Dodge Caliber SRT4: Quick Test

Dodge's new Caliber SRT4 extends the turbocharged, front-wheel drive performance-car legacy established by the 1980s econo-terror Dodge Omni GLH and championed most recently by the Dodge Neon-based SRT4.

The torch has now been passed to the Caliber SRT4, an aggressive pit bull of an entry level performance car based on Dodge's homely, pseudo-crossover Caliber.

This is the fun-loving kid brother in the SRT family as its healthy exhaust note, whistling turbocharger and "Performance Pages" onboard speed and time-recording gizmo all invite you to extract all you can from it at all times.

The Caliber SRT4's 2.4-liter turbocharged four boasts an additional 55 hp -from 230 in its Neon-based predecessor to 285 - and though the new car is 250 pounds heavier, it meets or beats the old car's numbers in most categories.

To counter the inevitable torque steer which dogs all big-horsepower front-wheel-drivers, Dodge engineers matched clever geometry with some advanced componentry, including a tire-slip-controlling brake-lock differential and unequal length halfshafts.

It all works well enough but, truth be told, a mechanical limited slip diff would have worked better.

On the plus side, big brakes borrowed from the much heavier Magnum (in order to prevent overheating from the effects of the brake-lock diff) do a great job of slowing the car down over and over without drama.

Also a plus is the way many of the old Neon-based sedan's interior shortcomings have been overcome: The Caliber SRT4's interior is a huge improvement. Back-seat room is expansive, seats are well-bolstered and carbon-fiber-looking upholstery material borrowed from the Viper provides a sporty feel.

Neither the acres of hard plastic nor the cheap switches mask the fact that the build quality is really solid - without rattles or squeaks, all credit the attention paid to vibration control and harshness levels, and, of course, the base Caliber's platform which is miles ahead of the old Neon's.

You could say the base Caliber's styling is "polarizing," but that would suggest some people actually like it. It's no secret the basis for this car is not much to look at, and the stylists responsible for its transformation into the muscular, aggressive SRT4 model deserve applause.

Indeed, the Caliber SRT4 is about as subtle as a mallet to the temple:

An angular hood with functional air intake; crosshair grille proudly showing off the big intercooler; bulky air dam; roof-extending spoiler; and big, 19-inch wheels combine to spell "blatantly aggressive."

Dodge's Caliber SRT4 brings to the table a unique blend of extroverted styling, tons of content and great pricing, all mixed in with the raw-natured performance personality that has become part and parcel of any car wearing the SRT badge.

It's a compelling American-made alternative to a segment dominated by imports. And, for those who prefer value pricing and boisterous behavior to subtle refinement, the $25 grand Caliber SRT4 presents a very appealing option.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
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