Dodge unveiled a new compact hatch in Detroit called the Caliber that will replace the outgoing Neon as the brand's global car. As per previous small car offerings Dodge has given the Caliber a very clear identity with individualistic styling. The trademark bold grille announces that the car is very much a Dodge whilst the two-box design allows adventurous styling to be combined with five doors, and a spacious and practical interior. The strong coupe profile is very much in line with many manufacturers' sport hatch type designs with an arcing roof line and a waistline that rises up to meet the rear hatch, reducing the glass area and exaggerating the coupe lines.
The SUV-meets-coupe crossover styling gives the car a youth appeal missing in the Neon and sees it as something of a lifestyle niche car in the hatchback mass market. Dodge lists first time car buyers as the main targets for the Caliber, along with parents buying cars for their children. Dodge intends the car to be a strong seller with pricing actually below that of the car that it is replacing and the car's global aspirations are reinforced by the fact the company announced the Caliber will be built in both left and right hand drive and have a full line up of diesel and petrol engines - a must for the European market. The Caliber hits the US showroom floors very soon, with a global sales roll out following throughout the rest of this year.
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