Chrysler tweaks Cruiser

Mid-life update does little for dynamics

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 22 November 2005 / Loading comments

Chrysler PT Cruiser 'Route 66'

Chrysler has given the PT Cruiser a mid-life tweak. Details include an all-new interior for hatch and cabrio and a new diesel engine for the hatch only.

External tweaks include a new front grille with chrome accents and slightly different headlamps. The rear of the car gets a spoiler on the tailgate roof -- it reduces drag and improves aerodynamics, says the blurb.

Which is a pity, since Chrysler's UK boss Simon Elliott said that nearly all buyers go for the car because of the design. These are not, then, cars that live a dynamically stressful life.

The new hatchback will be available in the UK in November with 150hp 2.2-litre CRD and 141hp 2.4-litre petrol engines. On the road prices for the hatchback start at £12,995 for the 2.4 manual and £15,325 for the automatic. Prices for the diesel manual start at £14,225.

Route 66

There's also a special edition, the ‘Route 66’, (see pic) in bright yellow or black with bigger alloys. It's available from November with both petrol and diesel engines.

Based on the Touring model additional features include 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, large rear spoiler, body coloured grille, chrome exhaust and yellow callipers. The 2.4-litre manual ‘Route 66’ is priced at £15,440 and the auto is £16,240. The 2.2-litre diesel manual version costs £16,640.

Cabrio

The right-hand drive PT Cruiser Cabrio will arrive in the UK in March 2006 with the 2.4-litre petrol engine. Pricing for the Cabrio has yet to be confirmed.