We say Bold styling features, good practicality and a decent diesel engine can't maks the Caliber's obvious shortcomings.Performance There are three engines available on the Caliber hatchback-cum-crossover including two petrol and one diesel unit sourced from Volkswagen. The most powerful engine in the line-up is the 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit that can clear 60mph in 10.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 125mph. The smaller 1.8-litre petrol clears 60mph in a more sedate 12.4 seconds feeling underpowered in the process. A 2.0-litre diesel engine completes the line-up and is surprisingly the quickest engine under the bonnet of the Caliber. It clears 60mph in 8.8 seconds.Emissions As well as being the fastest to 60mph, the 2.0-litre diesel engine is the most efficient in a range which is weak overall. The diesel unit returns 46mpg and emits 161g/km. It’s way ahead of the two petrol engines which emit 174g/km and 192g/km respectively. They’re poor compared to the majority of rival manufacturers and models in terms of efficiency and emissions but the diesel is the only logical choice.Driving The Caliber’s off-road styling is betrayed by the fact that it’s only available in two-wheel drive. That means that its ground clearance has no technology to support it and that impacts its drive and handling. There’s little poise around bends with plenty of bodyroll and vague steering.Feel The Caliber feels great on the motorway because of its soft suspension setup but as soon as bends, corners and turns are introduced, it begins to suffer. It’s a little too soft which means it bounces around after hitting bumps which can be a little disconcerting on long journeys, particularly on country roads.Space The off-road styling comes into its own on the Caliber with plenty of headroom for all passengers and good amounts of legroom, too. As a hatchback with crossover dimensions, the Caliber’s boot space is brilliant with 525-litres available.Equipment There are four trim levels available on the Caliber and at the bottom of the range equipment is sparse with electric windows and a CD player grabbing the headlines. Further up the range and equipment levels improve but still fall short of the majority of its mainstream competitors. Top-end models gain leather upholstery, cruise control and 18-inch alloy wheels.Price Prices for petrol versions of the Caliber start from £12,495 while diesel models are more expensive at £14,995.Quality The Caliber comes with a poor quality interior which is flooded with cheap plastics and materials that feel poorly put together and flimsy. Despite a flash of red around the centre console, the interior is dominated by a grey colour scheme and looks drab and dreary as a result.Safety Electronic stability control (ESC) comes as standard on all Calibers, as does an extensive airbag line-up including full length side curtains. Unfortunately it also achieved a less than adequate four-star safety rating from Euro NCAP when the norm is a five-star score.Pros The diesel engine – taken from Volkswagen – is one of the few redeeming features for the Caliber, offering decent performance figures and good emissions and fuel economy statistics. Its looks and boot space should also appeal to buyers seeking something dCons The interior is particularly drab on the Caliber and it’s finished to a low quality. The petrol engines are disappointing while handling is also poor.Alternatives Vauxhall Astra, Nissan Qashqai
