Test Drive Dodge Caliber since 2006 Hatchback

In Bariums Rog.

If I chose a totem animal for the emblem of the automotive brand, as was done at the end of the 20s of the last century Walter Chrysler, then following the rules, would certainly stop at some noble being.

 
Especially since the horses, snakes and even some big cats at the time were still completely free from corporate obligations. In short, I would never choose a ram.
 

It would not make the Baran emblem and would have every chance to be considered a real don. Because, following the rules, it is very easy to be in a sad impasse. Rules should sometimes violate.
 

It can not be possible. Such an advertising slogan, as well as the head of the head of time in two larger than the one that Mr. Chrysler had ever attracted, chose the Daimlerchrysler concern to promote the Dodge brand in Europe. The pioneer became Dodge Caliber, with whom journalists introduced, as soon as he appeared in Russia.
 

In addition to the Bunlet Majection on Alom Sino, Caliber has a lot of things that is not adopted in a decent road. And all this is displayed, there is thus the rules. Is the sophisticated design appointed in Europe? Here you have all-shaped forms, the headlights with the salary and wings width with Mississippi! Contemporary models with a single-volume layout? Here is a hefty hood from a full-sized pickup! In the price of a large glazing area? Get under the roof of the window line and narrow windows! Urban car for anything big wheels with high-profile rubber? It means that there will be 17-inch discs in the standard, Tires 215 / 60R17, and the road clearance - 19.5 cm! Looking for a compact European hatchback? Meet American, who is 21 cm longer than VW Golf!
 

It really reminds the tactics of a mountain ram, which with unshakable determination rushes even on a clearly stronger enemy, and that from surprise appeals to flight.
 

Who is close to such a life position? Of course youth. On it and the calculation. Therefore, Caliber is equipped with a mass of original phenoke: in the central armrest - a pocket for an iPod or a mobile phone, in the ceiling - a removable plane, turning into a flashlight, and on the back door there is a folding panel with two speakers (driven by the work position when the door is raised). There is also a subwoofer from Boston Acoustics in the trunk. Hi-End is not guaranteed, but Mouzon is provided.
 

I, too, do not star, but still wants, besides bright, no one like a similar appearance and musical arsenal car pleased with a high-quality interior. Here I was waiting for disappointment. Almost everywhere rough plastic. Finish rigid and looking at the touch, whipped like that? Does European partners not suggested to the Americans that these rules are better not to violate? Due to the low quality of the interior materials and its design is perceived so-so. A large front panel, three dormitory wells, an angular central console with a standard Chrysler's audio system and three uncomplicated handles of the air conditioner (climate control is not provided even for surcharge) - everything seems unnecessary simple. It's a shame. Maybe the mood will help change multi-colored optional sets in the center console and seat cushions?
 

Well, at least that with the quality of fitting parts and with ergonomics everything is in perfect order. Landing high, comfortable, adjustment stock is enough. A plump leather handlebars perfectly in hand. The instrument panel is read normally. The visibility with inappropriate seems insufficient, especially back through narrow glass, but you quickly get used to it and perceive with the front panel shelf, stretching almost to the horizon, as an integral part of the American image.
 

It seems on it, on a long hood, for the deliberate massiveness of Caliber forms and spent almost all its overwhelming advantage in size before competitors. Because by the stock of the inner space for the front and rear passengers, it only exceeds a little Ford Focus or VW Golf. But the front right armchair, folding, turns into the table, the rear passengers can change the angle of inclination of the seat back, and the trunk is one of the largest in class: 523 l and 1339 liters with a folded sofa.
 

One of the few rules that dodge did not dare to break, it says that a modern mass car cannot be built alone. Therefore, Caliber uses a joint platform with a Mitsubishi and common engines from the WORLD ENGINE family. In Russia, cars with 1.8- and 2-liter gasoline fours will be sold. The last option was trying to try, and in a pair with a stepless variation of the second generation.
 

