Dodge Caliber gets upgrades for 2010

Despite parent company Chrysler´s financial woes, the Dodge Caliber has proven to be a minor success, becoming the best-selling vehicle in the entire Chrysler group outside of North America in 2008. As such, Dodge has decided to keep thing fresh, by announcing new updates for the Caliber.

The biggest change is the addition of a new 2.2-litre CRD common rail diesel engine that is Euro V emissions standards compliant, meant for the diesel-biased European market. Chrysler claims that the new engine, mated to a six-speed manual transmission, delivers 16% more power, with an output of 163bhp and 320Nm of torque, while at the same time reducing fuel consumption by 5%.

The existing 1.8-litre petrol engine has also been replaced, with a new 2.0-litre unit producing 156bhp and 190Nm of torque, an improvement of 4%. There is also the current 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder with 170bhp and 220Nm available.

Inside, the Caliber´s interior gets a whole new look, with a redesigned dashboard, and, as promised by Dodge, better quality materials. Chrome accent detailing, additional cubby holes, a cooled-beverage central storage bin, bigger climate controls buttons, new door-trim panels a centre console with armrest split-lid padded with soft-touch materials are the major highlights of the revised interior.

Other unique features include Uconnect™ Navigation with voice commands, iPod® Control, rechargeable LED flashlight and an available MusicGate Power™ Sound Group, which includes two articulating speakers packaged in the tailgate.