The Dodge carmaker, for many years, has been a popular choice for the American public. Dodge is known for making cars that are very comfortable and safe, and, in the case of the more performance oriented models, cars that offer respectable levels of grunt.

The Dodge Calibre, though not high in the performance stakes, serves its role well. The designers have sought to make the car comfortable, roomy and safe. The car design contains an imposing presence, whether parked on the side of the road or speeding down the motorway.

Built in the United States of America, the Dodge Calibre is a sound car that is well built and safe. Looking at the exterior design, you cannot miss the sheer presence that the Dodge Calibre has when parked at the curb. The person walking by will admire the solid high waistline that is capped off with the low slung roof that curves beautifully down to the car’s hindquarters. Sitting squat on large 17 inch rims, the Dodge Calibre looks like a sporty beast. And from the front, the small round driving lights positioned low on the very imposing and aggressive looking nose add to the impression of muscle that is lying under the shapely bonnet and grille. The Dodge Calibre comes as a hatchback wagon, a body style popular in most parts of the world. With its angular, serious lines, the Calibre certainly stands out from its hatchback competitors.

The Dodge Calibre seats five occupants in luxury. Well equipped, the car has, as standard, electric windows, air conditioning, a crystal clear 4-speaker stereo system, an auxiliary 12 volt power socket for extra electrical modern conveniences, and even a cooling box to store refreshments (chilled chicken and champagne, anyone?). On the practical side, the Dodge Calibre has a good sized boot that can become cavernous once the 60/40-split folding seats are set down. Another a handy touch is the removable and washable vinyl cargo mat for those messier luggage items.

The standard cloth seats are well designed to keep all occupants comfortable, while the interior’s look and layout are pleasing to the eye and easy to use. The driver has a tilt steering column which helps make for a relaxing drive. Also, while being strapped into the rear seats by the three-point safety belts, the passengers will enjoy comfortable seating for three that can, if they wish, tilt backward for that extra soothing capacity.

The new Dodge Calibre has a number of engine sizes to fit under it’s muscley bonnet line. The new four cylinder engine design was jointly developed by DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi, and was assembled in Michigan. The car comes available with a choice of three reliable four-cylinder engines, a 1.8 litre rated at 110 kW, a 118 kW 2.0 litre, and a 123 kW 2.4 litre. Also on the market is a 2.0 litre diesel engine. The Dodge Calibre range comes with a five-speed manual or an automatic Continuously Variable Transmission.

On the open road the suspension is superbly compliant and gives the car an extremely stable grip on the road, even in the wet. The ride, though firm, is comfortable. The driver will enjoy steering that is neutral and responsive.

One thing the Dodge Calibre is not short of is the ever essential safety equipment. Front air bags as well as front side curtain air bags are standard. Other active safety features include optional electronic stability control and a tyre-pressure monitor. To cap off the car’s safety capability, in the recent NHTSA crash tests, the Dodge Calibre received a worthy five star rating, which proves the solid exterior design is not just for good looks.

With some clever features, a strong safety rating, a versatile interior and a solid build quality, the Dodge Calibre makes a lot of sense for the small family.

Current model series include:

• Dodge Caliber SE
• Dodge Caliber SXT
• Dodge Caliber SXT Sport
• Dodge Caliber R/T

For any more information on the Dodge Calibre, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Dodge dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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