Chrysler PT Cruiser
It's had more facelifts than Cher, but Chrysler says its revamped PT Cruiser now has even greater pulling power
The new diesel finally gives the PT Cruiser some of the pulling power its hot rod looks always promised to deliver. Coupled with improved economy, and a largely unchanged price, this compact MPV with a twist is still excellent value. It lacks the premium badge of its key rivals, but the quirky styling helps it stand out from the crowd.
But while the new look is sure to turn heads, the latest remodelling has softened the car's hot rod-inspired styling. Although the changes aren't enough to scare off die-hard fans, the PT isn't quite the challenging piece of design it once was.
That said, the grille still dominates the Chrysler's nose, and there are distinctive new scalloped lights and larger air in-takes. A colour-coded spoiler has been added to the tailgate, too.
There's also a new 2.2-litre diesel engine, which packs 25 per cent more punch than the outgoing 2.0 unit, with improved economy and performance.
We drove the 2.2 CRD Route 66 - a special edition based on the entry-level Touring model which is sure to attract serious attention, particularly if you opt for one of the metallic colours available. It also gets yellow brake calipers, chrome- plated 17-inch five-spoke alloys and lowered suspension.
Inside, we liked the simplified cabin. There are fewer switches on the console, the colour coding has gone and thankfully so has the deep-set instrument bin-nacle. The dials that replace them are simpler to read, and the combination of grey plastic and brushed aluminium looks less gimmicky. These changes make the interior easier on the eye, but there is still an Airfix kit quality to the finish, with moulding lines visible and clumsy joins between the multi-textured dash.
The power-adjusted driver's chair is a welcome addition, however, and we're glad to see the back of the seat-mounted armrests. Despite claims that cabin wind noise has been cut by as much as 5dB, we found ourselves reaching for the window switch to check the glass was shut - high-speed refinement could be improved. But at idle the new engine is quiet and smooth, and it develops nearly 300Nm of torque, giving the PT enough pull to make motorway driving and overtaking effortless. It's now more frugal, too, returning 47mpg.
The steering is light and accurate enough, yet the ride still feels coarse, and on rough roads the boxy body reveals a surprising amount of flex.
The one thing everyone agrees about is that the PT Cruiser is great value at £15,440. And although its retro styling has always divided opinion, the car still looks unique five years after its launch - despite the 'softening down'.
