18 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 16, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Dodge Caliber is anything but a bore! By Richard Russell SPECIAL EVERYTHING Auto your guide to everything auto in Oakville INSIDE: Canadian Camero possible . . .Pg. 20 Ford confirms new Shelby GT and Lincoln MKS Sedan . . . . . .Pg. 21 Volvo launches limited edition Volvo Ocean Race models . . . .Pg. 22 DaimlerChrysler has been a player in the compact segment of the Canadian market for many years. The arrival of the 2007 Dodge Caliber is thus great news not only for Dodge dealers but consumers as well, since this newcomer is packed with features and value. The Caliber is a lot of vehicle at a very aggressive price. A 5-door with a coupe-like profile, it comes in everything from a wellequipped $15,995 entry-level front-wheeldrive model to a $23,995 all-wheel-drive loaded version. There are three different engines, two all-new transmissions and a wide variety of unique accessories and options. We drove an all-wheel-drive version in the ice and snow 8,300 feet above sea level and the next day flogged both front- and allwheel-drive versions through the streets of Phoenix, Arizona, and twisty roads in the surrounding desert. After all that seat time in more than a half-dozen Calibers, we're predicting this newcomer will not only be successful, but will shake up the entry-level segment. Built on an entirely new platform that will also serve as home for some upcoming Jeep and Mitsubishi models, the Caliber could be called a tall wagon or hatchback but more appropriately one of the new breed of CUVs (Crossover Utility Vehicle). Larger than the competition, it packs copious amounts of space between its bumpers. The height allows plenty of head and cargo room, more ground clearance than some SUVs and chair-height seating. Front and side-curtain airbags, plus a knee airbag are standard. Side thorax bags will be available in the fall. A lot of thought went into the interior. Innovations include an adjustable centre armrest with a flip-up slot for an MP3 player or cell phone and lighted cup holders. The cargo compartment floor is removable and washable. When equipped with air conditioning (optional on the base model) there is a "chill zone" incorporated between two gloveboxes to keep beverages cooled and a system to keep them from rolling around. The base audio systems come with a jack for an MP3 player. Audio upgrades include a $395 premium Boston Acoustics stereo with nine speakers, including a subwoofer and articulated speakers in the liftgate that swivel down and face rearward for tailgate parties and other occasions when you want to share your sounds with the world. The instrument panel is modern in appearance and highly legible. On some models the centre stack and seat inserts are coloured to match or contrast the exterior. The panels and pieces all fit well and appear a notch above the competition in terms of finish. The A-pillars are very large and thick, somewhat restricting forward vision. The big story about the interior is flexibility. The Caliber is truly accommodating. The rear seatbacks fold down and on all but the base model, the front passenger seatback does as well, accommodating 8-foot long objects with the hatch closed. There are cubbyholes and storage spots everywhere and a general sense that other cars missed EVERYTHIN the boat in a lot of ways. The Caliber also marks the first appearance of a whole new family of engines developed by an alliance between Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi. The thoroughly modern engines incorporate twin-cams, variable valve timing and a slew of high-tech features to ensure good fuel mileage and low emissions. They will be produced in plants in South Korea, Japan and Michigan. DaimlerChrysler says it has plans for the new engines in several more small and medium-size passenger vehicles. The Caliber SE and SXT are both available with a 148 hp, 1.8-litre engine paired with a new, slick-shifting, 5-speed manual transmission. Order an automatic in these models and you get a 2.0-litre, 158 hp version mated to an all-new Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and ABS as well. The top-line Caliber R/T comes with a 172 hp 2.4-litre engine, all-wheel-drive, CVT and ABS. Electronic Stability Control will be available later in the year. The whole idea behind the Caliber is affordable practicality. At a suggested retail starting price of $15,995 the Caliber SE is actually $410 less than the outgoing SX 2.0, yet it includes side-curtain airbags and a more powerful and refined engine. Move up to the $17,695 SXT, where Chrysler expects the majority of the action to be, and you add the fold flat front passenger seat, air conditioning, power windows, mirrors and locks, remote keyless entry, manual seat height adjuster and 17-inch wheels. The $23,995 R/T, in addition to the 2.4-litre engine, allwheel-drive and CVT, gets unique sport-suspension and steering tuning, as well as 18inch aluminum wheels and unique trim. The reasons consumers buy vehicles in this segment are cost of ownership and value. Aggressively priced and offering amazing utility, the Dodge Caliber fits a lot of needs. Oak-land Ford Lincoln Compare FORD FUSION CHALLENGE Camry FORDwith ToyotaAc O FUSION Honda U US IF WE CAN'T SELL YOU A FUSION... WE WILL PAY Y0U TO BUY AN IMPORT!* purchase of a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. Vehicle must be within 7 days, bill of sale and proof of ownership must be prov 570 TRAFALGAR ROAD, OAKVILLE · AT THE QEW · WWW.OAKLANDFORDLINCOLN.CA 1-866-398-4270