New Chrysler Sebring review
Author: David Miles
Published: 24 June 2007
The Sebring has a great name I think. It certainly is distinctive with its American compact saloon styling and it caused considerable interest to the general public during our test drive launch programme.
There is no getting away from the fact that the car is exceedingly well equipped and it is roomy, the price is competitive and it will not be a common site on our roads.
For some people those will be good enough reasons to buy and there must be at least 2,000 customers a year in the UK willing to help Chrysler UK´s Peter Lambert meet his sales target.
However the car lacks the refinement and finesse of European models: the build quality is not great; the engines not up to the latest refinement and performance from its mainstream competitors; the handling is ‘old school’ clumsy; the steering is leaden and lacking in response and feel; and some of the interior trim plastics feel cheap.
Customers have a choice – buy the Sebring and you get a new well equipped roomy saloon or buy a mass market discounted European car, a dealer demonstrator or pre-registered bargain, off which there are many because it is a tough market. The latter is likely to be the best bet for many.
For the record the Sebring is available with a 2.0-litre petrol 154bhp engine with a five-speed manual transmission and the fuel economy will be around 36.2mpg.
This unit feels underpowered but does the job. The 2.4-litre, 167bhp petrol engine has an automatic gearbox as standard so that will appeal and it will return 31.7mpg.
The best option is the Volkswagen derived 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit with138bhp and 229lb-ft of torque from 1,750rpm with a six-speed manual transmission.
Fuel economy is shown as 45.6mpg and it is the fastest model in the range with a top speed of 126mph. While this unit is relatively responsive it is noisy at tickover and when pushed during acceleration, although it quieter at cruising speeds.
The Chrysler Sebring scores highly though for equipment levels with most items as standard. Heated/cooled front cup holders, air conditioning, heated leather trimmed seats and loads of safety features including electronic stability programme, traction control and side and curtain airbags.
An extra cost option is a comprehensive information, entertainment, communication and navigation audio system.
MILESTONES
Chrysler Sebring2.0 CRD Limited (expected main selling model)
Price: £18,995
Engine: 2.0-litre, turbodiesel 138bhp, 229lb ft from 1,7650
Performance: 126mph, 0-62mp[h 12 seconds, 45.6mpg, CO2 170g/km, VED Band E £165
Insurance: Group 10E
For: Scarcity value, distinctive styling, high equipment levels, roomy interior, large boot.
Against: Driving refinement, lacking European build quality.
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