Five-door C-class hatchback Dodge caliber, which looks suspiciously like a SUV, was first presented to the public in March 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show as a concept model, and debuted in pre-production guise in January 2006 at the North American Bridal Show.
A month later, as part of a motor show in Chicago, a "charged" version of the car, which received a sportier design, a powerful engine and improved technology, was rolled out for everyone to see.
Commercial production of the Dodge Caliber continued until November 2011, after which the hatch left the assembly line, however, since 2008, it has been updated annually. The most significant modernization took place in 2009, when the interior was "redrawn" and the technique was slightly improved, improvements in the remaining years were mainly limited to the addition of new options and body paint colors.
The exterior of the Caliber is designed in the aggressive style inherent in all Dodge models. The five-door looks austere, deliberately solid and not quite typical for its class - a heavy front end with massive headlights and a hexagonal "grill" of the radiator grill, a powerful silhouette with the "muscles" of wheel arches and a rounded roof line, athletic feed with pretty lanterns and a "curly" bumper ...
The hatchback in the "charged" version of SRT4 "flaunts" even more provocative looks - it is distinguished by a "daring" body kit around the body, a raised hood with three air intakes, a thick exhaust pipe, a wing on the fifth door and 19-inch polished "rollers".
Depending on the modification, the Dodge Caliber measures 4415-4427 mm in length, 1785-1800 mm in width and 1520-1535 mm in height. The distance between the axles of the car is 2635 mm, and its ground clearance varies from 175 to 180 mm.
Inside, the "Caliber" is perceived as a real American due to the predominance of simple lines and shapes and harsh plastics, which are widely found in decoration, but on the whole looks attractive and very modern. Behind a large four-spoke steering wheel with a massive hub in three "wells" are placed the dial gauges of the instrument cluster, and the center console with the correct shapes is reserved for the placement of the infotainment system unit and three solid "washers" of the air conditioning system.
The SRT4's originality boils down to a tachometer-led instrument cluster, a separate boost pressure dial and a more advanced on-board computer.
At the front, the Dodge Caliber has quite comfortable seats with good support on the sides and the widest adjustment intervals. On rear seats only two passengers will be able to comfortably accommodate (although there is an abundance of space for three), and all because of the high transmission tunnel with a superstructure for glasses.
The trunk of the "Caliber" is small - its volume does not exceed 352 liters. But the shape of the compartment is close to ideal (the wheel arches do not protrude inside), the finish is practical, and there is a full-size spare wheel under the raised floor. In addition, the rear sofa, when folded in two parts, forms a flat area and brings the capacity to 1013 liters.
Specifications. On Russian market Dodge Caliber can be found with three naturally aspirated petrol "fours" with distributed fuel supply, variable valve timing technology, 16-valve timing and intake manifold with flow control. Engines with a working volume of 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4 liters generate a maximum of 150-174 horsepower and 168-223 Nm of torque, and work jointly with a 5-speed "mechanics" or a continuously variable variator (no alternative front drive).
Depending on the modification, the hatchback accelerates from one place to the first “hundred” in 11-11.9 seconds, maximally “rests” at 183-186 km / h and “destroys” no more than 7.4-8.7 liters of fuel per 100 km of run in combined mode.
The head of the power palette is the "charged" modification of the "Caliber" called SRT4 - under its hood is a 2.4-liter petrol unit with four vertically oriented "pots", a turbocharger and distributed injection, producing 285 "horses" at 6000 rpm and 359 Nm available possibilities at 2000-6000 rpm. Such a car, equipped with a 6-speed "handle" and a front-wheel drive transmission, "shoots" up to 100 km / h after 6.7 seconds, gains a maximum speed of 245 km / h and consumes about 8.9 liters of fuel in the highway / city cycle.
The Dodge Caliber is based on the Chrysler PM / PK platform with a transversely based power plant and high-strength steel body structure. The car is endowed independent suspensions on two axles: in the front part there are MacPherson struts, and in the back there is a "multi-link" ( cross stabilizers installed "in a circle").
Hatchback applied steering with rack and pinion and electric booster, and four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated at the front) with ABS and other auxiliary electronics.
The distinctive features of the "charged" version of SRT4 are a more rigid chassis, shortened steering, a powerful braking complex (the diameter of the front "pancakes" is 340 mm, the rear - 302 mm), limited slip differential and sport settings of other components and assemblies.
