But before dismissing the Caliber as another off-the-mark American car, there is still a light at the end of the tunnel: creature features.  You have to give credit to the folks at Dodge for coming up with the most imaginative ways to lengthen its standard features list.  Aside from the aforementioned integrated iPod holder, the Caliber has Chill Zone—a refrigerated glove box that holds up to four 500-ml drinks, a front passenger seat that folds forward increasing the already large cargo space, a power moon roof and MusicGate Power—a premium 9-speaker Boston Acoustics system complete with subwoofer and a folding set of rear-most speakers (for tailgate parties).  Perhaps the only gripe is the lack of an aux jack making the iPod holder and the kick-ass audio system almost obsolete by today’s automotive standards.

Where it counts though, the Caliber feels pretty modern.  The all-around independent suspension strikes the balance between sport and comfort.  The Caliber rides the bumps with poise.  Despite its tall height, the Caliber takes to corners very well with minimal understeer.  ESP or Electronic Stability Program is standard, an assurance that when things to get a bit too hairy, the Caliber can reel you back in.  And on the subject of safety, the Caliber trumps the competition with 7 airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), tire pressure sensors as well as ABS with EBD.

Like its platform, the Caliber also a state-of-the-art engine.  Integrating variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust, the four cylinder engine pushes out 158 horsepower and 191 Nm of torque—healthy figures considering the modest 2.0-liter displacement.  CVT or Continuously Variable Transmission is the only gearbox available, and it doesn’t disappoint.  The Caliber doesn’t feel sluggish at all: it can accelerate fairy quickly and still manage to return around 10 km/L, not bad considering its hefty 1,378 kilogram curb weight.

Lets face it, though you’d certainly be tempted by the Caliber’s list of features, what makes the Dodge Caliber stand out is its unique packaging and sophisticated drivetrain.  Unfortunately, being well-engineered comes at a great cost: 1.575 million pesos.  At such a high price, any buyer begins to get picky.  And this is where the Caliber’s shortcomings start to show.  It’s a shame really.  The Dodge Caliber has the right foundations for being a truly likeable vehicle, but the needless frills rob it of some showroom shine.

Nice attempt...but shame about the quality! Everything is covered in hard plastic. Even a Korean car will shame the Caliber.

Remember these...they may snap off at any given time.