2010 Dodge Caliber gets new more efficient diesel, for Europe only
2010 Dodge Caliber interior - Click above for a high-res image gallery
The 2010 Dodge Caliber is finally getting the new interior that it should have had at launch. Unfortunately for American car buyers, this is the only significant change to the Caliber for the new model year. Mechanically, we are still stuck with the decidedly unrefined World engines which always seem to be short on both power and efficiency. That and they often sound more like an old diesel engine than modern diesels do.
European buyers, on the other hand ,will again be able to get the real thing. The Caliber, like most other Chryslers, is available overseas with a diesel engine and the newmodel gets a freshened motor too. The 2.2-liter four cylinder puts out 163 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque which should be ample for the Caliber. More importantly, it's rated at 40.6 mpg (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle. Yes, it's a different cycle than the EPA, but it should still have real world numbers in the mid- to upper-30s. The EPA rates the 2010 Caliber at just 26 mpg combined. Please Fiat, just let us have one modern, affordable diesel to try.
Gallery: 2010 Dodge Caliber
[Source: Chrysler]
press release
New Dodge Caliber - Bold Five-door Hatchback With All-new Interior and Refined Diesel Engine for International Markets
* All-new 2.2-liter Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine delivers 16 percent more power and 3 percent more torque, while reducing fuel consumption by 5 percent and CO2 emissions by 3 percent
* All-new interior design features a cleaner, more refined design theme, highlighted by detailed chromed accents, soft-touch premium materials and additional storage spaces
* Sport Appearance package includes new 18-inch polished aluminum wheels
* Versatile interior featuring innovative Uconnect™ Navigation, MusicGate Power™ articulating liftgate speakers and Chill Zone™ cooled-beverage storage bin
Auburn Hills, Mich., Sep 1, 2009 - Dodge Caliber is a five-door C-segment hatchback that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV. It features an all-new refined interior and Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine to satisfy the needs of discerning international customers.
This all-new Euro V capable engine is paired to a six-speed manual transmission and produces 120 kW (163 hp DIN) and 320 N•m (236 lb.-ft.), delivering 16 percent more power, 3 percent more torque and 25 percent more towing capability (1500 kg) compared with the previous diesel engine. Forged steel connecting rods, aluminum head and pistons, and fourth-generation direct-injection system provide durability, weight reduction and performance. Passenger refinement also improves as dual balance shafts and sound-deadening materials reduce the diesel engine's vibration and harshness by 25 percent compared with the previous Dodge Caliber CRD.
Two World Engine offerings (2.0- and 2.4-liter) 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-liter World Engine replaces the 1.8-liter engine, delivering 4 percent more power (115 kW /156 hp DIN) and 13 percent more torque (190 N•m / 140 lb.-ft.). For even greater performance, the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 125 kW (170 hp DIN) and 220 N•m (162 lb.-ft.) of torque.
The new Dodge Caliber debuts at the 2009 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, featuring an all-new refined interior with a more harmonious design aesthetic executed with premium materials and craftsmanship. An all-new designed instrument panel features a more integrated look and includes additional cubby space, center storage bin and larger climate controls. Bright satin silver accents add contrast to Dodge Caliber's interior design, while chromed accents brighten heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) vents, shift bezel, door handles and cluster rings. New door-trim panels and center console with armrest split-lid feature padded soft-touch materials for improved passenger comfort.
In addition, the Dodge Caliber offers an array of unique interior features in its segment, including Chill Zone™ cooled-beverage storage bin, Uconnect™ Navigation with voice commands, iPod® Control, rechargeable LED flashlight and an available MusicGate Power™ Sound Group, which includes two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate that swing down for tailgating and other activities.
"The Dodge Caliber is not your typical C-segment car. When we launched the Dodge Caliber only a few years ago, its bold style made a clear statement on the European roads, allowing owners to be active, stand out and do more," said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer - Dodge Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. "Now paired with an all-new turbo-diesel engine that offers better fuel consumption and performance and an improved interior full of value and customer-friendly features, the Dodge Caliber continues to offer our European clients unique Dodge attitude combined with one of the best value proposition in the segment."
The Dodge Caliber was the top-selling Chrysler Group LLC vehicle outside North America in 2008.
