Liana Reiners focuses on Chrysler cars – the brand with bling – and tests various models from this motor manufacturer available at local dealerships.
Whether your focus is on family, image-building or performance, I’m willing to bet that Chrysler will have something that tickles your fancy. How could it not, considering that its line-up includes everything from sports cars to people movers but it remains a brand with individuality and style.
From sports cars to people movers
Let me explain. Firstly, there’s the Voyager multipurpose vehicle (MPV) that caters for mom. Then there’s the PT Cruiser for ladies with an urban image to uphold and don’t forget the Crossfire for girls who want a sports car with serious performance and looks to match. And then, of course, there’s the 300c – an executive saloon for women who want to stand out in terms of performance, styling and aggression. Let’s not forget the Sebring, which competes in the ever-expanding mid-size segment of the market.
Chrylser’s Voyager is their big success story
But let me start at the beginning. The Voyager has been on the market for more than 25 years and it remains one of Chrysler’s biggest success stories to date. Regarded by many as the original minivan, it has sold in excess of 14 million units worldwide.
Here in SA, it continues to dominate in the large MPV segment of the market and remains the benchmark by which all other vehicles competing in this fast-growing category are measured. There are five models of this delectable mom’s taxi available, with a choice of two engine sizes: 2,8 and 3,3 litres.
Designed to make life easier
This is a vehicle that was designed to make things easier on you. It’s luxurious, versatile and comfortable on the inside, good-looking from the outside and very capable when it comes to what lurks under the bonnet. And prices range from R329 900 to R411 900.
The Chrysler Crossfire is for the free spirits
The Crossfire, on the other hand, will appeal to the free sprit in you. Apart from its obviously attractive looks, its 3,2-litre V6 engine is probably its most redeeming feature. This powerplant offers 160 kW at 5 700 r/min, with 310 Nm of peak torque at 3 000 r/min. Get it for R474 900.
The Chrysler Cruiser is also available in cabrio
Next on the list are the PT Cruiser and PT Cruiser Cabrio. They look unlike anything else on our roads, they’re comfortable, well specced and surprisingly versatile. In fact, you’ll have to go a long way to find a vehicle as individualistic and fun as this, especially in Cabrio guise. All four models have a 2,4-litre petrol engine.
If you want one, you’ll have to pay R199 900 for the for the PT Cruiser with manual transmission and R209 900 for the model with an automatic gearbox. Cabrio models will set you back R254 900 and R264 900 for the manual and auto derivatives respectively.
If you like your cars with a bit more muscle, the 300C is just the thing for you. It comes with a 3,5-litre V6 powerplant or a 5,7-litre Hemi V8 engine. The latter produces 250 kW of power at 5 000 r/min and 525 Nm of torque at 4 000 r/min but it pales in comparison to the 6,1-litre SRT8 model. With 317 kW on tap, it will change the way you think about the classic sedan.
Don’t be scared away though. The 300C is also available as a station-wagon-on-steroids model with a 5,7-litre engine. Prices range from R359 900 for the “baby” in the line-up to R549 900 for the big mama SRT8.
Last but not least – the Chrysler Sebring
And finally there’s the Sebring. Two models are available locally, namely the Touring and the Limited. Both feature a 2,4-litre engine producing 125 kW and 220 Nm of torque and both come standard with a four-speed automatic transmission and prices are R224 900 and R244 900.
Chrysler – a car to suit every taste
I told you Chrysler has a vehicle to suit every taste. Now go to your nearest Chrysler dealer, pick your favourite and take it for a test drive. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Like all things American, these vehicles do everything bigger and better than anyone else.