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SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — “When the industry goes right, we go left,” said Larry Lyons as he described Dodge’s approach with its new small car, the Caliber. Lyons, vice president of Chrysler’s small vehicle team, made that comment while introducing auto writers to the Dodge Caliber.

The Caliber is Dodge’s replacement for the Neon, and its silhouette is part SUV, part station wagon and part baby Magnum. Dodge calls it a sport tourer. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

Power comes from a family of aluminum four-cylinder engines developed jointly by DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi. A diesel will be used in overseas markets. The Chrysler Group’s skill at successfully hitting niches is exemplified by the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum and Dodge Charger. The soon-to-be-available Jeep Compass will share the Caliber’s profile and powertrains.

Caliber is available in SE, SXT and R/T models, with three engines from which to choose: a 1.8-liter with 148 horsepower, a 2.0-liter with 158 horsepower and a 2.4-liter with 172 horses. All have variable valve timing, four valves per cylinder and chain-driven overhead camshafts. Balance shafts smooth vibrations.

The smaller engine is offered with a five-speed manual transmission, while the larger two come with a continuously variable transmission.

Prices start at $13,985 for the SE, $15,985 for the SXT and $19,985 for the all-wheel-drive R/T.

A 300-horsepower, high-performance SRT4 version will be offered in the future. I spent equal time driving an SXT and an R/T. Both were equipped with the CVT automatic transmission.

The CVT softens off-the-mark acceleration, but it drives and feels much like a regular automatic transmission because of the way Dodge engineers have programmed it. In AutoStick mode, the CVT shifts like a six-speed. This function was especially useful when winding up and down twisty two-lane roads in the mountains surrounding Phoenix.

The ride is firm, and the R/T exhibited a touch of harshness over sharp bumps, due in part to the 18-inch wheels.

The Caliber has a tall roofline similar to that of a compact SUV. The seats are comfortable and easy to get into. The instrument panel has light-faced gauges and brushed-silver or body-color panels on the center stack. The gearshift is mounted on the lower section of the instrument panel. The center armrest has a holder for an iPod or cell phone built into the top section.

Young buyers like affordably priced cars such as the Caliber because they’re flexible enough to accommodate active lifestyles and small enough to be easily maneuvered. The all-wheel-drive option makes the Caliber a good choice for winter climates or outdoor adventure seekers who aren’t afraid to tackle rough gravel or dirt roads.

The Caliber can be specified with handy options, such as the Chill Zone section of the glove box that keeps water bottles cold when the air conditioning is on and Music Gate, a pair of tailgate speakers that pivot downward to provide music for tailgating. The Music

Gate speakers are part of the enhanced audio package, so they improve the sound inside the car when the tailgate is closed.

The Caliber has been thoughtfully conceived and executed. There are cubbies throughout the cabin and the back seats fold easily to create a flat load floor.

The coupelike roofline means the cargo area is not as tall as in some compact SUVs, and that restricts what fits inside.

Once regular production cars are available, I’ll have a weeklong test drive. For now, it looks as if Dodge has been successful at building a car that will be way more popular than the Neon.

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Price Prices start at $13,985 for the SE, $15,985 for the SXT and $19,985 for the R/T. Dodge expects the SXT to be the highest-volume model. A loaded R/T tops out around $23,000. No prices or availability have been announced for the SRT4.

Warranty: Three years or 36,000 miles.

Engine: 1.8-liter, 148-hp 4-cyl. 2.0-liter, 158-hp 4-cyl. 2.4-liter, 172-hp 4-cyl.

Transmission: CVT Front-wheel or all-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 103.7 inches

Curb weight: 2,966 lbs.

Base price: $13,985 SE $15,985 SXT $19,985 R/T

Mpg rating: 26 city, 30 hwy. SXT

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Tom Strongman’s e-mail address is tstrongman@kc.rr.com.