Even for the 156-strong motor 1425 kg of Caliber's currency, rolling on 17-inch wheels - not the easiest burden. The car accelerates without excitement, but in urban mode and such a dynamics is quite enough. On the track more difficult. After 140 km / h, Caliber is gaining speed with such difficulty that passports 186 km / h are submitted by an unsinkable dream, and each overtaking is a good feat. The picture complements the unique variator character of overclocking - pedal in the floor, the engine hangs on maximum revolutions, and the speedometer arrow slowly crawls up. With unaccustomer, it seems that the machine has failed and now the motor will be safe. But in fact, it is just such a regime - with constant turns of the engine and a smoothly changing gear ratio - is optimal. And it is precisely thanks to it, the variator provides 6-8 percent fuel economy compared to a conventional machine. It is not even too cautious with a gas pedal, it is quite possible to meet 10 liters per 100 km.
 

But personally, I prefer the manual mode. It is successfully implemented here - not as an example most traditional automatic transmissions. The transmissions are turned on although with small shocks, but without the slightest delays, the lever is comfortable in hand, its moves are minimal. The variator honestly holds the selected transmission and allows you to effectively slow down the engine. As a result, holding turns around 4000-5000 on a fixed gear, you can get a sufficiently responsive and frisky car. Word, cool box.
 

The smoothness of the stroke and the character of the controllability left a dual impression. Large wheels reliably twist the small flaws of the road surface. But when large callens are under the wheels, and even with sharp edges, too many jolts and residual pendants are transmitted on the body. Considerable part of them gets to the steering wheel. It is annoying again, because on the smooth road Caliber demonstrates obedience and adequately reacts to the steering movements. And the operation of the hydraulic cell on the small and medium speeds left a pleasant impression - on the line and in turns it provides adequate feedback.
 

True, with increasing speed, the situation changes somewhat. The irregularities are perceived less painfully, but it appears a vertical squabble, and the steering wheel will empty and begins to squeeze in the area of \u200b\u200bzero. However, at the same time Caliber does not shake from side to the side, and does not make it seriously strain at the wheel. Real American!
 

Interestingly, in America Caliber will receive all-wheel drive modification - with an electromagnetic clutch as an inter-sieve differential. But our version with four leading wheels will appear only next year and only in the charged execution of SRT4 - with a 300-strong turbo engine. Nontrivial Reading Hot Hatchback
 

A simple Caliber, as it turned out, is also an extremely extraordinary car, not at all like everyone else. Who is he going to boo? Judging at Russian prices, which depend on the configuration ranges from 17,700 to 23,100, the main rivals will be European legislators of the golf class. But for that kind of money, they offer an off date more solid salon and less American driving qualities. But Dodge is a new brand, so you still need to keep reliability in mind, service
 

However, the representatives of DaimlerChrysler are successful unshakable - the studied studies have revealed interest in the car, plus a powerful advertising campaign, plus the well-established Chrysler / Jeep dealer network all 800 cars allocated for this year should be successfully soldered. Is it more?
 

Theoretically, yes. But practically a factory in Belvedere, which is produced by Caliber, it is now working to satisfy avalanche-like growing demand in America and even in Europe. This means that some rules are really helpful to break. What is Dodge and the pipe in full horn. Naturally, barbons.
 

Moscow-Borodino
 

Prices and equipment Dodge Caliber
 

Cars with an engine 1.8 liters (140 hp) equipped with 5-speed mechanics and are offered in three sets at a price of 17,700 to 18,700. Dodge Caliber C 2 l engine and variator has five complete sets, prices from 20,800 to 23 100.

In the standard, all machines have ABS and ASR, 6 airbags, iPod-pocket, flashlight, electric boiler. By increasing the level of configuration (and cost), the buyer receives air conditioning, CD changer, audio system with 9 columns.

The two SXT top packs, available only for 2-liter Caliber, are located in the cruise control, cooled gluable, heated seats, audio system (9 columns), fog lights and cast discs. Additionally, you can order a hatch, a navigation system with a color screen, 18-inch discs and some little things. The stabilization system is an option and will be available later.

 

Text: Sergey Zamensky
 
 

 

Source: Magazine Motor [July 2006]