Test Drive Chrysler PT Cruiser since 2006 Minivan

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DaimlerChrysler continues to develop a golden retro gas dweller. Another source of dividends - Nostalgic Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio.
 
In the success of PT Cruiser Cabrio, you can not doubt. The first reason is the growth of consumer interest in the Cup-convertible C-segment. The second is the pattern of the appearance of this model. Made on the basis of Chrysler Pt Cruiser charming hatchback, the convertible was an excellent company to him, and together they formed the same link with which our consciousness associates the appearance of OldTimeters.
 
Convertible stylized under ancient masterfully. It seems that he absorbed the whole charm of cars 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 inhaling his appearance.
 
Despite the relationship with the hatchback, Cruiser Cabrio is largely independent. Its individuality, of course, is determined by the type of body. The most brightest features are a characteristic profile with two large windows without frames, folding fabric top, which reduced the height of the machine by 62 mm, single and much broader (188 mm wider than the hatchback) doors, as well as a powerful central body rack.
 
Interior Cabrio corresponds to outdoor design. Many design elements are carrying a fingerprint. Due to the need to place the folding top within the cabin, the internal space of the cabriolet is somewhat inferior in the sizes of the hatchback apartment. Nevertheless, Cabrio has the right to boast its own achievements. It is quite conveniently located four adults. And the spaces for legs at the rear passengers as much as those sitting in front.
 
The front armchairs with electrical heating are equipped with elongated pillows, folding armrests and increased side rollers, which ensures better fixation of the body. Backs - for the convenience of landing back - leans by 48 degrees. The memorization system of adjustments allows you to easily return the seat to a certain position.
 
The trunk is quite decent, in convertible standards, volume (210 l) can be increased by folding one or both rear backs equal to size. To ship things, however, it is inconvenient: you have to bend into three deaths, risking to the same to hit the forehead about the sharp corner of the lid.
 
Cabrio is full of different kind of delicacies: audio system, leather finish, climatic installation ... In addition, the airbag quartet and a bunch of caches for trifles.
 
The fabric roof of the convertible is simple: you need to unlock it with a handle rotating 180 degrees, and press the button on the central console. Machine creators are proud of a record 10-second door dismantling time. But they shy, because many modern coupe-convertibles, the roof is completely removed into the trunk, and Cabrio remains outside. If you add to the record time, which is spent on a rather time-consuming detection, confusion ... However, no one forces the cover.
 
Chrysler PT Cruiser Cabrio is equipped with two gasoline engines of one volume - 2.4 liters. One motor, atmospheric, is aggregated with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-step automatic machine (Limited version). Another, turbocharged, docked with a five-speed mechanic designed for higher loads (GT version).
 
Cabrio Limited is conscientious and responds to the fuel supply, as a used dog on a sausage (interested, but without much enthusiasm). But the GT convertible is a real rocket, especially after the engine promotion up to 4000 min-1. The car famously rushes forward under the muted whistle of an activated turbine, ready for any minute to an additional acceleration pulse.
 
Both machines are very decent: they affect body stiffness (at the level of car all-metal bodies), steering sharpness and some pendant pendant. Register turns - a pleasure. Brakes are slightly wadded, but their reliability is no doubt even in an emergency situation.
 
Front overview is acceptable, rear when the roof raised is so-so, Cabriolet. Outdoor mirrors are out. The noise level when the top is closed is low - you can talk in a low voice. No wonder the developers of Corpel over the tightness and sound insulation of the cabin. When there is no roof, then at a speed of over 70 km / h, air vortices begin to greedily lick the napes ahead of the sitting, even with raised side glasses. Disconnecting for 100 km / h, you understand that the neutralizing turbulence is a protective screen used on many machines of this type, and here would not be superfluous. Rear passengers get doubly. Although it is possible for lovers of convertibles in such a position of things and is the meaning of life.
 
In any case, the feeling of freedom and the feeling of excitement of Cabrio gives. Add here originality and beauty of the car, its all-season comparable to the hatchback price is about 30 thousand dollars, and it becomes clear that Chrysler Pt Cruiser Cabrio is worthy of attention of those who have love for convertible in the blood.
 
Specifications 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, hp For min-1 - 150/5100 (220/5100) *
- torque, NM at min-1 - 222/4000 (332/2400-4500)
Transmission - Mechanical, 5-speed
Tire size - 205 / 50R17
Wheel suspension:
- Front - type McPherson
- Rear - torsion spring-loaded beam
Brakes:
- Front - disc, ventilated
- Rear - disk
Steering - Rack type, with gur
Volume of fuel tank, l - 57
The volume of the trunk, L - 210 (with a folded rear seats - 377)
Price, euro - from 28800
* - In brackets are given data for 2.4 turbo engine.
 
Text: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 Wheel [04/2004]