Options and prices. In the summer of 2016 at secondary market Russia "Caliber" is sold at a price of 300 thousand rubles, and its "hot" modification SRT4 can not be bought for less than 600 thousand rubles.
As for the equipment, even the simplest car has in its arsenal air conditioning, ABS, ESP, four airbags, "cruise", electric drive and heated mirrors, heated front seats, electric windows for all doors, audio preparation, paintwork"Metallic" and some other equipment.
Dodge Caliber is a five-door hatchback produced from 2006 to 2012 by an auto plant in the US state of Illinois. Thanks to external data, this car can be safely put on a par with station wagons and even with crossovers. In Russia, it is unlikely that this car can be attributed to ubiquitous. And yet, with its inimitable style, it certainly deserves the attention of motorists. We invite you to learn more about it and take a closer look at the Dodge Caliber specifications.
External data
From the outside, the car looks "muscular": this is ensured by clear forms, chopped body lines, embossed sides, massive bumpers and narrow windows. The platform for the Caliber is the Chrysler PM / MK, somewhat borrowed from the Jeep Compass.
The overall dimensions of the machine are 4415 mm long, 1800 mm wide and 1535 mm high. The body does not differ in compactness, but it pays off with interest roomy interior and a luggage compartment with a volume of 352 liters, which increases when folded rear seats up to 1013 liters.
The curb weight, depending on the engine and transmission, is from 1405 to 1475 kg, increasing at full load to 1930 kg. Tire size - 215 / 60R17. The ground clearance on the front axle of the wheels is 208 mm, the rear is 203 mm, just like a full-fledged SUV. The general officially declared ground clearance is 195 mm. To turn, the car will need a circle with a diameter of at least 10.8 meters, which is quite expected with its wheelbase of 2635 mm.
Engine and transmission
Dodge Caliber can be equipped with four types of engines at the buyer's choice. Petrol engines developed jointly by Chrysler, Mitsubishi and Huyndai.
- Petrol 1.8-liter with electronic injection, developing 148 Horse power at a speed of 6500 rpm and having a maximum torque of 168 N * m at 5200 rpm. Such an engine is coupled with five-speed gearbox with manual gear shifting.
- Petrol injection 2.0-liter with 156 hp at 6300 rpm and a torque of 190 N * m at 5100 rpm it is equipped with a continuously variable transmission - a variator manufactured by Jatco, a subsidiary of Nissan.
- Diesel 2.0-liter with injection system Common rail, at 4000 rpm developing power 140 hp and at 1750 rpm torque 310 N * m. A 6-speed "mechanics" is put to it.
- Petrol 2.4-liter with electronic injection, with a maximum power of 174 hp. at 6000 rpm and providing a maximum torque of 223 N * m at 4400 rpm. This engine is equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Speed and acceleration parameters plus fuel consumption
In accordance with the already described configurations of various engines, the maximum speed, acceleration time and fuel consumption will also differ.
- The gasoline 1.8-liter engine is capable of accelerating a car to 100 kilometers per hour in 11.9 seconds and allows you to develop maximum speed 184 km / h. Fuel consumption per 100 kilometers traveled will be 9.6 liters when driving in the city, 6 liters outside and 7.3 liters in the combined cycle.
- A 2.0-liter gasoline engine with a CVT accelerates the car to the coveted hundred in 11.3 seconds, with a speed limit of 186 km / h. Fuel will need 10.8 liters in the city, on the highway - 7 liters and 8.4 liters in the combined cycle.
- 2-liter engine diesel fuel capable of accelerating a car to a hundred in 9.3 seconds, while the speed limit is as much as two hundred kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption will be 7.9 liters in urban areas, 5.1 liters - on a country trip and 6.1 liters - on average.
- The petrol 2.4-liter turbocharged unit will pick up "a hundred" when starting off in 6.7 seconds, while its speed limit is as much as 245 km / h. True, he will eat a lot of gasoline: 10.7 liters in the urban cycle, 8.4 liters on the highway and 9.5 liters in the combined cycle.
Complete set
Standard options for all Dodge Caliber modifications are:
- backlit front cupholders;
- curtains of safety on the windows;
- armrest of the floor console, sliding forward 76 mm;
- plafond with automatic recharging;
- special compartment under the armrest with a reversing storage compartment mobile phone or MP3 player;
- electric side mirrors;
- central locking;
- vinyl boot pallet;
- keyless door opening system;
- immobilizer Sentry Key.
