Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Advertisement - Article continues below

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'.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025