Frankfurt Motor Show 2005 - Dodge

What's the star of the stand?
The Dodge Caliber takes a step closer to reality, as the engine line-up for the Focus-rivalling hatchback is announced. Dodge is very happy that the diesel version includes the 132bhp 2.0-litre TDI Volkswagen engine (found in the Golf). The petrol options come in the form of a 138bhp 1.8-litre, a 148bhp 2.0-litre and a 168bhp 2.4 litre engine.

The Caliber will be launched next year and, despite its small MPV looks, it will be one of the largest cars in the small family car sector. Dodge is quick to point out that the car here is a concept but, with the exception of the interior, we think it’s a pretty good idea of how the final car will look when it arrives next July.

They say?
'We know we have to offer a well designed, well equipped car at an attractive price if we are to compete in this market.'

We say?
It's going to have to be good to compete with the best from the likes of Ford, VW and Vauxhall.

Anything else?
The Nitro SUV concept car is on the stand, after being displayed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Dodge is staying tight-lipped about whether this car will make it into production but, as the company has a business plan that calls for an SUV to go on sale by the end of 2007, it looks like it could be the car.

Any gossip?
The secretive D-sector vehicle still has no name and no details are being given, but word is that it could make an appearance as a concept car at the Detroit Motor Show in January alongside the production version of the Caliber.