DODGE CALIBER AT A GLANCE
High value, bold styling in an efficient two-box design
* Dodge Caliber delivers high value, bold styling, comfort and the storage flexibility needed for active lifestyles
* All-new interior design offers versatility, comfort and convenience
* New organically-shaped instrument panel, door-trim panels and center console features chromed accents on HVAC vents, shift bezel, instrument panel, door spears and cluster rings
* Soft-touch padded door armrest and center console with split lid provide added storage space
* New automatic climate control system
* MusicGate Power™ Sound System includes a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics premium sound system with rear articulating speakers
* Chill Zone storage bin provides ability to chill beverages on a long trip
* LED illumination includes cup holder rings and removable and rechargeable LED cargo light
* Versatile seating provides quick and convenient cargo space with fold-flat, front-passenger seat and 60/40 split, fold-flat rear seats
* Reclining seatbacks provide additional rear seat comfort
All-new 2.2-liter Common-rail Diesel (CRD) engine offers greater refinement, more power and capability
* New 2.2-liter CRD engine features 16 percent more power (120 kW / 163 hp DIN) and 5 percent improvement in fuel consumption (5.8 L/100 km compared to 6.1 L/100 km)
* Improvement in CO2 emissions by 3 percent (154 g/km compared to 159 g/km)
* Towing increased by 25 percent allows for trailer mass as great as 1500kg (braked)
* Torque improvement by 3 percent (320 N•m / 236 lb.-ft.) compared to the previous generation Dodge Caliber diesel
* Dual balance shafts, optimized diesel calibration and sound-deadening materials reduce diesel vibration and improve refinement by 25 percent
* Forged steel connecting rods, aluminum head and pistons provide durability and reduction in weight
* Euro 5 emission compliance through advanced diesel technology:
o Cooled Exhaust-gas Recirculation (EGR) with switchable bypass
o Fourth-generation direct injection with common-rail pressurized at 1800 bar
o Intake module with integrated swirl control valves
o Water pump and piston cooling are switchable for improved thermal management
o Diesel-particulate Filter (DPF)
Innovative technology
* Uconnect™ Navigation
* Uconnect Multimedia
* Uconnect Phone
* iPod® Control
* MusicGate Power™ with nine Boston Acoustics speakers includes subwoofer and two articulating speakers
* Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)
C-segment size, versatility and flexibility of larger vehicles
* Dodge Caliber appeals to buyers looking for a C-segment hatchback that stands out from the crowd and gives them the flexibility to do more in terms of seating friends and storing gear
* Dodge Caliber is a five-door vehicle that combines a sporty coupe-like profile with the strength, stance and functionality of an SUV
* The Dodge Caliber's unconventional two-box design provides space-efficient packaging with great proportions, while offering high value
* Dodge Caliber's high H-point gives drivers a command-of-the-road seating position
Safety and security features include:
* Seat-mounted (thorax) side air bags
* First- and second-row side-curtain air bags
* Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
* Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Brake Assist and all-speed traction control
* Driver and front-passenger active head restraints
* Uconnect Phone
* Uconnect Navigation with voice commands
* Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Kumar 4:41PM (9/01/2009)
Chrysler needs to put the diesel in this for the 2010 model year for the US. It will be a good transition car to the Fiats when they arrive down the road, and provide the only US diesel competition to VW, as there really aren't any other low cost alternatives out there.
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Tim 4:52PM (9/01/2009)
Can't get fuel efficient diesels in the US. The US Progressive-Marxists think they stink.
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Mark Kiernan 6:32AM (9/02/2009)
HA that was the funniest statement I heard all day. Texas must be full of Marxists
Throwback 5:30PM (9/01/2009)
That diesel should be available in the Wrangler and Liberty.
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GoodCheer 6:21PM (9/01/2009)
Sam, I just want to say 'Thank you' for mentioning that it is a different testing cycle. It's an important point that is all too often left out of discussions about European fuel economy.
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Sumeet G 9:54PM (9/01/2009)
Why does USA gets bypassed when it comes to Diesel engines ?? Well when liberals demonize certain aspects of technologies, and sectors of economy, there is lot more than just automotive technology that will bypass USA. The fact that in USA, it is almost impossible to get environmental and regulatory permits to build factories, power plants, oil platforms, chip foundries, circuit board fabrication etc etc. Why would businesses launch a product like a Diesel car in USA, that they will be demonized about.
Onerous state and federal regulations have ripped the heart out of American innovation and moved the center of innovation to the Far East. Computers, electronics, automobiles, software, manufacturing, shipping and lot more is now dominated by other countries. Who is to say 20 years from now liberals may try to sue the car companies for knowingly promoting cancer by introducing diesel cars.
Liberals cannot wait to put us in the stone age asap, we have a better chance of seeing horse carts on our streets, than a modern diesel....good luck!
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Mark Kiernan 6:41AM (9/02/2009)
So the congress and senate and White House was run by liberals for all time until 2008? Diesel cars have not been used in the US because the general public don't like them, they are considered slow and lack performance. The US has had a history of cheap oil, so having efficiency autos has never been a priority.
Consider that here in Italy we are currently paying $6 a gallon for diesel and $6.80 for Gas, you don't see many SUVs with 6L V8 engines.
To blame everything on liberals is typical of the Fox News viewer. Do yourself a favor and dump the TV it is rotting your mind.
Sumeet G 9:26AM (9/02/2009)
Well Mark,
Liberals do not have to be in power to affect negative change in our economy and society. Your shill response to my post is a perfect example of how libs negatively stifle free speech, thought and innovation. Fact that you gratuitously attacked me personally reflects on your rotten upbringing and soul. I do forgive you as you really do not know what you are talking about.
Bill 3:14PM (9/02/2009)
You can't get diesels here because of the unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats on sitting on the CARB.
Mark Kiernan 3:57PM (9/02/2009)
I am a conservative for what it is worth but if you think that liberals have been covertly destroying the world until now you have bigger problems than what you think I am.
Swede 10:24AM (9/02/2009)
I still question the sanity of anyone who buys this.
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G.Bearman 1:35PM (9/08/2009)
For the UK we need a more economical greener petrol engine Gas prices are twice the US price..The current door pockets are much too small, Suspension needs to be more compliant over small bumps. The A pillars restrict vision. Tyre roar needs to be reduced. Glad to learn that the plastic will be soft touch.
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