Revolutionary
The new PT Cruiser redefines 'affordable transportation'

Chrysler seems to be making a habit of redefining segments in the automobile universe. Over 15 years ago, the minivan put the family market on notice that it was OK to ditch the faux-wood paneled station wagon for something that had superior versatility. Now the boys from Auburn Hills have introduced a car which defies description with its retro-looking, roomy and affordable people mover, the PT Cruiser.

The PT Cruiser (PT stands for personal transportation) attracts attention without much effort. Bryan Nesbitt, chief designer for the PT Cruiser, strove for a look that went beyond the typically entry-level vehicle. The body design, with its integrated bumper, fender flares and slate grill, looks at home on a ’30s Hot Rod.

The look back to previous generations includes a high roofline and upright windshield. Combined with an upright seating position, these features give the driver clean sightlines and a commanding view of the road.

Performance is more in tune with looking good rather than off-the-line, tire burning excitement. The standard 2.4 liter four gives 150-horsepower – good, but still underpowered for the 3,200 lb. curbweight. (Rumored in the not-too-distant future is an turbo option that should pick things up a bit) Paired with the standard five speed manual transmission (a nice touch is the cue-ball style shifter knob) keeps the wagon’s 0-60 time respectable (8.5 seconds) while the four speed automatic keeps the Cruiser in the back of the bunch (10.9 seconds).

The car’s touring suspension is an exotic mix of a low-profile, twist beam axle with trailing arms and Watt’s linkage for lateral motion control at the rear. These help give a pleasing ride, especially for a wagon. Body roll is controlled, road noise is at a minimum while still transmitting a reasonable amount of feel back to the driver. The optional ABS package (including traction control) is worth the $595 fee considering the piece-of-mind and the improved performance.

Besides its looks, the PT Cruiser’s big selling point is its versatility. Using flip, fold and removable seating, Chrysler has designed a passenger/cargo area that can be configured in over 26 different ways. For a vehicle that is shorter in length than a Ford Focus, the PT Cruiser has over 64 cubic feat of usable interior space and can even store an eight foot ladder (comparable to much larger SUV’s).

Chrysler has introduced a vehicle that makes a significant impression on the entire automobile industry. The PT Cruiser’s looks alone have garnered enough favorable buzz, but its versatility, ride and promise of performance should make for a compelling vehicle in the nondescript low-end auto marketplace.

Chris Taylor is a contributing writer to The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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