To coincide with a heavy interior revamp, Dodge has seriously rationalised its Caliber hatchback range by reducing the available models from four to one.
Caliber now comes only in (previously top-of-the-range) SXT form, and with one engine -- a 2.0-litre petrol carryover from the previous model. The 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbodiesel variants have been dropped.
Dodge also offers just one Caliber transmission: the CVT previously standard on SXT, but not available on the 1.8-litre only ST and an extra-cost option on the 2.0-litre manual-transmission SX.
If you wish to readily identify the latest Caliber, it is necessary to look inside. Externally, there's just a new set of polished 18-inch alloy wheels.
But swing open the doors of the tall, but essentially Mazda3-sized hatchback and you'll see the designers have spent considerable money improving the Caliber's warm and fuzzy credentials.
Most dominant is the all-new dash that replaces the previous model's white-faced instruments with a more conventional black-background, white numeral display while adopting a softer, generally more rounded approach.
According to Dodge's press release: "chromed accents brighten new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents, shift bezel, and cluster rings."
The updated Caliber's centre console has a storage bin accessed through a split-lid armrest and soft-touch door trim panels that add a generally more upmarket feel.
Dodge also throws in what it calls a "Chill Zone cooled-beverage storage bin" and offers a "MusicGate Power Sound Group with the signature fold-down speakers on the tailgate as part of a $2750 Technology Group package. The pack includes hands-free phone system and a "Media Center" with AM/FMCD/DVD/HDD Radio. Other options include a sunroof ($2000) and "premium" paint at $450.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine produces 115kW/190Nm and, with the standard CVT transmission, returns a fuel consumption average of 8.0L/100km and tailpipe CO2 emission readings of 190g/km.
There's another positive to all this: the Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) for the SXT Caliber has dropped from $30,990 to $29,990.
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