First introduced in the USA in 2005 as the replacement for the Neon, the Caliber has been given a significant revamp for the 2010 model year, the Dodge division of Chrysler Group seriously aiming to increase its international footprint with a car now featuring a more ‘Euro’ feel.

When Caliber was first launched locally, the marketing efforts played heavily on the external appearance of the car, pushing the macho look and highlighting the combination of a sporty coupé-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV.

Dodge has retained the muscular exterior look to the new Caliber with the changes coming in the form of an all-new redesigned interior, including a new instrument panel with a centre storage bin, bright accents, a centre console with a padded armrest split-lid for added storage space and soft-touch door-trim panels.

The all-new instrument panel features a smooth design aesthetic, while chromed accents brighten new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning vents, shift bezel and cluster rings. LED-illuminated cup holders make it easier to place beverages in the right spot at night.

Two World Engine offerings (2,0-litre and 2,4-litre) deliver power and refinement thanks to dual Variable-Valve Timing (VVT) and an intake manifold design with flow control valves. Combined, these features produce more power, better fuel economy and a smoother, quieter operation than engines without them.

The 2,0-litre unit replaces the 1,8-litre engine, delivering 4% more power (115 kW) and 13% more torque (190 Nm), while, the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine delivers 125 kW and 220 Nm of torque.

The 2,0-litre is matched to a choice of either a 5-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT2), whilst the 5-speed manual is standard on the 2,4-litre.

The side profile displays the large wheel apertures that wrap re-styled 18-inch Alloy wheels. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard across the range and this system combines anti-lock braking and Traction Control for enhanced directional stability and includes Hill Start Assist.

Suspension up front is a fully independent MacPherson struts setup with a multi-link arrangement at the rear.

For 2010, a chrome body side protection moulding as well as a tailpipe finisher distinguishes it from its predecessor.

Opening the boot on a 2.4L SXT will reveal the MusicGate Power Sound Group, which includes two articulating speakers packaged in the lift gate that swing down for tailgating and other activities. This is available on the 2.0L models at extra charge. In addition to this, a retractable cargo cover and rechargeable LED flashlight comes standard.

Apart from the in-design passive safety feature, active safety features include driver and passenger air bags combined with side air bags for both front and rear outboard occupants. For 2010, all Caliber Models also receive front active head restraints.

The Caliber earned perfect scores in the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests, including five stars in both frontal and side impacts.

Leather trimmed seats with front seat heaters are standard on the entire range. Whilst the driver’s seat gains 4-way power functionality, the passenger seat can fold flat to allow easy stowage of longer items.

At the rear, seats split 60/40 with a recline function for the backrests. ISOFIX mounting points are also installed for baby chairs. The trunk can swallow up to 1 360 litres of cargo with the rear seats folded.

In addition, the Dodge Caliber offers an array of interior features including the Chill Zone cooled-beverage storage bin, Uconnect Navigation with voice commands and iPod Control.

At the launch in Cape Town I drove only the manual 2,0-litre version over a fairly short route, but which included rural and motorway sections.

With Dodge comparing the Caliber to similarly priced hatches such as Golf, and not against similar size genuine SUV’s such as Qashqai, deciding what Caliber actually is becomes a purely personal one – if it is a car, then it is a big one; if it is a SUV then it is a medium one.

Room the Caliber has in abundance. Both front and rear passengers have oodles of space and even taller drivers steal very little from the leg room at the back. Although the driver’s seat moves forward or backward electronically, there is no height adjustment and the steering variable is limited to tilt.

The new look dash does bring some class to the interior (where leather seats are standard throughout), but it is still a large expanse of dashboard underneath the small front windscreen. Sometimes – and more so for shorter drivers – difficult to see the bonnet.

The 2,0-litre engine is not going to win any robot drag races – there’s a lot of car to get moving. However, once up and running it is perfectly adequate for the task. Typically American it runs a very long fifth gear, which means it does need to drop a cog on more severe climbs.

Equally, the suspension is on the soft side of that usually preferred by SA motorists but with a full complement of passengers and some luggage, it will probably settle into being an extremely comfortable ride over long distances. The steering could also be a smidgen sharper, although I quite like the steering feedback and was comfortable with the accuracy when turning into a corner.

Our route did not provide any opportunity to really explore the limits of the Caliber so suffice it to say it behaved impeccably with what we did ask of it.

All Dodge Calibers come standard with a 3-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, as found on all other Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge products.

Colin Windell is the editor of Fleet magazine and contributor to SACarFan.