Chrysler Sebring Cabrio 2007 Review

Chrysler will be adding the Sebring Cabrio to its range just in time for it to be wrapped as a potential Christmas gift.

The new convertible will offer seating for four and will be available in traditional soft or a folding metal hard tops.

The rag top will be on the lower-spec models and the hard top is destined for the range-topper.

The Cabrio follows the sedan's model line-up and will be available in Touring and Limited guises when it goes on sale next month, with just 500 likely to be on offer for 2008.

The Sebring Cabrio gets either a black or beige cloth top on Touring models, which are set to appear with a price around $45,000. The range-topping Limited model, which is likely to carry a price tag near $50,000 - gets the folding metal hard top, which adds just 45kg to the Cabrio's weight. Both tops drop at the touch of a button. The soft top takes 27 seconds and the hard top 30 seconds.

The Cabrio also brings with it a 2.7-litre V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, which also will make their way into the sedan line-up next year, with a low $40,000 price tag.

The 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine produces 137kW of power and 256Nm of torque, and Chrysler claims a 9.7 litres/100km thirst. The Cabrio mimics the sedan with ABS brakes and stability control as standard.

Prices suggest Chrysler is gunning for Holden Astra Twin Top, Renault's Megane CC, Peugeot's 307 CC, the Saab 9-3 and Volkswagen's EOS, but Chrysler says the Sebring is larger inside.

Chrysler Australia managing director Gerry Jenkins believes the Sebring Cabrio is a great American full four-seater made from the same DNA as the 300C.

“The Chrysler Sebring Cabrio has long held the honour of America's favourite cabrio, solidly leading the segment in North America for the past decade. Available in soft and hard top, the Sebring Cabrio is also the first Chrysler to land in Australia with our new six-speed automatic and V6 powertrain, both of which will make their way into the Sebring sedan,” he says.

Snapshot

Chrysler Sebring Cabrio

From around: $45,000

Engine: 2.7-litre V6.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive.

Power: 137kW at 5500rpm.

Torque: 256Nm at 4000rpm.

Fuel consumption: 13 litres/100km (city), 9 litres/100km (highway), tank 64 litres.

Dimensions: Length 4922mm, width 1816mm, height 1485mm, wheelbase 2765mm, track fr/rr 1570mm.

Rivals

Holden Astra Twin Top: $47,490.

Renault Megane CC: $46,990.

Peugeot 307 CC: $48,990.

Saab 9-3 Convertible: $68,000.

Volkswagen EOS: $50,290.