2009 Dodge Caliber SRT4 Part 1 of 3: Design

A trait common to both old and new SRT4s is that they owe their existence to entry-level economy cars from the Dodge portfolio. Unfortunately, those donor models aren't the kinds of cars that inspire pretty words when describing their designs.

The SRT4 is based on the homely, pseudo-crossover Caliber. Now, you could say that the base Caliber's styling is polarizing, but that would suggest that some people actually like it. No, it isn't a secret that the basis for this car is not much to look at. So the transformation to SRT specs required extensive styling modifications. Where some cars in this class are subtle and introverted, the SRT4 is about as subtle as a mallet to the temple.

But before we get into the details of that transformation from econo-box to full-fledged SRT status, there's the shape of newest SRT4 to talk about. A lot was made of the five-door shape of the Caliber SRT4 replacing the four-door that was the Neon-based SRT4. Many thought the hatchback body was too much of a departure from the sedan body, forgetting that the original Mopar economy-car-based hot rod - the Omni GLH of the 1980s - was itself a hatchback.

So while the tall height and the correspondingly high seating position are new to the least expensive Dodge performance car, the hatchback body isn't. An unfortunate brake with SRT tradition however, is that not all of the scoops and vents found on the SRT4 are functional. The main hood intake is - drawing cool air into the engine compartment - but the two vents on either side are not. Let's hope this isn't a trend we'll be seeing on other SRT products.

The aggressive hood is just the beginning of the attitude adjustment that the Caliber received. Below the hood is the bold Dodge crosshair grille, proudly showing off the intercooler just behind it. Lower still are three more intakes just above the air damn, two of which house the driving lights and direct air to the front brakes.

Around the side we see what looks to be a significant drop in ride height, but it's actually just over an inch at the front and just under an inch at the back. It's the lower bodywork and the large 19-inch wheels that create the illusion of the SRT4 being lower than it is.

In profile, we get the best view of the controversial hatchback body style. The overall shape works well enough, with certain details - such as the flared fenders filled to the rim with big wheels - looking clean, and purposeful. But other elements are exposed as afterthought design band-aids. The main culprits are the blacked out panels on the roof rails intended to mask the actual shape of the car.

Moving around to the rear, it's once again a mixed bag. The large roof-extending spoiler actually fits with the rest of the overtly aggressive look of the SRT4. Also looking quite purposeful is the blacked-out simulated diffuser with its vertical fences and a single 4-inch exhaust outlet. But the surfacing at the corners of the car is just plain busy, with too many layers and steps that appear to be unresolved.

While it's true that not all car designs have to be pretty to be considered successful, it's tough making a call on the SRT4. If you consider the aesthetic challenges presented by its Caliber origins, you can find some sympathy for those tasked with turning it into an SRT model. So, pretty is definitely not the right word to describe this car. Aggressive, purposeful and rugged are much more appropriate.

But, the term that I believe most accurately captures the SRT's looks and personality is: "the winged goblin".

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

Dodge Caliber SRT4

Performance
- Acceleration: Traction control very obtrusive so it's best turned off - a bit of torque steer as the boost comes on, but the pull is relatively strong and steady
- Handling: Wants to push near the limit, but can be provoked into silliness with stability control defeated - missing the Neon-based SRT4's mechanical limited slip
- Braking: Can get wobbly at maximum attack, but the brakes are always there with little or no fade

Design
- Exterior: Has a certain brutal, aggressive, pitbull look to it that works... strangely - especially considering its origins
- Interior: Too boring, too gray and way too plasticky - but well built, practical and full of content

Utility
- Comfort: Excellent for four adults - not the best SRT seats though
- Space: Hatchback may not be pretty, but it sure is practical

Safety
- Dynamics: Understeer will conspire to keep you out of trouble... unless you defeat the ESP
- Technology: Electronic Stability Program and all the airbags you'll hope to never need

Value
- Price: Well priced, right in line with its competition
- Mileage: Buy the non-SRT version if you care - not great if you're hard on the throttle

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Trying to contain all that power going through the front tires can be fun - makes you grin
- Fun to spank: Fun, but would be more so if they gave us back the mechanical LSD from its predecessor

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Front-wheel drive
Engine: 2.4 liter, turbocharged inline 4
Power (SAE): 285 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque: 265 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3230 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.8 sec.
1/4 mile: 14.2 @ 104 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (drag limited)
Mileage: 18 city / 25 highway
Base Price: $25,220
Competitors: Honda Civic Si, Mazdaspeed3, Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V, Subaru WRX