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CHRYSLER PT CRUISER 2001

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Khatir Soltani
The manual transmission gear shifter with a ball at the top is easy to reach and features a short and accurate throw. The automatic gearbox shifter looks a bit weird on account of its length. The gauges and displays, housed in three cylinder shaped pods are white faced with black markings, facing the driver. There is an arm rest to the right of the driver

A PROVEN FOUR BANGER
Even if several specialists had thought that Chrysler would choose the Neon engine for the PT Cruiser, the engineers rather used a more powerful engine.

They went for the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder from the Cirrus/Stratus/Breeze threesome. Successfully proven for many years, that engine delivers 150 hp and 162 lb.-ft of torque.

It is a judicious choice since that engine will allow a more vigorous response than the 2.0 liter Neon mill. Besides, unlike the Neon, it is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox, which ensures a better exploitation of its power.

The suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front with a twist-beam axle at the rear and a Watts linkage. Besides the base and mid-range suspensions, the latter being mated to 15 inch wheels, performance enthusiasts can take advantage of the Touring version with 205/55HR16 tires.

The disk/drum combo is replaced by four disks with anti-lock on the Touring version. With the former, anti-lock brakes would be optional.
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
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