Category: Small Family 
Price Range: £12,495 to £16,700
Looks like good value, good ride quality, different
Build not as good as rivals, entry-level petrol too slow
If you're a bit bored with Ford Focus default choice, check this out. Just don't expect it to be as good to drive.
The Dodge Caliber, on sale from July 2006, will take on established C-segment rivals such as the Peugeot 307, VW Golf, Ford Focus and Mazda 3. DaimlerChrysler (DC), custodian of the Dodge brand, is candidly aware that it's picked a tough fight.
So who does DC imagine will abandon the cosy familiarity and proven track record of cars like the Focus for the unknown Caliber? Well, the company believes this new Dodge will appeal to those who want an alternative to the mainstream, and who also want a 'value' package.
It's fair to point out that DC already has such a beast, in the form of the retro-style PT Cruiser. But the company argues that the Caliber is a much more aggressively styled option and that the imminent PT Cruiser cabriolet will soon become the core PT offering over the five-door. It also reckons that five-door-only Caliber buyers will be younger than the average 49-year-old PT customer. Oddly enough, given its cartoonishly retro style, PT Cruiser buyers tend to be quite conservative. DC is aiming low, with sales volume predicted to be about 7,000 per year.
By contrast, the Caliber trades on its 'tough guy' stance, with the official tagline reading: 'Anything but Cute'. DC's ad campaign has already run foul of the American gay lobby, with some unfortunate stereotypes involving yellow sweaters and small dogs.
The Caliber's interior layout is very conventional, with split/folding rear seats and space that is, at best, average. 4Car has driven all of the engines that will be offered in the UK, including 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrols and a 2.0-litre diesel sourced from VW. Caliber will be offered in four trim levels ranging from the entry level £11,495 S and up to £15,430 for the top-spec SXT Sport diesel.
