Chrysler Crossfire 2004 review

The stunning Crossfire Coupe has been here for a couple of months but has made only little ripples on the local scene despite impressive credentials and sharp pricing. Crossfire's profile has taken a shot in the arm with the arrival of a drop-top roadster this week.

The roadster could generate much more interest than its tin-top stablemate because it's even more of a head turner.

Buyers in this segment seem to focus on convertibles more than coupes.

And for a premium of only six grand, a whole new driving experience is opened to the driver and lucky passenger.

Crossfire roadster sells for $75,990 putting it at the affordable end of the prestige sports car segment – thousands less than its competition but with no down side.

In fact, Crossfire roadster offers more than many of its competitors – rear wheel drive, sensational dynamics, a Mercedes-Benz engine and transmission, exquisite styling and better yet, it's built in Germany.

Essentially the coupe with an electric soft top, Crossfire roadster weighs a mere 36kg more than the hardtop which is a sub-1300kg car.

The chassis is so rigid, minimal underbody bracing was required when the roof was hived off.

There is no scuttle shake and no creaks or groans when the roadster is driven over spoon drains or out of driveways.

The roof is stored in a boot bin that takes a hefty slice of luggage space but hey, who cares – travel fast, travel light in this silky smooth running sex-mobile.

Spirited performance is provided by the 3.2-litre, V6 engine with 160kW/310Nm. It's the same engine we have seen in numerous Mercedes-Benz models through the past decade.

Like the powertrain the chassis is shared with no other Chrysler model.

Interior features are shared with Crossfire coupe and that means a full range of luxury and comfort equipment including an excellent audio system and semi automatic air conditioning, heated seats and an immobiliser.

The roadster is offered in a range of striking colours including a light yellow. Interiors have a "machined" look and are all two-tone over a base grey. The cream interior is a stand out as is the orange/brown. Colour coding includes the steering wheel.

But from a driver's point of view, the real attraction of this car is its ride/handling.

Unlike many competitors, the Crossfire has a supple suspension capable of smoothing our horrible bumpy roads and yet, at the same time, handling is overtly sporty. That means sharp steering, flat cornering, excellent grip and powerful 300mm brakes. Huge tyres no doubt contribute to this dexterity but the overall package is impressive, aided by a range of electronic systems including stability and traction controls.

The front suspension is a double wishbone arrangement and the rear is a five link system.

Like the coupe, there are two transmissions available at the same price. The manual is a six speeder and the five speed auto has Autostick sequential shift.

Though the auto will massively out-sell the manual, the latter is a better thing to drive on the open road. Acceleration from 0-100kmh in the manual rushes by in the low six second bracket.

All this to the trumpeting tones of the dual outlet exhaust. It is one of the sweetest sounding sixes around.

The electric roof deploys quickly but has a fiddly centre catch.

The roadster looks sensational from all angles – fast when simply standing still.

It follows no other modern styling cue but has links with Chrysler models from the 1930s and '40s.

What a treat to drive and looks that scream style.