Test Drive Dodge Caliber since 2006 Hatchback

American caliber

Can Dodge shoot in Russia without drying
 
Emotionality and non-excited aggression is that, in my opinion, reflects the character of the Dodge brand. Such an image was formed not by decades. And it was created not by passing models, and the cult, like Viper and Hemi Cuda. In business, however, there is no particular importance to the worship of idols, but the real profits that completely different, mass models ensured, although under the same American brand. Figuratively expressing - the Americans dreamed of Viper, but they bought and drove on Neon. Now they, as well as the Europeans and Russian, are invited to continue to dream of Viper, and buy and ride on Caliber. In Western Europe, he, by the way, is already buying, and, judging by the first data from Germany, it diverges very well. And in Russia, I doubt it a little, the hunters will get it, at least at first. I, for example, ride on it, and thought that the caliber was still American, and the problem.
 
At first, I must admit that Dodge Caliber tries to match the image of the brand. The exterior of the model is notable for a number of original solutions. To take at least the body itself, which is difficult to clearly - at least according to the existing European standards - classify. On the one hand, the overall sizes of Caliber resembles compact SUV, like Toyota RAV4. But he is slightly lower. A little more Ford Fusion and is similar to it in the form of the body, but deprived of the full drive system. Although aggressive design for its presence seems to be hinting.
 
Quite sharp lines, a massive grille with a branded chrome cross and head of a ram in the center, decent wheel arches with 17-inch discs and high-profile rubber, a large lighting, especially on the stern - everything hints at its outstanding capabilities. The impact time is added to the developed spoiler on the trunk lid and black plastic elements on the roof sides, neatly implanted in the body. As a result, it turns out a rather funny hybrid of urban SUV from a golf class machine. In addition, in general, Caliber is stylistically verified, and his appearance is not bad with the ideas about the Dodge brand. I also assume that the model can come to taste exactly young and active people, regardless of gender, and from age - the main thing is to be pushed. Yes, and a somewhat unusual form gives freedom of creativity inside and a priori speaks about the spaciousness and functionality of the interior.
 
Hello, America!
 
If the appearance and design play on the hand of Dodge, then the purely American interior, in my opinion, does not too much supports brand ambitions. Yes, and inside you can find a lot of things funny. The same sharp faces and bold solutions. The instrument shield is three round windows with white dials. But even in the top version, which was offered for a test drive, the skin is trimmed only by the seat and a ram, and around is rude plastic. Let the two-color but hard. This is not just not pleased with the eye, but in addition you are uncomfortable. Here is an example - the armrest to the right of the driver. A special retractable stand under iPod is implanted in it, and under it niche for CDs or any small things. But after 100 km behind the wheel, the elbow begins to whine, you involuntarily rub it on shagreen plastic, from which the armrest is made. Was it hard to see it with something soft, the same cloth or skin? In addition, the armrest is very poorly fixed, and therefore with a sharp braking will certainly move forward.
 
Although the driver's seat is generally convenient. The seat is endowed with a complete set of necessary adjustments, landing is quite high, which is predetermined by the body shape. Branca moves only in height, but in this case it does not matter. But the side support of the seat could be better. True, in the chair slide, the belt line is high, and the tunnel always always on the right, there is no place to right. And in general, you are like in a tank. The glazing area is small, and Caliber is not a light car at all. But with the visibility of problems does not occur - huge side mirrors and decent windshield, even with massive racks, help. You can still open a huge hatch in the roof, but for this opportunity it will have to pay a lot.
 
But the musical installation of the MusicGate Power, offered in more expensive equipment, inspires respect. She once again emphasizes the orientation of the model to the youth audience. The amplifier, the subwoofer and nine columns are made by Boston Acoustics, which for those who understand high-quality sound means a lot. American car - the American sound! Powerful, loud and rich. I will say more: on the inside of the lid of the luggage compartment, the folding columns were found - came to a picnic, opened the fifth door, lowered two columns on one panel, and please - at least a disco. However, for this two columns will be not enough, and the amplifier with a subwoofer must be helger. But in order to fill the Caliber salon with sound, literally stunning passengers of the audio system with more than. The built-in directly in the central console CD changer on 6 disks, which digests all the musical formats, and also provides the ability to connect MP3 player (for an additional fee), it will not be particularly bored with frequent manipulations.
 
