In standard trim, the mild-mannered Chevrolet HHR and Dodge Caliber aren’t the most assertive vehicles on the road. Yet, add a turbocharger to one and slather the other with some attitude, and you get a pair of rides that prove you don’t have to drive large to save face -- or put a smile on it.
Ever since the Caliber replaced the Neon for the 2007 model year, we’ve been waiting for Dodge to adequately replace the only Neon that was ever worth driving -- the SRT4. It was about as refined as Steve-O, but it was also just as much fun. After what seems like eons, we finally have our wish in 2008. Initial rumors of 300 horsepower proved false, but 285 out of the box isn’t bad.
With a one-year jump on the Caliber, but a half-decade lag behind the PT Cruiser, Chevrolet’s HHR was quickly brushed off by many as too little, too late. Fans of the bowtie (perhaps meaning both Chevy and the clothing accessory) weren’t dissuaded and sales of the little retro wagon surprised more than a few. To keep buyers interested, there’s now an SS model with 260 horses for ‘08.
Which new turbo crossover is king? We’ll evaluate each based on several fixed and numerically weighted criteria. Read on to learn which comes closer to a perfect 100-point score in this challenge.
Dodge Caliber SRT4
MSRP (base): $22,995Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged I4
Horsepower: 285 hp @ 6,400 rpm
Torque: 265 lb-ft @ 5,600 rpm
MPG: City : 20; Highway: 25 (estimated)
Performance - 13/20
Since the Omni GLH of the 1980s, Dodge has been doling out small-car special editions with hyper four-cylinders. If you could wrestle the torque steer enough and follow a reasonably straight path under heavy throttle, it was serious fun. Today’s Dodge Caliber SRT4 wants to wander, but not as strongly. Launching front-wheel drive turbos to their full potential is an acquired skill, but do it right and you’ll send this six-speed Getrag manual Dodge Caliber SRT4 to 60 mph in about 6.0 seconds. Find enough room to run, and you’ll top out around 155 mph. As you’d expect, brakes are bigger and the suspension’s stiffer than the standard model, and the stability and traction control systems allow some latitude for fun. But in the end, performance feel is a little dull and uneven; you can tell the Caliber SRT4 began life as a much humbler car.
Exterior design - 15/20
Dodge did a nice job with the Caliber out of the box, and the SRT4 announces just enough aggression without being pretentious. Riding on 19-inch wheels and low-profile tires (all-seasons are standard, but performance tread is only $50 more), the look is completed with tasteful effects and a functional hood scoop.
Interior design - 5/10
It’s not bad, but that’s about all we can say. Though the SRT logo is clearly visible on the well-bolstered seats, there’s not much else to carry over the performance model look from the exterior. Two cool exceptions: the boost gauge, mounted on the left edge of the dash and the optional display that monitors your acceleration times, braking distances, g-force, and more.
Sound system/goodies - 5/10
Potential buyers might be inclined to replace their factory audio with a custom setup, but they should at least have a listen to the optional package first. Replacing the standard four-speaker stereo/CD configuration is a 13-speaker system from Kicker with a 322-Watt amp and 200-Watt subwoofer. The optional sound system also comes equipped with DVD-based GPS navigation, a six-CD changer, an MP3 player, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and UConnect hands-free communication.
Bang for the buck - 15/20
Great looks, good scoot and decent room; the SRT designation commands a premium that’s mostly worth it. Performance isn’t world-class or razor-sharp, but it’s ample for what you’re paying.
Driving experience - 14/20
The Dodge Caliber SRT4’s road manners keep the vehicle from being a slam dunk. Sure, it’s powerful, but it doesn’t feel like the rest of the car evolved with the engine upgrade. Compared to the Neon-based SRT4 of old, the Caliber SRT4 is more mature. Unfortunately, that also translates to less fun.
Overall score - 67/100
After much anticipation, the SRT4 edition gives the Dodge Caliber good power to back up its great looks.
Chevrolet HHR SS Turbocharged
MSRP: $25,000 (estimated)Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4
Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm
MPG: City: 22; Highway: 27 (estimated)
Performance - 15/20
Seeing Chevy fine-tune the five-speed manual, 260-horsepower HHR SS on the Nürburgring must have puzzled a few Germans, but the results proved to be time well spent. The dash from 0 to 60 mph is accomplished in about 6.3 seconds with a top speed at around 155 mph. This is courtesy of the 2.0-liter turbo that’s also found in the Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line. It also renews our gripe that a six-speed is conspicuously absent. That’s not the worst news; if you go for the four-cog automatic, you’re dealt a horsepower penalty and your SS is detuned to 235 horses. Just as the bone-stock HHR is surprisingly good in its handling, the SS is even better. Some of the fine-tuning obviously went into controlling torque steer, which isn’t obnoxious. Suspension and brakes are naturally upgraded, and the SS is held up by 18-inchers at all four corners. Still, we wanna row through six gears, not five.
Exterior design - 12/20
There’s no confusing the SS with lesser HHRs, given the bigger wheels, squat profile and blacked-out grille. Only thing is, we’re not sure the look will age well. In many eyes, it looks good today, but in a few years it’ll likely suffer the same fall from grace that the PT Cruiser experienced.
Interior design - 6/10
Lest you forget the HHR SS’s intentions, the interior boldly reminds you. It’s a pleasant surprise, because too many of GM’s interiors suffer from a drab, plastic-like, monotone presentation. The Chevrolet HHR SS Turbocharged isn’t a Bentley, but it offers reasonably bolstered two-tone seats and trim to complement its nice presentation. Like the Dodge Caliber SRT4, the Chevrolet HHR SS Turbocharged also has a boost gauge, which is mounted on the driver’s A-pillar.
Sound system/goodies - 5/10
Fitting the theme, the sound system isn’t afraid to make itself known. Chevy’s acutely aware that their HHR SS Turbocharged buyers will be keen to a few decibels, so a seven-speaker Pioneer stereo/CD system is offered with a 260-Watt amp and subwoofer. As with most modern vehicles, there’s a CD/MP3 player, an iPod jack and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel. The Chevrolet HHR SS Turbocharged also features a Driver Information Center that has a trip calculator, door-lock functions, Remote Keyless Entry preferences, and an Oil-Life Monitor.
Bang for the buck - 16/20
You’re buying more than a long name when you select the Chevrolet HHR SS Turbocharged; you’re getting a degree of utility and a lot of silly fun, even if it isn’t totally refined. However, it’s probably understood by all that this was not built with refinement in mind.
Driving experience - 15/20
This buzzy little retro cruiser begs to be thrown around and has surprisingly well-sorted performance. Only on long highway runs, however, will you begin to wish for less buzz and more hum.
Overall score - 69/100
If you need a car with room, hate to give up performance and really don’t like to blend in with the crowd, you belong in the Chevrolet HHR SS Turbocharged.
and the winner is…
As you can see from the final scores, this was a tough call. We imagine the Dodge Caliber SRT4’s design will age more gracefully, but on the other hand, the Chevrolet HHR SS Turbocharged is more fun to drive right now. We never were much for delayed gratification, so Chevy wins this round.
Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.caranddriver.com/
http://www.chevrolet.com/
www.drivesrt.com
www-5.dodge.com
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