Not To Be Taken Lightly
Can you think of the last time something was so good that it truly surprised you? It happens occasionally in the car biz, but often enough the end product doesn't quite live up to the marketing spin.
Not so with the new PT Cruiser Convertible. When I first caught site of it in concept guise I thought it would eventually be a nice little pretender, nothing to be taken seriously but rather something merely to toss the coif while attracting a few envious eyeballs.
After a day's drive through the winding roadways that surround Scottsdale, Arizona I stand corrected. This is a real enthusiast's car, with wonderful road manners and loads of power, especially in top-line GT trim.
During the walk-around, where various Chrysler execs from design, product planning, engineering, public relations and marketing demonstrated the car's attributes, I nabbed the keys to the fully-loaded 5-speed GT on display. It featured a gorgeous coat of almond metallic paint, with an interior color scheme featuring body colored dash inserts and console, plus two-tone beige and taupe leather seats.
Before even getting out on the road, I took the opportunity to check out the drop-top's rear seats. Chrysler had talked about its best in class rear legroom so I had to see for myself. They're not joking, I had room to spare even with the front seat pulled to its rearmost position, plus the seatback was comfortable, with ample lumbar support and plenty of shoulder and hip room.
Can you think of the last time something was so good that it truly surprised you? It happens occasionally in the car biz, but often enough the end product doesn't quite live up to the marketing spin.
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| Unlike some new cars, the new PT Cruiser Convertible actually does live up to the marketing spin. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
After a day's drive through the winding roadways that surround Scottsdale, Arizona I stand corrected. This is a real enthusiast's car, with wonderful road manners and loads of power, especially in top-line GT trim.
 |
| Chrysler had talked about its best-in-class rear legroom, and they weren't joking. There is plenty of room in the back for two adults to ride in comfort. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Before even getting out on the road, I took the opportunity to check out the drop-top's rear seats. Chrysler had talked about its best in class rear legroom so I had to see for myself. They're not joking, I had room to spare even with the front seat pulled to its rearmost position, plus the seatback was comfortable, with ample lumbar support and plenty of shoulder and hip room.