The P1 configurations supplied for Russia with 1.8 and 2.0 liter engines complement the car with air conditioning, as well as front and rear rubber mats.
The P2 package will add to the above-mentioned advantages:
- audio system Premium Sound Group with 9 speakers,
- AM / FM radio,
- CD player and 6-disc changer,
- as well as MP3 and RDS.
- In addition, an integrated navigation system and metallic paintwork becomes available at the request of the customer.
SXT configuration, which is equipped with two-liter gasoline cars with a variator, includes:
Chill Zone - compartment for drinks with refrigeration;
- Cruise control;
- radiator grill with chrome trim;
- body-colored moldings;
- 5-spoke aluminum 17-inch wheels;
- fog headlights.
Prices for a car of this configuration start at 1,010,000 rubles. Additionally, at the request of the buyer, 18-inch aluminum wheels and an electric sunroof are installed for a fee.
Stop the car using disc brakes By the way, they are all equipped with ventilation.
Weaknesses and cons of Caliber
Let's start with the body, because of the high-quality assembly, the paintwork is not very susceptible to chips and scratches. The plastic bumper dubs in cold weather and becomes more vulnerable. Thin metal is used on the sills and fenders, which makes these parts rust quickly.
Motor
The gas tank lock does not tolerate severe frosts, if it freezes, then a breakdown is guaranteed. The front optics constantly sweat in rainy weather, and to replace the bulbs you need to dismantle the bumper, which is very inconvenient. With lamps, there are problems with an error in the control unit, which can only be thrown off at a service center.
There are many reliable components in engines, although at high mileage above 200 thousand kilometers, the likelihood of crankcase rust, failure of the fuel pump and exhaust manifold increases. The throttle assembly and the crankshaft pulley damper live 150 thousand kilometers each. There are many more nuances, but they arise when the mileage is above 150,000 kilometers.
Dodge Caliber gearbox
Mechanics after 150 thousand kilometers needs to replace bearing shafts and synchronizers. On the same run, the clutch release plate suffers, and sometimes the entire clutch mechanism.
The variator is much more reliable if the oil and filter are changed on it in a timely manner. Weak points are the blades of the position of the cones and the bearings of the shafts. Sometimes the splined joints of the clutches and the clutch pack suffer.
Suspension
The undercarriage is the most unreliable part of the crossover - the stabilizer bushings are not alive for more than 50 thousand kilometers, later the steering ends of the steering rack "die". After one hundred thousand, replacement of shock absorber struts, ball bearings, wheel bearings and silent blocks is required.
The steering is generally reliable, the power steering and steering rack elements live on average 200 thousand kilometers.
Price
The car is widespread in the secondary market with an average price of 400,000 rubles. It all depends on the condition and of course the engine. There is a sports version of the SRT-4, which is more expensive than the civilian. The price tag is, in principle, small!
The American hatchback Dodge Caliber is a good car for city driving, and because of its good suspension it will be able to overcome light off-road and therefore is suitable for both the city and the dacha.
Video
The prototype Dodge Caliber model debuted in the spring of 2005 at the Geneva Motor Show. The car was launched into serial production in 2006. The development of the car was carried out with a focus on the European market. The car should have taken a good place in the golf class car segment. Externally, the five-door Dodge Caliber hatchback 4.5 meters long with a ground clearance of 19.5 centimeters is very similar to a crossover. The car is based on the latest platform version Mitsubishi lancer... This base is also used for American Dodge Neon. In Russia, sales of the car began in June 2006. One of two engines can be installed under the hood of the Dodge Caliber: a 1.8-liter engine with a capacity of 140 horsepower, or a 150-horsepower power unit with a working volume of 2 liters. The first version is offered in three trim levels: P0, P1 and P2; the second - in five: the same P0, P1 and P2, supplemented by SXT P1 and SXT P2. The Dodge Caliber has a convertible five-seater saloon. In 2008, the model underwent a facelift. At the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, an updated Dodge Caliber was unveiled with a redesigned interior and new engines. Some old motors have been removed.
Specifications Dodge Caliber
hatchback
City car
- width 1 800mm
- length 4 415mm
- height 1 535mm
- ground clearance 203mm
- seats 5
Dodge Caliber: end and beginning again
Dodge plans to complete production of the obsolete Caliber at the end of November and unveil the next generation of the model to the public at International Motor Show in Detroit in January 2012. August 26, 2011 0
In 2006, one of the most popular American hatchbacks of the Dodge company was released. It is easy to guess that we are talking about the Dodge Caliber, which has conquered millions of US residents with its simplicity and versatility. The car has many advantages, but it is also criticized quite often. We will now consider the technical characteristics and reviews of the owners.
