Now going into showrooms around New Zealand, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio offers more unique motoring experiences for those who want to be different.
“It’s not only different, it’s also very special,” says Brett Aspden, General Manager of Chrysler Group New Zealand.
“The PT Cruiser Cabrio is a very exclusive car because there are so few true four-seater convertibles available in our market.”
The PT Cruiser Cabrio arrives in New Zealand priced from $44,900 and is equipped with a comprehensive list of features, including leather seating, chrome alloy wheels, traction control and a super-fast electric soft-top that folds or raises in 10 seconds flat!
The styling of the new Cabrio retains many of the unique design elements of the original, 5-door PT Cruiser - a car that remains fresh and still refuses to fit into an automotive pigeon hole.
However, the 2-door body-structure of the PT Cruiser Cabrio was designed from the outset as a convertible, not as an after-thought and it is also built in the same production facility as the 5-door model. Among the benefits from this approach are the quality of fit and finish, the taut reinforced body structure and a high level of stability, ride and handling that is typically lacking in this niche segment.
With the hood up, the PT Cruiser Cabrio looks purposeful and sporty, which is partly due to the lowered roofline (62mm lower than the 5-door model, though it doesn’t compromise headroom) and also the 2-door body style.
Drop the hood and it transforms into a ‘fun-in-the-sun’ car with plenty of space for four adults in comfort – it’s one of the roomiest cabriolet’s in its class with 250mm more legroom in the rear seats than a Beetle Cabrio. Plus its boot is 50% larger and comfortably holds two sets of golf clubs.
And if that isn’t practical enough, the PT Cruiser Cabrio boasts 10 different seating configurations to add to its versatility – another trait that is lacking in most other convertible cars.
What is lacking in the new Chrysler drop-top is wind noise. The design of the body, windscreen and even the B-pillar roll-over bar have been optimised to smooth airflow to reduce buffeting and noise, which means passengers can still converse without being drowned out. The PT Cruiser Cabrio was one of the first new models to benefit from the state-of-the-art aero-acoustic wind tunnel test facility at Chrysler Group headquarters near Detroit, and Chrysler engineers believe it to be one of the quietest cabriolets on the road.
The same can be said when the hood is up. It is made from three separate layers of fabric and is extremely taut when closed. Gaps between glass and fabric are minimal, reducing wind noise even further. The three layer hood provides exceptional insulation even in bitter winter weather, helped by the efficient air conditioning system and heated front seats.
Refinement can be seen throughout the PT Cruiser Cabrio, such as the electric windows - when a door is opened, the frameless glass lowers 10mm so that it won’t get caught on the hood or rubber seal when closing (it automatically raises when the door is shut). The windows in the rear are also power operated and disappear completely into the body when lowered, leaving an uncluttered waistline. All door and quarter window glass is 25% thicker than in the standard PT Cruiser to compensate for lack of frames.
The new Cabrio model picks up the changes recently adopted by the rest of the PT Cruiser range for 2006, including new front end and rear stying and a significantly upgraded interior with all new instrument panel, centre console and improved seating. The premium sound system, featuring six speakers and a 368-Watt amplifier, is now MP3 capable and there is a handy power outlet to charge cellphones.
The new interior features the signature Chrysler clock with its white dial and Chrysler winged badge logo.
A new Electronic Vehicle Information Centre delivers an array of information to the driver, including outside temperature and, especially important these days, fuel economy
Both door-mounted mirrors can be electrically folded to the body when parking in tight spots.
Also adopted is the new low-speed traction control that works in conjunction with the standard ABS anti-lock braking system to avoid wheel-spinning at speeds under 56km/h. Very handy when taking off from traffic lights in wet weather.
Changes to the suspension system and powertrain have also resulted in less noise being transmitted to the interior of the car.
Under the bonnet is the familiar 2.4 litre, DOHC, 16-valve, high torque engine that delivers a mixture of good performance and economical driving. Chrysler’s Autostick sequential shift is the standard transmission offering. Stopping power is provided by four beefy, ABS-equipped disc brakes.
Safety is another strong point with the PT Cruiser Cabrio. In addition to the built-in roll-over bar, a new airbag system incorporating side airbags in the front seats is now standard, along with high-strength dual anti-intrusion beams in the doors. Increased padding in the dashboard adds further protection to the occupants.
But, above all, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio is about putting fun and enjoyment back into motoring and being very easy to live with.
