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THERE’S
a new vehicle in town that should appeal to buyers who
are looking for a sporty but fuel-efficient vehicle—the
2008 Dodge Caliber.
Chrysler
recently seized on the opportunity to introduce the
entry-level premium compact car during a gathering of
mediamen in its showroom on Pasong Tamo, Makati.
The
2.0-liter Dodge Caliber, the second vehicle from the
Chrysler Group to be introduced in the
Philippines
after the Dodge Durango, packs a lot of power and style
and is expected to be a hit in the market. Its
combination of bold styling, five-star safety ratings
and clever interior innovations will surely make many
heads turn as the Caliber zips on the local roads and
highways soon.
The
five-door SUV combines a sporty coupe-like profile “with
the strength, stance and functionality of a
sport-utility vehicle and its sheer surface treatment
commands attention and evokes attributes that define the
Dodge brand—bold, powerful, capable and street-smart.”
The
front has Dodge’s imprint on its signature crosshair
grille, which evokes a strong and muscular look.
Sculpted fender forms, broad shoulders and a distinctive
hood, coupled with large, crystal headlamps and
available fog lamps, give credence to its sporty
appearance. A black graphic design accent that runs the
length of the roof melds into an integrated rear
spoiler, creating a coupe-like visual quality while the
new and unique glass-to-body proportions give the 2008
Dodge Caliber a tough, protective presence and the
forward sweep of the tailgate further emphasizes its
sportiness.
Going to
the backside, the black roof spoiler with the integrated
center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) and large modular
crystal tail lamps fill the Caliber’s rear corners. The
rear lift-gate opens up the back for an easy access to
the interior. Particularly noticeable when you open the
tailgate are the speakers that swing down for tailgate
parties and other activities.
Quoted
at P1.575 million, the 2008 Dodge Caliber offers the
affordability and fuel-efficiency of a premium compact
car coupled with capability and versatility of an SUV.
With a
2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve dual-variable valve timing
engine under its hood, the Caliber is the first Chrysler
Group vehicle to offer the second-generation
Continuously Variable Transaxle for “pleasing engine
response and precise ratio control.” These technologies
are only found in more expensive vehicles but were
introduced for the first time in the Dodge Caliber.
Other
innovative interior features of the Caliber that are not
typically found on compact cars are available Chill Zone
cooled-beverage storage bin; 60:40 split fold-flat,
illuminated cup-holder rings, center armrest with hidden
cell phone/MP3 player holder; removable and chargeable
cargo flashlight; a powerful MusicGate Power;and
nine-speaker Boston Acoustics Premium sound system with
rear articulating speakers.
Just
before entering the local market, the Dodge Caliber had
earned the US government’s highest five-star frontal
crash rating for both the driver and front passenger
because of its solid, high-strength steel body and the
more than 25 advanced safety and security features that
included the standard advanced multi-staged driver and
front passenger air bags coupled with the standard
side-curtain air bags. Forty percent of its body
structure boasts of ultra high-strength and hot-stamped
steel that reduces weight and provides excellent impact
performance. |
