Chrysler Viper Reviews

While I was growing up in the bush, people were making music surrounded by a culture that became a lifestyle.By the time I woke up and it all meant something, I'd virtually missed the Beach Boys, started drinking the wrong beer – there is, as I found out later, no such thing – and the Woody wagons of western America only appeared in a blur as a Morris Traveller with WA number plates.Which is why Chrysler decided to let us more mature drivers relive the bits of our youth that we either missed or couldn't afford.A bit like reading a Phantom comic where the writer says: "For those who came in late..."Welcome to the PT Cruiser. This is a wagon of the 1950s without the dry rot of side panels made of wood, an engine without a downdraught carburettor resembling a sparrow's throat, and, God bless them all, seatbelts.I must say I like this. The PT Cruiser is an extremely thought-out package that makes the wagon a very appealing machine for the thinking family. It was raining hard when I unloaded the groceries the other day, but the high hatch lid kept me dry. The plastic bags of food were strung on neat hooks provided by a moveable parcel shelf.If I wanted more space, I would have folded the split rear seats flat, then folded the front passenger seat forward to create a giant flat sleeping or loading zone.Its US heritage – despite the fact it's made in Mexico – reflects in the plush ride, accent on soft furnishings, and a few garish fittings dug up from the Beach Boys days.There's lots of leather in the Limited edition, with some stylish panels of alcantara thrown in, plus a gearshifter comprising a naked vertical rod of chrome topped by a black sphere.In my day, that would be an eight-ball, drilled and tapped in my father's garage to suit the thread of the gearshift rod.The dashboard is predominantly soft-feel black plastic, with silver finishes to the instrument surround.It all looks nice, but it's a bit messy. The electric window switches are top and centre on the dashboard. The buttons on the doors are locks, not window buttons.There are plenty of cup holders, indeed there is sufficient personal storage space, along with lots of sensible switchgear, including simplistic ventilation controls.In the PT Cruiser's latest guise, the engine goes from 2-litre ordinary to 2.4-litre ovation. It's obviously a lot better, though it could still be a lot better.The 2.4 is practically the same style of engine, just with more herbs. It is faster off the line, substantially more torquey and seems to have got quieter. The handling, however, is ordinary.The car tested was a five-speed manual with a notchy, yet positive, shift. A four-speed auto is optional, though don't expect tyre-screeching acceleration.I like this car. But don't buy it for its performance. Buy it because it is different, because it is surprisingly roomy, has one of the most versatile interiors on the market, and has loads of features.And you'll never lose it in the shopping car park.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser certainly looks like no other car on the road, has attracted a core of diehard fans and even spawned a club of owners.But does it raise your pulse?Since it was launched in 2000, it hasn't raised many pulses. Last year it sold only 974, which was 102 more than in 2003, but 120 fewer than the quirky Toyota Prius hybrid.However, pulses may quicken now that Chrysler has replaced the two-litre engine with a 5kW more powerful 2.4 unit. Power is now up to 105kW at 5200rpm and torque up 14 per cent to 214Nm at 4000rpm, but it's still no hotrod.Launch from the lights is prompt, but overtaking power is a little slow on stream and it struggles under load and on steep gradients.The engine sounds noisy and harsh, but transmission vibration has been reduced by twin-counter rotating balance shafts that smooth out the four-stroke beats.Chrysler doesn't seem to have upgraded the clutch to account for the extra power and torque, so you get a bit of shudder until you master matching engine revs to road speed.The light clutch may be handy for some drivers, but it makes smooth driving a needless chore.Fans of retro styling will admire the attention to detail, such as old-style chrome door handles with push buttons and the abundance of chrome inside.But the now-leather steering wheel is a little too old-fashioned with tilt-only adjustment and no audio controls, despite the volume knob being way over on the left for American left-hand-drive.The upright stance of the car is reflected in the interior accommodation which is high and straight.While there are 32 different seating configurations thanks to split rear seating, there is only room for four adults or two adults and three small children. However, legroom is quite good.New for 2005 is a Grand Tourer (GT) edition with performance suspension and tyres on 17-inch alloy wheels.The combination helps control the daunting understeer of this front-wheel-drive machine.Other new touches include a body coloured rear roof mounted spoiler, silver shift knob, leather steering wheel, overhead console, front and rear fog lights, electronic touch pad on the boot and stalk cruise control as standard on all models except the manual Classic model.All models (Grand Tourer, Classic and Limited) offer manual or automatic gearbox.Standard safety equipment includes front and side driver and passenger airbags, low-speed traction control and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.Options include a security alarm, sunroof and new exterior and interior colours.