SUV or hatchback?
When the car first hit the American market, many buyers were confused. The thing is that when you look at the Dodge Caliber, you get an ambiguous impression. From the outside, it is an SUV, but in terms of its characteristics, it is a hatchback. Some car critics are inclined to think that the car is completely unfortunate from a design point of view. But when you look at sales and customer reviews, the opposite is true.
Today, cars that can be considered universal are much more valuable. Easily overcome rough terrain and still have a large luggage compartment- this is what many of us need. All of this can be obtained while driving a Dodge Caliber. The reviews of most of the owners of this car are positive, but the car is considered illiquid. It is inexpensive, but it is extremely difficult to sell it.
Brutality in everything
Aggressive appearance a car - this is the quality that is inherent in all models of the Dodge company. Caliber is no exception. Take a look at it: the wide and large grille with intersecting chrome inserts is striking. In the center there is a logo of the company - bighorn sheep, but most call it simply "ram". The body lines are chopped and simple. Thanks to this simplicity and angularity, the American car is immediately recognizable. Wide wheel arches provide for the installation of rubber of a larger radius, which many will like.
A clearance of 20 centimeters allows you to move with confidence not only on a poor quality roadway, but also where there is no asphalt at all. But with the review there is trouble, which is confirmed by numerous driver's reviews. The Dodge Caliber has reduced glass, and the hood is positioned slightly above the level of the fenders. This will definitely take some getting used to. But this can hardly be called a serious drawback, because today many cars have narrowed glass. Take the Jeep Grand Cherokee for example.
Dodge Caliber: specifications
From the moment of release until its completion, the manufacturer offered two engines to choose from:
- gasoline engine 1.8 liter capacity of 150 "horses". The torque is 168 Nm, and the acceleration to hundreds - in 11.8 seconds. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle - 7.3 liters. The power unit is paired with a manual 5-speed gearbox;
- gasoline engine 2.0 liters. The engine produces only 151 liters. with., but the tractive effort is slightly higher and is already 190 Nm. Fuel consumption is slightly higher, approximately 8.5 liters in the combined cycle. But this is mainly due to the fact that the internal combustion engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic.
It can hardly be said that there is a great choice here. It is quite modest, but such power units are quite enough for a comfortable ride in a metropolis due to low flow fuel and rough terrain, which is facilitated by a torque of 190 Nm. Engines and gearboxes showed themselves with better side... With proper maintenance, they can run for a long time.
Let's take a look inside
Perhaps it is the interior American cars among experts, it often deserves the most criticism. The fact is that the "Dodge" has a hard plastic, which, according to drivers, very often squeaks. At the same time dashboard executed efficiently and competently. Everything is clearly visible and is in its place. There are no extra functions and options, but everything you need is there. The armrest is comfortable and wide, the cup holders are located in the most convenient place.
Everything is done very simply, but at the same time it is correct, without unnecessary pathos and emphasis on high cost. At the same time, there are comfortable seats with many settings. The rear ones can even be set at a specific angle, allowing you to travel long distances without getting tired. Backstage manual transmission it is located very conveniently, it is slightly offset towards the radio and is located, as it were, on the rise of the tunnel. If we fold all the seats, we get 1013 liters of net volume, but in the classic form only 413. The audio system is pleasantly surprising. Very high quality sound, regardless of the configuration.
SRT Tuning Dodge Caliber
In the United States, many drivers turn to Street and Racing Technologies, which specializes in tuning. Visited boxing and "Caliber". After the experts put their hands on it, the car changed significantly in appearance. For example, on rear bumper a diffuser appeared. Therefore, the "Dodge" has become somewhat closer to racing cars. The radiator grill was made even wider. There are additional holes in the bumper for improved airflow not only to the cooling system, but also to the brakes.
SRT has installed a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine under the hood. Pistons for power unit made cast, and forged connecting rods. Naturally, changes were made and fuel system, in particular, a new injector and an ECU were installed. At the exit, we managed to get 295 liters. with. and about 390 Nm of torque. A very good result, since initially the engine has only 170 liters. with. The least changes were made to the interior. The only thing that immediately catches your eye is the more comfortable seats with lateral support.
