Chrysler Sebring

It had taken me four hours to drive nine miles in torrential rain trying to avoid swirling flood waters on the inside lane of the motorway. I was as bored as every other driver appeared to be. So when the occupants of a Ford Focus opened the window and asked me to do the same, I risked getting a little wet.

The Chrysler Sebring I was road testing was creating a great deal of interest and I spent a few entertaining miles chatting about its various qualities. Having only recently hit the forecourts there are few of the family saloons to be found on the road. It is elegant and beautiful with athletic styling. From the front it features the distinctive face of the Chrysler brand with sculptured character lines running over the bonnet.

The elegance continues throughout the vehicle’s spacious interior. There is plenty of chrome trim, plush leather and wood effect highlights on the dash, steering wheel and doors. Despite such a long journey, I found that the seats are very comfortable with lots of electronic adjustment to give the perfect position for most bodies.

I whiled away the time playing with all the buttons and dials that operate the very highly specified interior. The centre stack features a Chrysler signature analogue clock, which is surrounded by dual heating and air conditioning vents. There is a new multimedia infotainment system and power outlets for a mobile phone, PDA or MP3 player. The instrument panel has large white dials and black numbers which are easy to read at a glance.

Drivers have a command of the road seating position and lots of leg, head and shoulder room. There are many useful storage spaces too. The passenger seat folds to create a table like surface which enhances the versatility of the Sebring.

A tyre warning light appeared whilst I was driving which showed that both rear tyres were flat. Luckily it was just the above average amount of water spray that had operated the sensors. There are lots of other innovative features on the Sebring, even a cupholder which can be heated or cooled to suit the required drink temperature. A cutting edge sound system and a DVD system to keep rear seat occupants happy and occupied add to the everyday driving pleasure. Cruise control is a useful standard feature when you can actually get up to any speed on a motorway!

When you do, you will realise that there is no engine noise in the cabin. In fact it took me a few days to remember that it was actually the diesel engine that I was road testing. The 2 litre turbo is a first for the Chrysler group and delivers excellent overall performance and a combined cycle fuel economy of 45.6mpg. Acceleration is efficiently quick. There is also a 2 litre and a 2.4 litre petrol engine.

One of the features I don’t like on the Sebring is the 6 speed manual gearbox. It is really notchy and it is difficult to find the central point. However there is an automatic gearbox.

One of the features that I was glad to have during the very wet week are the host of safety systems. The anti lock braking system helps the driver keep the vehicle under control by preventing wheel lock up when braking on slippery surfaces. Electronic Stability Programme, with Brake Assist System and Traction Control System help the driver maintain stability to keep the Sebring on course. If there is any indication of slippage, ESP engages, applying the brakes and if necessary slowing the car down to minimise wheel spin. There is also a host of airbags.

Starting at £17,995 otr the Chrysler Sebring is a beautiful car to drive, especially when sitting in it for long journeys. It offers a host of standard equipment far in excess of the competition for the price and currently it does attract a lot of attention – sometimes very welcome attention!!

Facts at a Glance
Model: Chrysler Sebring
Price: £17,995 to £18,995
Engine Options: 2 litre and 2.4 litre petrol and 2 litre diesel
Performance: Diesel - 0-62.5mph in 12 seconds and on to a top speed of 126mph
Combined fuel consumption: 45.6mpg
CO2 emissions 170g/km

By Sue Cooke