Text / Photography by Sammy Chan
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Retro is all the rave these days, from designer
clothes to everyday essentials, we've already come across many that had
refashioned stylish designs of the past. In automotive design over the last
several years, such trend had been even more obvious. The most successful of
all, no doubt, had been Volkswagen's New Beetle. There are also a few notable
retro designs from Japan, but most of them are largely limited for internal
consumption. Surprisingly, apart from DaimlerChrylser's Plymouth Prowler, there
aren't really any other retros from North America, with all the history it has,
one would have thought it would be flooded with such designs. But, don't worry,
very soon, the very American Chrysler PT Cruiser would probably end up being the
best selling and the most marketable of all.
Both Prowler and the all new PT Cruiser are the brainchild of DaimlerChrysler. This is not at all coincidental, in the realm of automotive design, DaimlerChrysler had always been more bold and aggressive than either Ford or General Motors. Here, design cues of the 30s and 40s were heavily portrayed, as PT's young and very chic designer Bryan Nesbitt pointed out: PT was meant for 40 different world markets, to make it stand out from the crowd, they had given it a very distinctive American flavour, the hot-rod look.
Looks from everywhere are also part of the package, the last time I had so much attention was when I drove the New Beetle before it went on sale 2 years ago. The triangular front with wide-out fenders are the sexiest part of the design, but it is the rear that I like the most, not so much as to the warm memories it brings, but the right combination of form and function is what I admire the most.
The interior is also tastefully designed, the
4-spoke retro steering wheel 
is
not only clever and appropriate, but also reflects the passion of the designers.
Much like the Fiat Coupe (not sold here), body color inserts are used to
brighten the dash, however, this means that you would also have to be extra
determined as to what color you've chosen for the car as well.
Dimensions of the PT are quite deceiving as well, what looks like a medium-sized car is actually shorter than a Neon or a Honda Civic. But the PT makes it up in height, with a body height of 1601mm, one doesn't have to guess as to what headroom is like inside. Sitting 5 adults comfortably is certainly fine, but the PT Cruiser is even better in the way seats are configured. The 65/35 split rear seats are totally removable, first that I've come across in a family car. Assistance is preferable for the removal of the bigger one, but both are equipped with rollers for easy stowage. Once removed, cargo floor is flat and huge, the PT then is very much like an MPV in terms of versatility and practicality. There's also a height-adjustable shelf at the back, it can also serve as a table for tailgate parties. Top
Actually, a lot of work has gone to the suspension to enable a flat cargo floor, although front suspension is pretty common, design of rear suspension is quite unique. The twist beam rear is blessed with trailing arms and a Watts Linkage for added lateral stability, there are also not one but two stabilizer bars for better handling.
Powering the front wheels is Chrysler minivan's 2.4 litre 4-cylinder engine, having always been scorned at by minivan buyers, this engine finally deserves its much needed attention. With the engine compartment already as cramped as it is, there's absolutely no hope for a V6, but for everyday use, current power output of 150 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque is definitely plenty enough. This engine is surprisingly quiet and smooth, considering that it is a 4-cylinder from Chrysler.
The engine will live up more to its potential if it's matched with a manual, the pleasantly retro shifter and close ratio gears also makes self shifting that much more fun. Handling is also surprisingly nimble and stable, with very little body roll around tight corners. Steering feel, however, is not very fluid and direct, but overall, the PT succeeds in offering both good looks and good fun for all kinds of buyers.
With a starting price of $23200, PT Cruiser is also very attractive, compared to Volkswagen's New Beetle 1.8T which coincidentally has exactly the same power figures, the PT is cheaper by three thousand. Equipment is generous with A/C, CD cassette and front power windows all standard. Limited Edition at $27400 adds leather front seats, fog lamps, front side air bags, dual power heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, alarm system, 16" chrome wheels, Touring Suspension and a number of other luxury features. Lining up for one seems to be the only negative that buyers would need to worry. Top
Specifications
Price: Base $23200; Limited Edition $27400
Wheelbase: 2616 mm
Length/ Width/ Height: 4288 / 1705 / 1601 mm
Engine: 2429 cc, DOHC, 4 cylinder
Horsepower: 150 hp/ 5500 rpm
Torque: 162 lb-ft/ 4000 rpm
Transmission: 5 speed manual, 4 speed automatic optional
Front Suspension: McPherson Struts, Coil Springs, Stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: Twist Beam, Trailing Arms, Coil Springs, Twin stabilizer bars
Brakes: Front Vented Disc, Rear Drums, ABS
Tires: Goodyear Eagle LS 205/55R16 Top
© Sammy Chan & Edwin
Lau
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