"The 2007 Dodge Caliber interior is unique with sophisticated and contemporary appointments," added Creed. "When we enhanced it with SRT

Dodge didn't include any interior photos of the SRT4 at launch, but expect its gauge package to be similar to the regular Caliber's. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

cues, we followed design themes that had been successful with the previous Dodge SRT4, including the graphic design of the instruments, separate boost gauge, and silver finish on the center stack and interior trim.

Interestingly, the SRT4 can't be had with the more basic models' optional 450-watt audio system, although the available SRT/Kicker high-performance system, which includes 13 speakers in seven locations throughout the car, seems up to the task of drowning out any highway drone the throaty exhaust system may conjure up. Incidentally, a standard AM/FM radio with a multi-disc CD changer comes standard - not bad at all. The SRT4 also gets the UConnect (Bluetooth) hands free communications system, plus SIRIUS satellite radio.

While

Again, Dodge didn't include photos of the SRT4's interior, but its seats should be at least as supportive as the racing-style buckets in the Neon-based SRT-4, shown here. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

the interior can be had in Dark/Light Slate Gray, a total of four exterior colours can be had, starting with Brilliant Black, and then followed closely by Sunburst Orange, Bright Silver and Inferno Red.

No matter the colour, the new SRT4 should provide one of the best values for the dollar available, although prices have yet to be announced.

"The all-new 2007 Dodge Caliber SRT4 achieves the SRT mission of offering benchmark performance for the best price," said marketing man Murphy.  "With 300 horsepower under the hood, the Dodge Caliber SRT4 will dominate the sport-compact market."

And the original SRT-4 didn't do all that badly, with some 25,000 plus cars sold

The new Caliber SRT4 will clean up well against the ultra-hot import tuner crowd. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler Canada)

in only two full years of availability. This might be a good time to point out that the current SRT-4 is available with a host of MOPAR performance accessories to take it from fabulously fun to outrageously silly, pumping up horsepower way beyond even the new model. Don't put it past MOPAR to do much the same with the new Caliber SRT4, and remember that with this "aftermarket" tuning brand, the warranty remains untouched despite the modifications, as long as a dealer does the installation - the most obvious reason to deal with an OEM parts supplier. The added power, suspension upgrades and other mods come cheap too, relatively speaking.

But even in stock trim I think the new Caliber SRT4 will clean up well against the ultra-hot import tuner crowd. It's a car with no immediate rival, thanks to an expected low sticker price, and the added functionality of a liftback configuration opens up to an extremely accommodating cargo area; making it the practical powerhouse needed by youngish dads not willing to go quietly into wagon-life. Look for a road test of this car as soon as it's available.

Preliminary Specifications (SRT4):

• Base Price (estimated MSRP): $28,000
• Body Type: 5-door CUW (crossover utility wagon)
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 300-hp, 260 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, I-4 with VVT
• Redline: 6,500 rpm
• Transmission: 6-spd manual
• Curb Weight: 1,447 kilos (3,189 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (rear seats up/rear seats folded): 523 / 1,359 L (18.5 / 48.0 cu-ft)
• Dimensions (Length/Width/Height/Wheelbase): 4,414 / 1,747 / 1,520 / 2,635 mm (173.8 / 68.8 / 59.8 / 103.7 in)
• Track (frt/rr): 1,520 / 1,520 mm (59.8 / 59.8 in)
• Ground Clearance: 178 mm (7.0 in)
• Tires: P255/45ZR19 Goodyear W-rated
• Fuel Economy (estimated): 10.7 / 8.4 L/100 km (22 / 28 mpg)
• Fuel Type: premium (93 octane recommended)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive - 60 / 100,000 powertrain
  
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Chrysler PT Cruiser GT, Honda Civic Si, Mazdaspeed3, Mitsubishi EVO IX, Pontiac Vibe GT, Subaru Impreza WRX STi / WRX Wagon, Toyota Matrix GTS, Volkswagen GTI 
• Web Site: www.dodge.ca