Its eye-catching retro-styling puts the car in the same league as the popular new Mini Cooper and well above the less-than-gorgeous VW Beetle.In such an ideal world, a V6 engine and/or a turbocharger would help the package along nicely.Throw in a top-quality suspension and handling package, an interior with quality switches, dials and instruments, truly-adjustable driver seating and inside styling to match the bold outside look and we are really talking popularity.Of course such a machine would cost about $50,000. The 2005 PT Cruiser just released to Australian showrooms costs about $30,000.And as such, the real world clashes head on with the ideal world dreams.The previous model was criticised for being under-powered.Daimler Chrysler has tried to address this by upgrading to a 2.4 litre powerplant over the previous inadequate two-litre donk.Better, yes, but still not quite good enough.The actual engine power increase amounts to just 5kW. Torque is up 14 per cent to 214Nm at 4000rpm.As such the performance delivery is much smoother than from the previous smaller-engined model.The test car, an automatic model, comes with the novelty of a clutchless manual-style operation known as Autostick that enables the driver to flick through the three forward gears.That marginally improves the driver's feel for the car but if you want to change gears yourself, you really should buy a manual.The new model comes in three levels, Classic ($29,990 manual) Grand Tourer ($30,990) and the Cruiser Limited ($33,990). Add $2000 to each for an automatic.The Classic is the base model.As tested the Grand Tourer has better suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels (the others have 16-inch), tyres, a neat body-mounted rear roof spoiler, silver shift knob, leather steering wheels, overhead console and front and rear fog lights.Leather trim, heated front seats, an overhead console featuring a digital display giving you an outside temperature reading and compass information are among the extras on the most expensive of the trio, the Class Limited.The retro feel continues inside but is let down by some rather clunky switches.Turning on the rear window wipers for the first time proved interesting as the switch was eventually found hidden below the radio.The driver's seating position seems unnecessarily high.The dash and driving compartment are functional, but could definitely be bolder to match the striking exterior.Safety features are good with front and side driver and passenger airbags and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes as standard.Chrysler offer a three-year/100,000km warranty that also includes 24-hour roadside assistance for its duration.The PT Cruiser has in general been well received in Australia.Since its launch in 2000, Chrysler says 4200 models have been sold, including stronger sales last year than in 2003.It's very much a car that divides opinion, clearly based on its looks.People either like it or they don't, and it has proved valuable to businesses wanting a vehicle to be noticed in.So, would I buy one? Yes, based on its great retro looks and pricing. But there are reservations about its performance and the interior feel not really matching its image.

