Dodge Caliber (06-09) - Review

The Caliber is powered by a choice of three engines. The entry-level is a 1.8-litre petrol with 148bhp while the more powerful 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol is only available with a CVT automatic gearbox which saps the power and is not enjoyable to drive. Neither is especially economical - the 1.8-litre managing 38mpg, so it is little surprise that most people opt for the diesel. The 2.0-litre CRD is actually a Volkswagen engine, used in the Passat and Golf among others, and with 140bhp plus plenty of pulling power it's easily the best model in the line-up. It sprints from 0-62mph in just 8.8 seconds and is great for motorway cruising with a relaxed nature. It isn't the most refined engine around - it's noisy on start up and when pulling from low revs, but it does offer decent economy of 47mpg.

Despite the scaled-down off-roader looks, the Caliber is only a two-wheel drive model and the higher than usual ground clearance affects handling. Body control is poor and there is very little feel through the unresponsive steering, so it doesn't corner with much confidence. It's much happier cruising on the motorway, although wind and road noise take the edge off refinement.