Inspired by the Volkswagen Golf, this chunky hatchback has an unmistakeably American machismo about it, which some may find a little brash, comical or off-putting. It looks more like an SUV than a hatchback at first sight. This reviewer happens to rather like its appearance, however; if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, perhaps quirkily appealing retro-eccentricity is, too.

Whilst it clearly doesn’t like cornering above modest speeds, it does offer a very cushioned and comfortable general ride. One can’t help noticing, however, the somewhat feeble suspension. Combined with the front-wheel drive design, the score for handling doesn’t really get out of the mediocre range. With that said, despite its slightly lumbering appearance, the 2.0 litre diesel reaches 60 mph from stationary in a creditable 8.8 seconds.

For a solid-looking, larger than average hatchback, the Caliber is a tad disappointing vis-à-vis the amount of space it delivers; whilst not cramped, you expect more than you actually get when you clamber inside. The boot space, though, is exceptionally generous. The car also is more fuel efficient than it looks, and its CO2 emissions are by no means unrespectable.

Passers-by will notice it as you drive along, but you may not be altogether sure that you’re always attracting looks of admiration. As American-spec cars go, however, it isn’t bad, even though it would be exaggerating to claim it as taughtly engineered beauty.