This North American people mover has set a few standards in its time; after 20 years in the business and more than 10 million sold around the world, the Voyager remains one of the best.It is not the cheapest option for shifting people and luggage, these days the Grand Voyager starts at $55,990. But this is a substantial vehicle with style and seven seats.For the new season the Voyager takes on side curtain airbags to cover all three rows of seats. There also is some cosmetic work around the outside, chiefly with a new grille and headlights giving the big wagon the latest Chrysler family face.The new bits arrive on top of an impressive list of equipment from front airbags and ABS to tri-zone airconditioning and a sliding side door and tailgate which open with power assistance.Here Chrysler Australia offers three trim levels of the long-wheelbase Voyager – SE, LX and Limited. The top of the range wagon – at $69,990 – carries leather and a superb 10-speaker sound system.Past the standard Grand Voyager Limited there is an all-wheel-drive Limited version at $71,990.All these Grand vans sit on a 3030mm wheelbase and run to 5096mm in the body; the advantage here is reasonable luggage space behind the third row, unlike some rivals which leave vestigial room for gear when all seven seats are used.The Voyager is 1749mm high, good for access and head room through to the back row of seats.In fact the interior of these Limiteds is quite tidy. Big analogue instruments have a classic, simple-to-read style, buttons and bells fall readily to hand while the interior's fit and finish, certainly on the Limited version, reflects the price tag and Austrian build.Accommodation in all seven seats is excellent, centre armrests for the front four seats a welcome bonus.But for the driver there are Americanisms to be accommodated.The indicator and wiper stalk is mounted on the left-hand side of the steering column, although that's not unusual.Then the change lever for the four-speed automatic sprouts from the right-hand side of the column. This may not be a problem after a day or two behind the wheel of the Voyager, there is some symmetry to parking, using the right hand to shift the transmission into park and the left hand to pull on the floor-mounted handbrake lever.But then there's the limited room in the Voyager's driver footwell, there's not a deal of space to rest the left foot with too much intrusion from the centre console coming in from the left. The saving grace is the high and upright, albeit quite comfortable, seating position which allows a driver's foot to sit flat.On the move, the Grand Voyager is quiet and flexible. The 3.3 litre V6 produces 128kW at 5100rpm and 278Nm of torque at 4000rpm, enough to have the Voyager sailing along with the traffic around the town or down the highway.The V6 runs about its business with a smoothness not always found in this market niche; the auto transmission is quick and easy and some two tonne of machine is on its way.The Voyager handles like a big front-wheel-drive wagon, it does not need to be pushed around quite as hard as the family Commodore.Yet this big Chrysler has a decent amount of balance and roadholding for a fair lump of machine. Only the steering lets the side down a tad; it is woolly, too light and non-communicative at the straight-ahead.The Voyager steers fine, it just takes that little extra before it bites.The Chrysler Voyager may not be a volume seller, some 8813 have been sold across Australia since it arrived in July 1996, but it does fly the flag for the company's image and engineering.

While the rest of the mob is looking pretty much the same, the American car manufacturer has followed a different path, with a stable of "retro" design models.The latest car to emerge from the behind this barn door is the Chrysler Crossfire roadster, a soft-topped, two seat rear-wheel drive sports car.Based on the Benz SLK (both companies are owned by DaimlerChrysler), it's a fabulous looking thing, with classic sports car lines – long bonnet, short upraised rump and twin centre mounted exhausts framed by massive 19 inch rear wheels and 235/55 rubber.It's enough to take your breath away and because there is nothing else even remotely like the Crossfire on the road it draws attention wherever it goes.If you want to be noticed, then count on it in the Crossfire.For some reason the coupe version of the Crossfire has not been selling as well as expected.But it's hard to imagine the gorgeous roadster befalling the same fate, not when it looks this good, has a 3.2-litre Benz engine, sits on Benz running gear – and is available for much less than an SLK.The heart of the matter is a 3.2-litre V6 that delivers 160kW of power and 310Nm of torque at 3000rpm.It has been superceded by a larger 3.5-litre power plant in Benz world, but it remains very capable of catapulting the car from 0-100km/h in a rapid 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 242km/h.Standard transmission is a five-speed tipshift unit but a six-speed manual is available at no extra cost.Our test vehicle was the auto finished in metallic silver.We found the car a little doey in full auto mode, slow to respond even when kicking down but this was easily rectified by nudging the stick left or right to change gear manually.Some drivers may even find the slow response of the auto more to their liking as it does not pin you to the back of the seat when all you want to do is go a little faster.The black fabric roof is relative easy to operate, but it must first be released by a lever, so cannot be considered one-touch.We would have liked to have seen at least another layer of fabric in the roof to better insulate the cabin from road noise.There is still some cabin turbulence even with a wind deflector fitted and tall occupants can expect some wind buffeting.Handling is excellent with high levels of grip and a decent set of stoppers to match the car's performance.Like the coupe the roadster features a speed- sensitive rear spoiler which deploys automatically when the vehicle reaches 100km/h.The roadster comes fully-equipped with four airbags, heated and power operated leather seats seats, climate controlled air, power windows, cruise control, ABS brakes, traction control and electronic stability control (ESP).Missing is a comprehensive trip computer but the 240-watt six speed sound system which features dual subwoofers is one of the better units that we have tested.Fuel economy is rated at 10.1L/100km for the auto with premium unleaded, but we got about 500km from the 60-litre tank or about 12.0L/100km.Boot space with the roof down is tiny with a reinflation kit provided instead of a spare tyre.Surprisingly, there is not a cupholder to be found.Chrysler Crossfire Roadster is priced from $75,990.