In a long trip, the future owners will certainly like the presence of multiple compartments for petty boosted on a torpedo and two-level glove box. Moreover, its upper part is cooled - here horizontally can accommodate up to 4 plastic bottles of 0.5 liters. So on a hot day with cool water there will be no problems. Also, fans of outdoor activities will have to do and quite spacious rear seats, and a spacious luggage compartment, which can be increased from 524 to 1339 liters, simply folding the backs of the second row. Moreover, on the ceiling of the luggage compartment there is a removable self-equipped ceiling, which can be used as a lantern. Shut down?
 
Aggression is not a lot
 
Perhaps I am a naive person, but I can not get rid of the thought that the aggressively looking car and ride should be appropriately. The gamma of the power units that Dodge offers for the Russian market consists of two WORLIN ENGINE FAMILY MOTORS (Joint Development Daimlerchrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi) with a volume of 1.8 and 2.0 liters. The first develops 149 hp And it is aggregated exclusively with a 5-speed MCP, and the second, which just happened to try out, suggests the driver already 156 hp, but is already combined with a machine gun. More precisely, to say with a variator. Of course, it provides the ability to manually move on one stage to another - five gears are offered. But the combination is, alas, not so dynamically as an impressionable small can imagine, looking at advertising.
 
The fact is that the 4-cylinder power unit has a very smooth characteristic. A small revival is observed between 3500 - 5,500 rpm, but it does not save. But the spectacular acceleration from the place, which is facilitated by the variator, which without failures and the cost of switching transmits the maximum torque of the front leading wheels - this is please. But it is worth weakening the pressure on the accelerator pedal, as turnover will immediately fall, and the next sharp pressing will already cause a small pause. Mainly, it was for this reason that the assaults of the villages of aggregates, where he passed the test drive, did not deliver special pleasure.
 
At the same time, it should be noted that the charged version of Caliber - SRT4 will soon appear. It will be a 304-strong turbo engine, combined with a 6-speed manual gearbox under her hood. The lack of power will not be, the case is only in the competent settings of the suspension. And here the car has no good deposit. Unfortunately, to study them in detail did not allow the short time of our dating with the American caliber, but several exercises showed - despite the rather high center of gravity, the car holds well for the road fabric. At high speeds, it is stable, and only a decent height can turn into sailboat - reaction to sharp gusts of the side wind.
 
In steep Caliber Blinds - a typical front-wheel drive car. The only danger lies in a rather high tire profile - you should not dump the gas in the brightener. In this case, the insufficient turning of the Dodge is approximate to neutral for most of this kind of machines. And in general, management, even on the verge, is understandable and predictable. Nevertheless, the casual rolls in the turns are traced clearly, and not very informative, and most importantly, not at all the sharp steering is not tune in to aggressive way. I want to go calmly that, in general, not so bad. By the way, the Caliberian electronic stabilization system is not yet, it will be offered a little later, and therefore it is necessary to count on their own skills and brakes, which, by the way, did not cause complaints. They fully comply with the requirements for them and are capable of stopping the car rather quickly and confidently. Of course, they are equipped with ABS.
 
Compliance with expectations
 
Big rates are made on Caliber. The first results, as I said, encouraged. However, it is not worth discounting such a thing as the novelty of the product and the privilege of demand is associated with this. After all, Dodge is a brand on the new market. The question is only that buyers are waiting for cars of this brand. Therefore, those who are looking for aggression in Caliber can be disappointed. At least, before the output to our market is a charged version.
 
However, from the point of view of marketing, almost simultaneous launch of the Dodge Viper on sale can be very well supported by the brand image. Of course, provided that buyers will not be in the queue for a year, and the corresponding service will be provided.
 
Yes, and the price of Caliber seems to be the average - from 17,700 thousand euros.
 
Text: Andrei Osipov
 

Source: "Car Izvestia"