Dodge Caliber

Our verdict

The Dodge Caliber offers the (pig ugly) looks of an SUV in the form of a poorly packaged hatchback. What’s not to like? Bearing in mind this is America’s attempt at the VW Golf, full marks must be awarded for sheer optimism.

Comfort

Soaks up the bumps, you have to give it that, but at the expense of any composure in quicker corners it's a bridge too far.

Performance

The 2.0-litre diesel is relatively lively, managing to find 60mph in a respectable 8.8 seconds. It's another VW unit though, so we can't give Dodge any credit for that.

Cool

There aren't really words to describe how far removed from cool the Caliber is. Anyone who buys one deserves public ridicule. And will surely get it.

Quality

Not as bad as any number of its shabbily assembled countrymen, primarily because Dodge has gone for ‘chunky' switchgear that is inherently hard to break. You'll manage eventually though.

Handling

In a market bursting at the seams with agile, sprightly offerings like the Focus and Golf, the Caliber is nothing short of laughable. Wallowing US-spec suspension and unsophisticated front-wheel drive make for a disastrous combination.

Practicality

There's a big boot here, but there ought to be; the Caliber is quite a bit larger than your average hatch, and for all that it doesn't feel particularly large inside.

Running costs