In an era in which $1 billion can be spent developing a new model without doing anything really fancy, that can be quite a saving.The so-called partnership of equals between Germany's Mercedes-Benz and America's Chrysler was designed to give each car giant access to far greater markets – and major cost savings through component sharing. Chrysler's fall from grace, which coincided with the amalgamation, has left DaimlerChrysler struggling to find the financial benefits.But there are signs the venture could be heading for a dividend following a troubled playing-in period.Chrysler has rummaged through Merc's parts bin to come up with a sports car for the US market. The Crossfire uses the underpinnings from the former-model Mercedes SLK, including the 3.2-litre V6 engine and gearboxes, suspension, steering, seats, switches and other componentry such as stability and traction control.Mercedes has upgraded the SLK with a stunning new body, metal-folding roof and many improvements, so why should it mind its "other side" fossicking in its heap of old spares?From Chrysler's perspective, it gets a fun-todrive, performance sports with rear-wheel drive to pitch at enthusiast drivers, at a fraction of the going rate.And remember, general knowledge that the moving parts are by Merc will not do the Chrysler sports any harm at all. The Crossfire coupe has exceeded sales expectations in its first year. Now, with the Roadster version¿s arrival for summer, Chrysler Australia can look forward to quite a return.Taking a purist viewpoint, it is difficult not to get a bit irritated by a Chrysler body sitting on a Mercedes platform. In many respects, it is something of a "copy model". It certainly feels like something from the Mercedes stable, mainly because the mechanicals and chassis are exactly that. Heck, even the switchgear is handme-down material. The Yankee-doodle design is a bit hard on the eye – particularly if you want elegance and not flash. But the need to achieve cost-down measures – and they are the current bywords likely to be around for a while – sponsors strange bed fellows. And if that means bastardising pure engineering, then realists will have to live with it.In any event, one has to accept that the Crossfire coupe and Roadster have been styled for the US market which, generally speaking, requires more of an in-your-face design than other markets.Chrysler stylists have gone for a semi-retro profile which is acceptable in its concept, if not in its execution. The long bonnet and hunchback rear come together for plenty of movement.But one wonders whether all the ribbing and creases in the metal body are really necessary. The large Chrysler grille and tailored headlights are far from subtle but the brand obviously wanted to project an aggressive attitude – and that has been achieved.Crossfire¿s cabin is a bit of a problem area – short-suited on room with a shiny silverpainted centre console which calls for heavyduty sunnies. The seats are by Mercedes and that means firm and supportive. And all the switches and stalks are familiar to those who have driven recent-model Mercs. From a dynamic viewpoint, it is difficult to fault the Crossfire – again, because it is not a true Chrysler but a Mercedes in drag. And so the car has tremendous ride and handling integrity and the 3.2-litre V6 performs strongly in all speed ranges.The 160kW motor can be mated to a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic with sequential manual mode Chrysler calls Autostick. In manual guise, Crossfire can pull from zero to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 240km/h.And those are good numbers for a sports car in this price range.The car rides on superseded SLK suspension: independent double wishbones at the front and five-link set-up at the rear. Mercedes has the knack of striking a compromise between ride and handling – particularly with its sports models. Body movement is contained well during acceleration, braking and cornering, while road shocks are rapidly soaked up without appearing to confuse the car¿s chassis.A rear spoiler rises from the rear section when the car reaches 100km/h, theoretically to increase the downforce ¿ but one wonders exactly how much benefit really is derived from its deployment.The car comes with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, plus stability and traction control.All that combines for predictable, safe handling even when a corner is attacked at imprudent speed. Safety equipment includes driver and passenger front airbags and door mounted thorax side airbags.The car rides on 18in wheel/tyre combinations at the front and 19in assemblies at the rear. This causes an obvious spare tyre problem and Chrysler addresses this by providing tyre repair sealant and air compressor. While this might get you home – unless, of course, there is a tear in the tyre in which case one has big problems – running a tyre full of repair fluid is not a good idea. And that means a puncture means tyre replacement – which is far from cheap.Unlike the SLK, which has a fold-down metal roof, the Crossfire runs a fabric fold-down. The driver has to pull down and turn a centremounted handle before ¿buzzing¿ down the roof in about 22 seconds. When the roof is stowed, do not even think about putting much in the boot.Finally, the price.The two-door Roadster comes to market at $75,990, which is $6000 dearer than the coupe. That compares well with sports cars of similar firepower. In sum, not a car this writer would kill to own, but nevertheless a competent car which underscores the mass benefits of platform sharing.

