2005 Chrysler Pt Cruiser Gt Convertible 2d Reviews
Route test: 2005 Chrysler PT Convertible
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona - The long-awaited convertible version of Chrysler's PT Cruiser emerges as a fun, yet surprisingly applied, alternative to the distinctive PT wagon.Due in Canada past May, in time for tiptop-down driving, the two-door convertible is quiet and roomy and looks skillful from almost every angle.And not merely in styling -- Chrysler promotes the $26,995 base model as the least-expensive convertible in the country.The drop-pinnacle version comes three years afterward a styling concept was introduced at the New York Auto Prove, and should aid to revive involvement in the original
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona – The long-awaited convertible version of Chrysler's PT Cruiser emerges every bit a fun, withal surprisingly practical, alternative to the distinctive PT railroad vehicle.
Due in Canada past May, in time for height-down driving, the two-door convertible is quiet and roomy and looks good from nearly every angle.
And not merely in styling — Chrysler promotes the $26,995 base model every bit the least-expensive convertible in the country.
The drop-top version comes 3 years afterwards a styling concept was introduced at the New York Auto Show, and should help to revive involvement in the original PT Cruiser, which has waned in the sales charts after a spectacular debut in 2001. The Cruiser is expected to become some advent revisions for 2006.
What Chrysler calls the "heritage styling" of the original, however, seems perfectly suited to convertible treatment. With the top upwardly, the roofline is lower than the wagon's, and the backlight is raked frontwards to produce a sleek await.
This gives the convertible a distinctively unlike contour when compared with the wagon, although its identity is still very much PT Cruiser.
With the top downwards, an obvious pattern chemical element is the sport bar between the front and rear seats that gives the the vehicle a somewhat "targa" await. Dennis Krosek, DaimlerChrysler director of vehicle development, says the bar was initially included simply because designers felt it looked practiced.
Later on researching the car's aerodynamics in a air current tunnel, they realized that past slightly modifying its position and shape, the sport bar could reduce current of air turbulence in the cabin, especially for those in the rear seat. The sport bar features 2 dome lights to complement the standard interior lighting, and anchors the seatbelts for the front occupants.
Chrysler executives were quick to point out that this device is non a curl bar, although it does contribute to the machine's structural integrity.
The styling is least successful when viewed from the rear, in my opinion, but that'southward a trait shared by many convertibles.
The PT convertible is built at the same Toluca, Mexico, factory as its wagon sibling and uses the same exterior body panels and powertrain, only 50 per cent of its parts are unique. A cardinal departure is the stiffened, reinforced body construction that Mr. Krosek says "eliminates annoyances and issues typically associated with convertible vehicle pattern."
By these he means the tendency of some convertibles to flex when driving over railroad tracks or other road surface irregularities, and increased weight that affects performance.
Adding stiffness was accomplished without any pregnant weight penalisation, Mr. Krosek told machine writers at a press introduction here. In contrast to the Volkswagen New Beetle, for case, which adds 159 kilograms to achieve its convertible version, the PT Cruiser convertible adds but 68 kg. On the road, the extra weight is not noticed and the vehicle feels rigid and solid.
With a suggested retail cost of $26,995, the base, Touring model offers the Cruiser's standard-issue, 4-cylinder engine that has dual overhead camshafts and generates 150 horsepower. This model comes with a five-speed manual, 16-inch aluminum wheels, premium cloth seats, compass/
temperature readout in the rearview mirror and a CD histrion with six speakers. Available options include a 180-h.p. turbocharged engine ($1,500), iv-speed automated transmission, antilock brakes, navigation system and chrome wheels.
Alternatively, the $31,785 GT Convertible supplies the high-output 220-h.p. turbo engine with a Getrag heavy-duty v-speed manual manual, traction control, sport suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels, antilock brakes, heated leather seats with contrasting coloured inserts, chrome grille accents and side air numberless.
Options for the GT include a four-speed automatic transmission with "Automobile-Stick" sequential shifter, navigation system, six-disc CD and 17-inch chromed wheels.
The 3-layer convertible top is notable for its quality and fit. It consists of a layer of insulation between an inner liner and an outer, sail surface. To reduce wind noise in the cabin at speed, the vehicle uses what Chrysler calls "smart glass" technology, similar to that found on BMWs and Porsches. This process slightly drops and raises the windows when the doors are opened and closed, maximizing the seal between drinking glass and convertible roof.
The automatic elevation raises and lowers in 10 to 11 seconds, and simply requires the driver to twist a centrally located handle and press a switch to perform the action. A course-fitting and aerodynamic convertible kick is supplied to cover the meridian when it's down.
Chrysler executives are proud of the car'due south ability to comfortably seat 4 passengers. Engineers placed an emphasis on rear-seat roominess, and ease of entry and get out. They cite an additional 250 millimetres of rear-seat legroom over the New Beetle and Ford Mustang convertibles.
As in the PT wagon, the rear seats fold and tilt frontward, producing considerable cargo room. In this configuration, 2 full-size golf numberless can easily fit in lengthwise.
One of the convertible'southward near impressive features is the quietness of the interior at speed. With the top upwardly, even at 120 km/h, wind and road noise were barely axiomatic, and the tranquillity cabin equalled or bettered most sedans.
With the height down, there's little turbulence at highway speeds, even with the windows downwardly. Passengers tin can easily conduct a conversation or listen to music. With elevation downward and windows up, the climate control system effectively provides heating or cooling to front end occupants.
Both turbo engines offer adept ability and passing ability. Nonetheless, the high output (220-h.p.) version definitely has more snap, especially with the automatic transmission. In dissimilarity, the horses in the lower-output turbo engine sometimes seemed reluctant to gee-up with the automobile box.
If you lot're in the market for a PT Cruiser with the standard, non-turbo motor, my experience is that the five-speed transmission will provide the best performance.
When driving in town, or when parking, you'll detect the turning circle in the Cruiser wagon is wide; not surprisingly, this doesn't change with the convertible. One culprit is the pick of bachelor 17-inch wheels, but these are very much in grapheme with the car. Plan on using your three-point turning skills.
Chrysler has selected some striking colours for the convertible, which can be ordered with contrasting coloured tops and interiors. Deep metallic red or blue with light grey top and interior were especially constructive combinations, as was the triple-black GT with its chrome grille and wheel accents.
Chrysler executives say they expect people from a broad age spectrum to be interested in this vehicle, especially those looking for a auto that's equally much about fun as it is about practical transportation.
This study is based on a presentation by the manufacturer, which paid the writer'southward travel costs.
2005 Chrysler PT Convertible
Type: Four-seat convertible
Base price: $26,995-$31,785
Bachelor: April or May
Notable: Quiet ride with height down; retro-styling works well in convertible form
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Source: https://driving.ca/chrysler/pt-cruiser/reviews/road-test/road-test-2005-chrysler-pt-convertible-2
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