Top-down motivation
On the engine front, the Touring sports the 2.7L V6. Its 189 hp are adequate for all of our daily commuting needs. The roads we drove did display one important weakness in the Chrysler's powertrain: the 4-speed automatic transmission. Its modern-day "lack" of gears had the engine droning or screaming while climbing the hills. The addition of the 3.5L's 6-speed slushbox would greatly improve the situation. I briefly tested the said 3.5L and I immediately appreciated the extra grunt. On the other hand, the 2.4L 4-pot is underpowered, although economical, for a vehicle of this girth. The 6A did shudder on a few occasions much like it had in the Sebring Sedan I drove late last year.
In the steering and braking department, both proved to be up to the task of tackling the twisties. In fact, the brakes performed very well even after repeated hard braking in a downhill run. Steering, although seemingly over-assisted at low speeds, provided ample feedback and precision.
Inside and out
Aboard the Sebring, 4 passengers really can be comfortably seated. Legroom is sufficient for both front and back occupants. Chrysler's new expressive interior design works well with a nice mixture of different textured plastics and an overall pleasing design. The front seats are supportive, firm and comfortable for just about any body-type.
The styling of the Convertible is nearly identical to that of the Sedan. From the "A" pillar forward, they are in fact the same. The remainder of the car has seen its body creases flow differently in order to camouflage the fact that it is 3 inches longer and that the rear has grown considerably in size. The overall effect is quite good. I prefer by far the Convertible's lines and global look.
Wind in your hair for the buck
The new Sebring Convertible certainly has all of the necessary ingredients to remain on the top. With a price range starting at a very reasonable $29,995 ($6,000 less than previously), it will definitely capture the attention of those looking for, dare I say it, a versatile convertible. According to Cole Quinnel, Manager Product and Marketing Communications for DaimlerChrysler Canada, the Limited model which starts at $39,995, will be the best seller in Canada. Historically, the Sebring Convertible Limited has been the #1 is sales volume.
Obviously we Canadians want to get the absolute most out of our short summers.
photo:Matt St-Pierre
On the engine front, the Touring sports the 2.7L V6. Its 189 hp are adequate for all of our daily commuting needs. The roads we drove did display one important weakness in the Chrysler's powertrain: the 4-speed automatic transmission. Its modern-day "lack" of gears had the engine droning or screaming while climbing the hills. The addition of the 3.5L's 6-speed slushbox would greatly improve the situation. I briefly tested the said 3.5L and I immediately appreciated the extra grunt. On the other hand, the 2.4L 4-pot is underpowered, although economical, for a vehicle of this girth. The 6A did shudder on a few occasions much like it had in the Sebring Sedan I drove late last year.
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| Three engines are featured in the Sebring. |
In the steering and braking department, both proved to be up to the task of tackling the twisties. In fact, the brakes performed very well even after repeated hard braking in a downhill run. Steering, although seemingly over-assisted at low speeds, provided ample feedback and precision.
Inside and out
Aboard the Sebring, 4 passengers really can be comfortably seated. Legroom is sufficient for both front and back occupants. Chrysler's new expressive interior design works well with a nice mixture of different textured plastics and an overall pleasing design. The front seats are supportive, firm and comfortable for just about any body-type.
The styling of the Convertible is nearly identical to that of the Sedan. From the "A" pillar forward, they are in fact the same. The remainder of the car has seen its body creases flow differently in order to camouflage the fact that it is 3 inches longer and that the rear has grown considerably in size. The overall effect is quite good. I prefer by far the Convertible's lines and global look.
Wind in your hair for the buck
The new Sebring Convertible certainly has all of the necessary ingredients to remain on the top. With a price range starting at a very reasonable $29,995 ($6,000 less than previously), it will definitely capture the attention of those looking for, dare I say it, a versatile convertible. According to Cole Quinnel, Manager Product and Marketing Communications for DaimlerChrysler Canada, the Limited model which starts at $39,995, will be the best seller in Canada. Historically, the Sebring Convertible Limited has been the #1 is sales volume.
Obviously we Canadians want to get the absolute most out of our short summers.
 |
| The Sebring Convertible sports a well-appointed interior. |
photo:Matt St-Pierre
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