| e taken a look at what’s on offer from our | | | | CO2 based emissions taxes on the horizon the diesel |
| American cousins recently? If the answer is hell no | | | | model has the edge over the petrol. |
| then perhaps I could persuade you to reconsider. | | | | The entry model is the 2.4 Classic and rises to the |
| As things get increasingly tougher in the new car | | | | 2.2 CRD limited manual. All models have a good range |
| market due to the global economic situation and ever | | | | of features as standard for a vehicle in this class with |
| more challenging environmental issues even the | | | | some tasty optional extras available. Better make a |
| American manufacturers have had to sit up and take | | | | start on growing that beard! |
| notice. Of greater concern to them the Japanese | | | | Moving on to Chrysler’s flagship people carrier |
| have stolen a march on US manufacturers which has | | | | the Grand Voyager. The new version of which has |
| meant a rather large chunk of market share has | | | | claimed to reinvent the favoured mode of transport |
| gone to Japanese manufacturers resulting in Toyota | | | | for those with larger families. |
| being the top seller in the US. | | | | The all new Voyager certainly boasts some great |
| The Americans have launched a counter attack and | | | | features and seats seven in comfort. There is room |
| Chrysler now has a range of models to woo us. | | | | for all the family and the higher spec models have |
| Anyone remember the Green Hornet? Nah nor me | | | | enough in-car entertainment to silence the age old |
| but I do recall having a corgi model of his car and | | | | cries of “I’m bored” from the |
| reference to him was made in the Public Enemy song | | | | younger members of the family! |
| “Your Gonna Get Yours” The car was | | | | As you would expect from a family vehicle safety is |
| a Chrysler Imperial which came to mind the first time | | | | a key feature so advanced multistage airbags, |
| I saw the 300c with its frankly intimidating front grill | | | | all-round disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist. |
| and privacy glass. | | | | Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) all come as |
| You get a lot of motor for your buck here with | | | | standard. |
| many enticing standard features not to mention | | | | Engines are available as three 2.8 CRD diesels and is |
| some pretty good extras available also. Models range | | | | topped off with the 3.8 V6. The load space is good |
| from the 3.0V6 CRD saloon to the frankly | | | | and becomes positively cavernous with the seats |
| outrageous 6.1 V8 SRT saloon with its bright orange | | | | removed. Chryslers innovative new Swivel’ N |
| HEMI® engine block that propels the SRT from | | | | Go™ seating arrangement is a clever feature. |
| 0-62.5 MPH in 5 seconds and on to 168mph where | | | | An extremely well equipped people carrier which is |
| possible. The output is 425 BHP with 420lb ft of | | | | worthy of further investigation. |
| torque, all this from a car that weighs in at just a | | | | The Sebring is a new model which takes its styling |
| shade under two tons! | | | | cues from the Crossfire heritage. An imposing design |
| There is also a touring model across the range as | | | | with smart features such as remote keyless entry |
| well as common rail diesel options. The 300c is a very | | | | and a spacious interior which seats five in comfort. |
| impressive car which is both aesthetically pleasing and | | | | Three engines are available 2.0 and 2.4 petrol and a |
| packed with great features. | | | | 2.0 diesel. A good level of equipment is on offer |
| Next up is the PT Cruiser which on first glance looks | | | | throughout the range. |
| like the sort of vehicle you might see a member of | | | | Finally if you’re one of those people who likes |
| ZZ Top step out of. The tall profile doesn’t | | | | to feel the wind in your hair (no jokes please) The |
| suit all tastes but Chrysler has scored another winner | | | | Sebring Cabrio is an attractive proposition with a |
| here. | | | | smart power hood which whilst retracted still leaves |
| PT stands for “Personal | | | | a decent amount of boot space, unlike a lot of |
| Transportation” and although the Cruiser is | | | | Cabriolets. You’ll be able to turn up at the |
| quite a common sight on the roads now they are still | | | | golf course with the roof down and still appear |
| individualist enough to have great appeal. Available in | | | | triumphantly from the boot with two sets of clubs. |
| 13 models this five door hatch comes with a 2.2 CRD | | | | Quite a head turner. |
| common rail diesel unit and 2.4 DOHC petrol versions. | | | | So there you have it folks Chrysler dealers cover all |
| With ever increasing fuel price rises and more punitive | | | | bases with their new model range. |