Especificaciones y análisis del Dodge Caliber
Power
140HP
Torque
310Nm
Consumption
6.1l/100
Emissions
161g/km
0-100 km/h
9.3s
Top Speed
196km/h
Weight
1425kg
Price
20,180€
Technical summary
Gasóleo
Manual 6v
FWD
5 / 5 doors
352 L
51 L
103 kW
Current
Technical specifications
Engine
Capacities
Detailed analysis of the Dodge Caliber SE 2.0 CRD · 140 CV (2006-2008)
General description
The Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD burst onto the European market as a bold statement of intent, an attempt to merge the soul of an American 'muscle car' with the practicality of a compact. Its arrival left no one indifferent, presenting a groundbreaking aesthetic and a Volkswagen-sourced diesel heart that promised strong performance and reasonable consumption, a combination as strange as it was fascinating.
Driving experience
Getting behind the wheel of the Caliber is to feel a constant duality. The 140 hp 2.0 CRD engine pushes with surprising force from low revs, delivering a sense of power and a gratifying acceleration that pins you to the seat. Its high driving position makes you feel in command of the road, as if you were piloting a small SUV. However, its chassis is not designed for sporty driving, but for a comfortable and quiet journey, where the real pleasure lies in feeling the engine's torque and enjoying a car with an overwhelming personality.
Design and aesthetics
Its design is its greatest virtue and its most defining feature. It's pure American testosterone in a compact bottle. The imposing front grille, marked wheel arches, and a high waistline give it a robust and aggressive appearance that completely sets it apart from its sober European rivals. It's a car that screams 'here I am.' Unfortunately, that excitement doesn't carry over to the interior, where the extensive use of hard plastics and a simple finish betray a more functional than luxurious approach, creating a stark contrast with its spectacular exterior.
Technology and features
Technologically, the Caliber was a car of its time, without great fanfare but with interesting solutions. Its main asset was the efficient and proven Volkswagen diesel engine, a guarantee of performance. Inside, unique details stood out, such as the 'MusicGate Power' sound system, with fold-down speakers in the tailgate, a nod to a more playful and social lifestyle. Beyond that, in terms of driving aids or infotainment systems, it remained on a rather discreet and functional level.
Competition
In the competitive C-segment, the Dodge Caliber faced titans like the Volkswagen Golf, the Ford Focus, or the SEAT León. However, its crossover-like aesthetics also placed it in a no-man's-land, potentially stealing customers from the early Nissan Qashqai. While its European rivals won in refinement, quality of finishes, and dynamic behavior, the Caliber played a completely different card: that of exclusivity, image, and a personality that none of its competitors could match.
Conclusion
The Dodge Caliber 2.0 CRD is a car for the heart, not the head. It was a brave experiment that offered a real alternative for those looking to escape the monotony of the compact segment. Its powerful diesel engine and unforgettable design are its great legacies. Despite its shortcomings in interior quality and refinement, it is a vehicle that creates an emotional bond, an imperfect car but with a character and soul that make it an unforgettable and special choice.