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The Dodge Caliber SRT4 is a fun ride that packs a solid punch, yet its tall roofline and hatchback design make it almost as useful as a compact SUV. That tall profile also means that ultimate handling is not as taut as with a small sedan.

The SRT4 gets it muscle from a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that produces 285 horsepower, whereas the standard version of this engine cranks out 172. Horsepower in huge dollops is almost always fun, but the SRT4 is more than just a straight-line screamer. A firm suspension and form-fitting seats also make it the most comfortable of all Calibers.

The SRT4 comes from Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology division, an in-house hot rod shop whose job is to pep up regular production models with sharper looks, better handling and stronger performance.

The Caliber SRT4 starts at $22,435, and the test car had a sticker price of $24,110. Considering that it can hit 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds, the Caliber SRT4 is a lot of performance for the money. Key competitors include the Mazdaspeed3 and Subaru WRX.

Dodge once referred to the Caliber as a “baby Magnum,” and the SRT4 fits that description aptly. It’s a front-wheel-drive compact sport-touring machine whose somewhat gaudy scoops and spoilers shout its performance intentions.

Because the SRT4 has such a linear power curve, it is most enjoyable when it is being driven at a leisurely pace. Turbocharging not only raises its outright power output, but it also enhances low-speed drivability, something that is not usual for turbocharged engines. Turn a corner in third gear and this engine will accelerate cleanly from slightly over 1,500 rpm all the way to redline with a steady thrust and very little hint of turbo lag.

All-wheel drive is available in the lesser Calibers, but the system is not available with the SRT4 because it can’t cope with the added power. All-wheel drive would be an ideal addition to the SRT4 because pumping 285 horsepower through the front wheels results in moderate torque steer under heavy throttle. Torque steer is when the front wheels fight for traction and pull from side to side. A Torsen limited-slip differential helps keep wheel spin under control.

The transmission is a six-speed manual whose shift linkage is tight, firm and direct.

The engine comes from a family of aluminum four-cylinder engines developed jointly by DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi.

The SRT4’s suspension has been tightened up to cope with the turbo’s added power, and 19-inch wheels provide a solid grip on the pavement as well as filling out the sizable fender flares. The ride can be choppy and harsh over rough pavement. The steering is direct, and body lean has been held in check for a vehicle that is so tall.

The Caliber’s tall roofline is similar to that of a compact SUV. The seats are high for good visibility, and getting in and out is easy. The SRT4’s front seats are deeply contoured to hold their occupants in place during spirited driving. I relished their support even on short trips to the hardware store. It’s too bad these seats aren’t available all across the model line.

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 holder for an MP3 player or cell phone is built into the top section of the center armrest.

The base Caliber has been thoughtfully conceived and executed, and it’s appealing because it’s versatile enough to accommodate active lifestyles and small enough to be easily maneuvered. There are cubbies throughout the cabin, and the back seats fold easily to create a flat load floor.

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.

Price The base price of the SRT4 is $22,435. Options on the test car included the sunburst pearl paint, MusicGate sound system, satellite radio and performance tires. The sticker price was $24,110.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles. Chrysler’s lifetime powertrain warranty is not available on SRT vehicles.