The next stage in the development of Chrysler’s popular PT Cruiser range has arrived, bringing with it new colours, equipment and technology – but without losing any style or elegance.

Two new colours and a host of superb improvements are the highlights of the 2002 model year range of Chrysler PT Cruisers that have now reached Chrysler’s 92-strong UK dealer network.

Among the new features are Autostick® – clutchless electronic gearchanging – new shift lever and instrument cluster on the automatic cars, improved lateral seat support, an armrest for the front passenger seat, and a carbon particulate air filter.

Steel Blue and Light Almond colours have been added to the line-up, an engine badge now features at the rear and all cars get body coloured bumpers. New six-spoke chrome wheels have been introduced to Limited models, and an electric sunroof is now available as an option.

And with a new 2.2 litre CRD (common rail diesel) engine just around the corner, these changes will broaden the appeal of PT Cruiser still further throughout the UK. The 121 bhp (89 kW) CRD engine delivers 221 lb ft (300 Nm) of torque to give a 0-62 mph time of 12.1 seconds and a top speed of 114 mph.

The petrol PT Cruiser is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine delivering 140 bhp
(104 kW) and 139 lb ft (188 Nm) of torque. The front-wheel drive car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 118 mph.

With its mix of contemporary and nostalgic design ideas, PT Cruiser is available in three specification levels – Classic, Touring and Limited – with prices ranging from £14,995 to £18,895. Four-speed automatic transmission with Autostick is available as an alternative to the standard five-speed manual gearbox on Touring and Limited petrol versions at a price of £800.

Standard equipment for all models includes driver and front passenger airbags plus side airbags, power steering, tilt-adjustable steering column, air conditioning, six-speaker radio/cassette/CD player with RDS, electric front and rear windows, plus electric heated and retractable door mirrors.

In addition, the Touring and Limited versions benefit from four-wheel disc ABS, traction control, cruise control, front fog lamps and mini overhead console with compass and outside temperature gauge. The Limited version also has leather/suede heated seats and chrome alloy wheels as standard.

As with all Chrysler models, the PT Cruiser comes with a full peace-of-mind warranty package which provides three years/60,000-mile cover plus seven years/unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty and three years roadside emergency cover.

Simon Elliott, managing director of Chrysler and Jeep in the UK, said: "The PT Cruiser has already shown what a stylish and value-for-money package it can be, and these new improvements will make the car an even more attractive proposition for our customers.

"The interior changes are significant and useful, and the two new colours give the range a whole new dimension."