Still missing a little something...
West Palm Beach, Florida - The third generation of Chrysler's Sebring marks a definitive evolution. However, it still misses a little something to truly compete with the big boys. And that's the fun factor.
It's amazing how far the Sebring has come. Just think about the first generation, launched in 1995, and its predecessor, the late nineties' Cirrus.
Known through the years as a "representative's car", the Sebring had a steep hill to climb. In my mind, it more than overcame the challenge in terms of visual appeal. Credit goes to the Airlift Concept showcased at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show. I applaud Chrysler's designers for the sculpted aluminum hood that brings the sportiness of the Crossfire to the midsize segment. The exterior lines are pleasant to look at and the harmonious proportions are alluring.
Cheap interior
Step inside the car, however, and your enthusiasm will fade. Oh, there's nothing catastrophic. It's just that...
Well, with its rough and bland-looking plastics, the cockpit feels kind of cheap. The designers wanted to play the "techno" card by using faux aluminum inserts and a two-tone color scheme, but the end result is about as cozy as an igloo. What's more, the sound-proofing is average at best.
I found the front seats firmer than my personal comfort standards and the rear bench, while offering fairly decent room, felt somewhat "dry".
Also, I would have liked one or two additional storage bins up front. I consoled myself with the ergonomic and intuitive controls, the interesting layout and the tight fit and finish.
West Palm Beach, Florida - The third generation of Chrysler's Sebring marks a definitive evolution. However, it still misses a little something to truly compete with the big boys. And that's the fun factor.
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| The new generation Sebring is a major step forward compared to its predecessor. |
It's amazing how far the Sebring has come. Just think about the first generation, launched in 1995, and its predecessor, the late nineties' Cirrus.
Known through the years as a "representative's car", the Sebring had a steep hill to climb. In my mind, it more than overcame the challenge in terms of visual appeal. Credit goes to the Airlift Concept showcased at the 2003 Geneva Auto Show. I applaud Chrysler's designers for the sculpted aluminum hood that brings the sportiness of the Crossfire to the midsize segment. The exterior lines are pleasant to look at and the harmonious proportions are alluring.
Cheap interior
Step inside the car, however, and your enthusiasm will fade. Oh, there's nothing catastrophic. It's just that...
Well, with its rough and bland-looking plastics, the cockpit feels kind of cheap. The designers wanted to play the "techno" card by using faux aluminum inserts and a two-tone color scheme, but the end result is about as cozy as an igloo. What's more, the sound-proofing is average at best.
I found the front seats firmer than my personal comfort standards and the rear bench, while offering fairly decent room, felt somewhat "dry".
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| Even though the fit and finish is good, the overall interior experience is deceiving. |
Also, I would have liked one or two additional storage bins up front. I consoled myself with the ergonomic and intuitive controls, the interesting layout and the tight fit and finish.