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Chrysler Sebring

Chrysler Sebring CDX Limited

The distinctive styling of the Chrysler Sebring could be its Achilles' heel

Chrysler Sebring CDX Limited

By Mat Watson

June 2007

  • Rating:
Family cars are rarely chosen for their looks. While Ford's new Mondeo has a glitzy shape and Vauxhall's next-generation Vectra will get a sleek profile, dull and dutiful is the norm.
 
The creased bonnet and massive chrome grille, with its bulbous bumper, give the car a clumsy face

And that's where the new Chrysler Sebring is hoping to break the mould. Although demand for traditional family cars is on the decline, they are still the UK's third-biggest sellers. The US firm aims to grab a slice of the action with its new model's all-American styling.

Interestingly, Chrysler bosses know the Mondeo has raised the bar in terms of quality and practicality, and are keen to stress their saloon isn't a direct rival for the all-conquering Ford. Instead, the brand is pitching its new model as a more distinctive alternative to a Toyota Avensis or Honda Accord.

There is no denying the Sebring stands out. But, sadly, it's dramatic for all the wrong reasons. The creased bonnet and massive chrome grille, with its bulbous bumper, give the car a clumsy face. In profile it's slightly better, thanks to a bold waist line and standard-fit 18-inch alloys.

At least the Sebring's cabin is more adventurous than its rivals', and quite appealing - until you climb behind the wheel. Material quality and finish is way behind the rest of the class.

There are rough edges galore, while bits of trim feel as though they could come off in your hand. However, there's one saving grace. The leather-rimmed, electrically powered driver's seat is comfortable and this, plus the adjustable steering wheel, makes it easy to find a good driving position.

On the road, the Sebring performs adequately. There's minimal roll in corners, but while the suspension is firm, it feels under-damped, resulting in a jittery ride on rougher surfaces.

Go for the entry-level £17,995 car and you'll have to work the 154bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine hard to get any decent pace. Most buyers will opt for this 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel, though, and it's worth the extra £1,000.

Chrysler has priced the Sebring just below its rivals, but as it only comes in top-spec Limited trim, it gets far more standard kit. Sadly, the saving isn't enough to hide the fact that the US model is at the bottom of its class. And it won't be helped by the imminent arrival of Dodge's cheaper and better-looking version, the Avenger.

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3 Comments

Sebring

Chrysler Sebring, I have a 59 plate read a few reviews JDPOWERS which car all knocking the Sebring, I personally like the looks inside and out, and for the price on the road for £11999 less £2000 for my old car I paid £9999.00 on the road, that's with Sat Nav, Bluetooth, look at all the other vehicles in that range Price range, Size, and all the Extra's to Leather Sat Nav Bluetooth on board Hard Drive (Harmon Becker System). Xmas I drove from Birmingham (UK) to Paderborn (Germany) 520 miles not a prob with the vehicle, but on the way back I locked the key's in the vehicle, it was on a Sat about 16:00 hour's, Chrysler UK was fantastic, they arranged for Chrysler Germany to help, within 1 ½ hour's they arrived retrieved my key's and I was on my way home 100%. If I was asked to rate the vehicle, look's 8/10, Cost 10/10, I have had a few new car's Renault Laguna Plate 04, Ford Mondeo Plate 01, don't think I will lose as much on this Vehicle.

By ricky on 12 January, 2010, 1:19pm

57 Reg Chrysler Sebring

I bought a 57 registered Chrysler Sebring about a month ago, and all I can say is that this car is awesome. It is great value for money, considering i paid less than £8000 for a car with less than 14000 miles and fully speced and from a Chrysler dealer. It is not the quickest thing, but if I wanted a quick car, I wouldn't be on the market for a 4 door saloon. My average mileage is a respectable 46mpg, and the drive is one of the most comfortable that I have driven, and my previous cars were VWs and Audis.

By sarath1975 on 22 July, 2010, 12:44pm

57 Reg Chrysler Sebring

I bought a 57 registered Chrysler Sebring about a month ago, and all I can say is that this car is awesome. It is great value for money, considering i paid less than £8000 for a car with less than 14000 miles and fully speced and from a Chrysler dealer. It is not the quickest thing, but if I wanted a quick car, I wouldn't be on the market for a 4 door saloon. My average mileage is a respectable 46mpg, and the drive is one of the most comfortable that I have driven, and my previous cars were VWs and Audis.

By sarath1975 on 22 July, 2010, 12:59pm

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FIRST OPINION

    The Sebring is part of a massive product offensive by Chrysler over the next few years. Judging by the quality of its new family car, the manufacturer has a tough time ahead. Despite keen pricing and impressive levels of standard equipment, the distinctive styling could well be its Achilles' heel. And if that doesn't put people off, the poor build quality probably will. Its rivals have very little to fear.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Driving position is good, but poor-quality materials let cabin down. Strong diesel will account for most Sebring sales.
    Price: £18,995
    Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 12.0 seconds
    Top speed: 126mph
    Economy: 45.6mpg
    CO2: 170g/km
    Standard equipment: Heated front seats with electric adjustment for driver, full leather interior, heated and cooled front cup-holder, 18-inch alloy wheels
    On sale: Now
     
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