equipment together with a 6-disc in-dash CD, AM/FM, MP3 radio.

Seats

Space-wise, head and leg room in front is ample, adequate in the back. The cloth seats in front are short on lower-back support, however. The rear seats split 60/40 and can be reclined or folded flat. While forward visibility is good, the sloping rear windshield and broad C pillars limit rearward visibility. The vinyl load floor in the rear cargo area can be removed and washed.

Summing up, the Dodge Caliber SXT strikes a sporty balance between a compact car, with its promise of fuel economy and an SUV, with its utilitarian versatility. Combining the best aspects of the two in a crossover is not a new idea, but somehow the “Grab life by the horns” mantra of Dodge gives it a fresh, bold touch.

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TODAY’S BUMPER STICKER. Have a nice day… somewhere else.