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PT Cruiser Convertible

Mini-MPVs are meant to be practical vehicles. You can swap seats around, keep the kids happy and always be assured of somewhere to put your cup. But there is one thing no people carrier can do - pose in the sun.

March 2002

Mini-MPVs are meant to be practical vehicles. You can swap seats around, keep the kids happy and always be assured of somewhere to put your cup. But there is one thing no people carrier can do - pose in the sun.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser has never conformed, though, with retro looks which appeal to buyers who don't need its family-friendly capabilities. So it's no surprise to see the range expand with another jaw-dropper - the Convertible. The production versions are still closely guarded prototypes, but Auto Express got behind the wheel of the original show car to see if this topless model scores a perfect 10.

Shimmering on sunbaked tarmac, the PT looks natural as a convertible, but the car has had to be substantially modified to lose its head. For a start, two of its doors were taken away, then the rear panels were modified before the roof was removed. The windscreen and suspension were then lowered for a real custom 'chopped' look.

Surprisingly, though, Chrysler has opted to use a central roll hoop, both to protect occupants in a roll-over accident and keep the PT's bodyshell from flexing on the move. When folded, the roof itself seems to be a decade behind rivals, sitting high on the rear deck and shielded by a canvas tonneau rather than a solid cover.

It might spoil the lines, but that roll bar does a fine job of keeping wobble at bay. The production model will have more forgiving rubber than the show car's 19-inch tyres, yet the PT feels flex-free over bumps nevertheless.

While the folded roof might obscure rear vision, it does leave a bigger boot than rivals. The car hasn't lost all its practicality along with the roof, either. With no bulkhead between the boot and passenger compartment, you can still fold or even remove the back seats for extra luggage space.

There's enough room for four people, too. Rear seat passengers have to contend with a more upright position, but the squab is mounted higher than the front, allowing back seat drivers a view of the neatly styled dashboard.

Our car used a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine which is only available in the US, so UK buyers will have to make do with the PT's current 140bhp 2.0-litre unit. The standard model is also due to get a 2.2-litre turbodiesel from the new year, and the rag-top is expected to benefit from this motor, too. A convertible MPV with diesel power? Now that is sure to raise a few eyebrows - even before anyone sees how it looks.

Take one of the wildest-looking cars on the road today and chop the roof off and you are guaranteed to cause a stir. Due to hit the streets in 2003 as a production car, this concept suggests that the Convertible will drive as well as it looks. And despite the superstar appearance, some of the standard Cruiser's MPV-like practicality has been maintained. Add in the possibility of a new Mercedes-sourced turbodiesel and the PT could get top marks.

At a glance

* Drop-top version of Chrysler PT Cruiser due in 2003

* Lowered roof and suspension give look of Thirties custom coupe

* Engines expected to be 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre turbodiesel

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