DODGE CALIBER

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

  It's reasonably economical, CO2 figures aren't disgraceful so in theory running costs should be OK. But then it'll also shed money like a snake on a permanent moult cycle, so overall running costs will be dreadful.