Test drive Chrysler PT Cruiser 2000 - 2006 Minivan

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Daimlerchrysler continues to develop a gold -bearing vein of retro style. The next source of dividends is the nostalgic Chrysler Pt Cruiser Cabrio.
 
In the success of Pt Cruiser Cabrio, there is no doubt. The first reason is the growth of consumer interest in the C-segment coupe. The second is the pattern of the appearance of this model. The Chrysler Pt Cruiser made on the basis of the charming hatchback, the convertible made him an excellent company, and together they formed the very link with which our consciousness associates the appearance of the old -time.
 
The convertible is stylized under the old days of masterfully. It seems that he absorbed the whole charm of cars for more than half a century ago. What is surprised, because the hatchback, which appeared four years earlier, is still standing out among the gray transport mass of the sincereness of his appearance.
 
Despite the relationship with the hatchback, Cruiser Cabrio is largely independent. His personality, of course, is determined by the type of body. The most striking features are a characteristic profile with two large windows without frames, a folding fabric top that reduced the height of the machine by 62 mm, single and much wider (188 mm wider than that of the hatchback), as well as a powerful central counter of the body.
 
The interior of Cabrio corresponds to the outer design. Many design elements carry the mark of the past. Due to the need to place the folding top within the salon, the interior of the convertible is somewhat inferior in size to the hatchback apartments. Nevertheless, Cabrio has the right to boast of their own achievements. Four adults are quite conveniently located in it. Moreover, the rear passengers spaces are as many as those sitting in front.
 
The front chairs with electric heating are equipped with elongated pillows, folding armrests and enlarged side rollers, which provides better body fixation. The backs - for the convenience of planting back - are leaning 48 degrees. The system for memorizing adjustments allows you to easily return the seat to a certain position.
 
The trunk is quite decent, by convertible standards, volume (210 l) can be increased by folding one or both rear backs equal in size. True, it is inconvenient to load things: you have to bend into three deaths, risking the forehead against the sharp corner of the lid.
 
Cabrio has a lot of various kinds of goodies: audio system, leather finish, climatic installation ... In addition, a quartet of airbags and a lot of hiding places for trifles.
 
The fabric roof of the convertible is simple: you need to unlock it with a pen, turning 180 degrees, and press the button on the central console. The creators of the car are proud of the record 10-second roof dismantling time. But they are cunning, because in many modern Cabiolets, the roof is completely cleaned in the trunk, and Cabrio remains outside. If you add a time to the record that is spent on a rather time-consuming clearing-observation ... However, no one forces to use the cover.
 
Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio is equipped with two gasoline engines of one volume - 2.4 liters. One motor, atmospheric, is aggregated by a five -speed manual gearbox or a four -speed automatic (Limited version). The other, turbocharged, is boiled with five -speed mechanics, designed for higher loads (version GT).
 
Cabrio Limited is conscientious and reacts to the supply of fuel, like a well -fed dog to sausage (interested, but without much enthusiasm). But the GT convertible is a real missile, especially after the engine promotion is up to 4000 min -1. The car famously rushes forward under a muffled whistle of an activated turbine, ready at any moment for an impulse of additional acceleration.
 
Both cars steer are very decent: the hardness of the body (at the level of cars with all -metal bodies), the severity of the steering and some kind of suspension are affected. Preparing turns is a pleasure. The brakes are slightly cotton, but their reliability is not in doubt even in an emergency.
 
The front overview is acceptable, the rear with the roof raised - so -so, Cabriolet. Outdoor mirrors help out. The noise level with a closed top is low - you can talk in an undertone. No wonder the developers were pissing over the tightness and sound insulation of the cabin. When the roof is absent, at a speed of more than 70 km/h, air vortices begin to eagerly lick the heads in front of the sitting, even with the side glass raised. Having accelerated in 100 km/h, you understand that a protective screen used on many machines of this type, neutralizing turbulence, would not be superfluous here. The rear passengers are doubly. Although, perhaps, for lovers of convertibles in this state of things, the meaning of life is.
 
In any case, a sense of freedom and a feeling of excitement Cabrio gives. We add here the originality and beauty of the car, its omnipotence, comparable to the Hatchback price - about 30 thousand dollars, and it will become clear that Chrysler Pt Cruiser Cabrio is worthy of the attention of those who love for convertibles in the blood.
 
Technical characteristics Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio 2.4
 
Body - 2 -door convertible
Number of places - 4
Dimensions (length/width/height), mm - 4288/1704/1539
Base, mm - 2616
Engine:
- type- gasoline, 4-cylinder, 16-valve
- working volume, cm3 - 2429
- Power, L.S. at MIN -1 - 150/5100 (220/5100)*
- torque, N.M at min-1- 222/4000 (332/2400-4500)
Transmission - mechanical, 5 -speed
Tire size - 205/50r17
Wheel suspension:
- Front - type Mcphereson
- rear - torsion spring -loaded beam
Brakes:
- front - disk, ventilated
- rear - disk
Steering - rack type, with gur
Fuel tank volume, L - 57
The volume of the trunk, L - 210 (with folded rear seats - 377)
Price, euro - from 28800
* - In the brackets, data for the 2.4 turbo engine are given.
 
Text: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [04/2004]