Test Drive Chrysler Pt Cruiser 2000 - 2006 Minivan

Reincarnation. Three version

Chrysler Pt Cruiser: Once in America ...
In the second half of the 1990s, many car stylists tried to create the design of the transition period from the century XX century XXI. At the same time, one of the favorites was a combination of retro and avant-garde. But from all conceptual developments, only Chrysler Pt Cruiser reached the conveyor. Unlike MINI and VW New Beetle, it has no progenitor. This model is a collective image of the American machines of the 30s of the 40s. However, the lack of direct associations with any legendary model did not prevent him from achieving success in both America and in Europe: since 2000, 310 thousand PT Cruiser has been sold throughout the world.
The model had three author. The idea as a whole belonged to the vice-president of Chrysler to That Gale. Developed a car Young designer Brian Nebitat, and led the project head of the Chrysler design service Neil Walling. The project, the work on which began in 1995, received the code name Street Smart (Street Umnik).
It is impossible to say that the Moscow streets Pt Cruiser have already been given, but if a whole day is driving in Moscow, then one crue on his eyes will come true. Nevertheless, the reaction to it is still akin to Krylovsky through the streets of the elephant drove. By the way, I noted a curious detail of a man often evaluate this car in the term beautiful. And women are more restrained in their statements and are often limited to the statement that the machine is very unusual. My PT Cruiser gives the Association with America's dry law. The car is very kinogenic, it seems to be created for filming in gangster films.
The design of the car merged modern and nostalgic notes. The convenience of the driver and passengers are not sacrificed by retro style. On the contrary, the vintage PT Cruiser design is very functional. The high roof allows you to conveniently get driving a man of any growth. Planting the driver at the same time remains typically minivan: high, with a straight back and bent in the knees of your legs. This is the perfect pose for riding in the city. Again, thanks to the high body in the cabin, you are not just sitting in it enter: the doorways will be spacious for people of any complexion and growth. But combine retro style and convenience of seats designers and failed. And for the better: the seats of the car and in shape, and in content the most modern nowhere will not hise, do not sag, they still hold the body in dashing turns.
The interior of the front panel is also impregnated with the style of the thirties: round white dial dials are drunk deep into the dashboard; The decorative metal cover of the glove box (in fact, the airbag was fitted under the plastic panel; the steering wheel with thin knitting needles. Americans managed to create a very warm fitness. Such a feeling is born, apparently, because the concepts of retro and comfort are close in spirit.
According to the functionality of the PT Cruiser salon, they will give odds to many universal and at least equal ones with microns. The rear seats are detached in parts and are taken out of the car (good, though, have instructions for the car at hand). In folded chairs, like suitcases, there are pens and wheels. The shelf, covering the contents of the trunk from the too interesting looks, can be turned into a comfortable dining table under a canopy in the form of a raised rear door.
At first glance, PT Cruiser cannot have any outstanding moves: the high center of gravity has not yet helped to keep the car confidently. However, the visual impression is deceptive. On road irregularities and in turns, the car behaves very worthy. Rolls are minimal, the energy-intensive suspension allows tram tracks, without throwing speeds. There is nothing American in the behavior of the suspension and steering. On the gentle waves of asphalt passengers do not indicate the steering wheel steering, with a clear feedback. True, the reversal radius at Pt Cruiser for the urban clever is too large.
European features in the nature of PT Cruiser prevail, because a significant part of work on its creation was performed not only in the states, but also in the Design Bureau of Chrysler in France, Germany, the United Kingdom.
The only significant disadvantage of the car can be called a frankly unsuccessful combination of an automatic gearbox and a 2-liter engine with a capacity of 141 hp. Such dynamic indicators of the car unequivocally should be left in the past. If you are annoyed (that is not surprising) slow acceleration and the inability to sharply accelerate from the speed of 80 90 km / h, it is better to choose a car with mechanics. The cheapest PT Cruiser is sold for $ 27 thousand today, the most expensive with the most automatic for $ 29.5 thousand. By the way, a PT Cruiser with a modern 2.2-liter diesel engine appeared on sale (created on the basis of a Mercedes motor, because Chrysler part united German-American corporation). This version of the car costs $ 29 thousand.
Igor Komarov
 

A source: Wheel (Company)