Better than ever
Santa Monica, California. It all started in 1982 when Chrysler introduced the LeBaron Convertible. It seemed as though America had been craving an affordable convertible as it proved to be very popular. By 1996, the all-new Sebring Convertible took over and Chrysler immediately realised that they had a winner on their hands. From that moment on, the Sebring Convertible became America's favourite drop-top.
The Sebring Convertible's demographics are quite interesting. It so happens that it is both a primary car for the 35-54 age group and a secondary car for the 55+. It appeals evenly to both males and females of which 80% are married. These clusters of people, in 2007, can help themselves to a Ford Mustang Convertible, a Toyota Solara Convertible, a Pontiac G6 Convertible and a Volkswagen EOS. As Chrysler is intent on remaining the #1 pick in the segment, it has thought of almost everything.
Much about the Convertible
Midway through last year, Chrysler seriously updated their midsize family vehicle offering in order to better compete with the ever increasing competition in the segment. By the same token, the Sebring Convertible has also been revamped and, in a sense, reinvented. The most talked-about feature of the car is the number of available options than can make up ones new convertible. Principally, the fact that there are three types of roofs to choose from: vinyl, cloth and a retractable hard-top. Next, there are three available powertrains: a 173 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 189 hp 2.7L V6 and a 235 hp 3.5L V6. Safety features abound and include a stability program on the Limited model.
One element that will surely please baby boomers and 40-ish crowd is the fact that two golf bags will fit in the trunk with the top stowed into the trunk. Remarkably, with the top up, the trunk will house 4 bags; perfect for the 4-seater car. The cargo area's volume is of 371 litres or 13.1 cubic feet (compared to 385 litres (13.6 cubic feet) for the sedan) with the top in place. The number drops to a still respectable 187 litres (6.6 cubic feet) for the sun-lovers.
Purpose-built
The new Sebring was designed from the onset to accommodate a retractable top from the very beginning. The chassis has received a number of reinforcements to offset the loss of the roof structure. The result is an impressively well sorted out drive. The suspension and chassis make short work of camber changes, rapid switchbacks and climbing in and out of driveways. On the tested Touring version (trim levels include Base, Touring and Limited), not once did I notice any chassis flex, creaking noises or rattles. The car handled admirably well along the tortuous curves through the Southern Californian canyons. The weakest link in the car's handling dynamics was by far the very average Bridgestone Turanza radials.
Santa Monica, California. It all started in 1982 when Chrysler introduced the LeBaron Convertible. It seemed as though America had been craving an affordable convertible as it proved to be very popular. By 1996, the all-new Sebring Convertible took over and Chrysler immediately realised that they had a winner on their hands. From that moment on, the Sebring Convertible became America's favourite drop-top.
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| The new Sebring Convertible shares its front end with the Sedan. |
The Sebring Convertible's demographics are quite interesting. It so happens that it is both a primary car for the 35-54 age group and a secondary car for the 55+. It appeals evenly to both males and females of which 80% are married. These clusters of people, in 2007, can help themselves to a Ford Mustang Convertible, a Toyota Solara Convertible, a Pontiac G6 Convertible and a Volkswagen EOS. As Chrysler is intent on remaining the #1 pick in the segment, it has thought of almost everything.
Much about the Convertible
Midway through last year, Chrysler seriously updated their midsize family vehicle offering in order to better compete with the ever increasing competition in the segment. By the same token, the Sebring Convertible has also been revamped and, in a sense, reinvented. The most talked-about feature of the car is the number of available options than can make up ones new convertible. Principally, the fact that there are three types of roofs to choose from: vinyl, cloth and a retractable hard-top. Next, there are three available powertrains: a 173 hp 2.4L 4-cylinder, a 189 hp 2.7L V6 and a 235 hp 3.5L V6. Safety features abound and include a stability program on the Limited model.
One element that will surely please baby boomers and 40-ish crowd is the fact that two golf bags will fit in the trunk with the top stowed into the trunk. Remarkably, with the top up, the trunk will house 4 bags; perfect for the 4-seater car. The cargo area's volume is of 371 litres or 13.1 cubic feet (compared to 385 litres (13.6 cubic feet) for the sedan) with the top in place. The number drops to a still respectable 187 litres (6.6 cubic feet) for the sun-lovers.
Purpose-built
The new Sebring was designed from the onset to accommodate a retractable top from the very beginning. The chassis has received a number of reinforcements to offset the loss of the roof structure. The result is an impressively well sorted out drive. The suspension and chassis make short work of camber changes, rapid switchbacks and climbing in and out of driveways. On the tested Touring version (trim levels include Base, Touring and Limited), not once did I notice any chassis flex, creaking noises or rattles. The car handled admirably well along the tortuous curves through the Southern Californian canyons. The weakest link in the car's handling dynamics was by far the very average Bridgestone Turanza radials.
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| It is surprisingly quiet in the cockpit with the windscreen in place. |