Fortunately the Sebring was a terrific car prior to it latest refinements, but now its just that much better. Improved materials aside, LXi models like my test car come with nothing less than six preset temperature levels for its heated seats. Only the very premium Audi offers as many, with all other competitors reduced to 2 or 3-way presets on average. This might not matter if you live in San Diego, but for Canadians it's serious business.
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| The Sebring LXi has a high level of quality and a long list of creature comforts. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The LXi's high level of creature comforts include the usual power equipment fare plus a few upgrades, all of which are detailed more precisely in a preview of this car featured within this website.
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| The top level Sebring sports a suprisingly smooth 200-hp dual overhead cam four cylinder 2.7-L V6 engine. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Sebring's top level drivetrain should be taken seriously on either side of the border though. An impressively smooth 2.7-L V6, with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder just like the European and Japanese imports, sports 200 enthusiastic horsepower and 190 lb-ft of passenger pulling torque. Chrysler adds its AutoStick actuated 4-speed automatic transmission to the mix allowing manual override when tackling curvy roads, a feature its domestic counterparts don't offer in this price range.
Speaking of curvy roads, the Sebring is surprisingly agile. Of course one look at the spec sheet and the awe vanishes, replaced with respect. The standard 16-inch alloy wheels receive P205/60R16 tires for added grip, combining forces with a fully-independent suspension system with larger diameter front and added rear stabilizer bars in LXi trim. The suspension is sport-tuned, with 'firm-feel' power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering that feels just as the name implies.
