Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Dodge Caliber Debuts With Upgraded Interior, More Powerful Base Engine

As expected, Dodge unveiled its updated 2010 Caliber at the Frankfurt Auto Show, with a redesigned interior, more powerful base engine and a new diesel engine for Europe. The car wasn’t getting much attention, however, as it was located in the same hall as all those other brands that fall under the Fiat umbrella. Even a Caliber SRT10 wouldn’t get much notice next to a Ferrari 458 Italia or Fiat’s models in school girl uniforms (see below).

Still, the new interior is a significant improvement over the previous design with plenty of quality materials including chromed HVAC vents and cluster rings as well as a chrome surround for the shift bezel and instrument panel. The door armrest and center console now also feature soft-touch material. Other features include a new automatic climate control system, a nine-speaker Boston Acoustics audio system, a Chill Zone storage bin for drinks,m LED lighting around the cup holders and reclining rear seatbacks.

For Europe a new 2.2-liter turbo-diesel makes 163hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque, a 16 percent increase in horsepower and a 3 percent increase in torque. This translates to a towing capacity that is improved by 25 percent to 3,300 lbs – significantly more than most entry-level crossovers.

In the U.S., Europe and elsewhere, the 2010 Caliber will come with either a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The top-level (now that the SRT4 model has been discontinued) 2.4-liter makes 170hp and 162 ft-lbs of torque. As for the 2.0-liter motor, it replaces the old 1.8-liter engine and makes 156hp and 140 ft-lbs of torque.