Moving large families was always a problem until the advent of people movers.  However, the first people movers were based on light commercial vans, and lacked the refinement of a regular sedan.  That was until the development of purpose-built people movers, like the Chrysler Voyager, specifically designed for family use.MODEL WATCHThe Voyager arrived here in 1997. It had been the most successful people mover in its home market, but would face some tough, well-respected competition here.  The Toyota Tarago was the benchmark, the Honda Odyssey was an acclaimed newcomer, and there were others like the Mazda MPV and Mitsubishi Starwagon.Two versions landed here in the first Voyager wave, the 2878mm-wheelbase SE and a 3030mm-wheelbase LE version. Both could carry up to seven adults in a flexible seating arrangement.The driver and front-seat passenger had comfy bucket seats, while the three rearmost passengers were seated on a broad bench. In between you could have a pair of buckets or a two-seater bench, making up seven seats.Being a semi-bonnetted configuration instead of the cab-over-engine style of most earlier converted vans, it was easy to climb into the cockpit, with access to the rear seats through sliding doors on the sides.Once inside, it was possible to move through the length of the cabin to get access to luggage or settle squabbles with the kids.  There was also another side to the Voyager, adding further to its flexibility: the rear two rows of seating could be removed by unclipping and rolling them out. They were on wheels and could be stored until needed.For people in small business or tradies it meant the Voyager could be used as a van during working hours, and converted for family use when the whistle blew.  Chrysler's designers were intent on designing a comfortable vehicle.The seats were well cushioned, it had power windows and mirrors, central locking, a tilt-adjustable steering column, air-conditioning, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette sound system. There were lights everywhere, a host of cubby holes and a dozen cup holders.Underneath, you found fairly ancient foundations. There was a combination of MacPherson Strut front suspension and a leaf-spring beam rear axle, front disc brakes with rear drums, and an overhead-valve V6 engine with just two valves per cylinder.The V6 engine was a 3.3-litre slugger with fuel injection in a sea of four-cylinder rivals. Peak power was put at 116kW at 4700 revs, top torque 275Nm at 3250 revs. A smooth four-speed auto transmission was the sole choice.IN THE SHOPRust doesn't appear to be a problem for the Voyager's galvanised body. Paint quality appears good.  Mechanically, the auto gearbox can give problems around 150,000km. The suspension is straightforward, and you should look at replacing wheel bearings around 100,000km.As with early Jeeps, the interior plastic trim parts are inclined to break. The bonnet crumple zones, airbags and seat belt pretensioners all spelled safety.  Drum rear brakes were a throwback to an older time, but the ABS was a positive.OWNER'S VIEWPamela Kriesl says her family's 1997-98 Voyager is a lemon, but says no other people mover matches it. It pulled to the left from delivery, it was difficult to get into reverse, and the auto expired at 99,000km. Add to that problems with the airconditioning, cruise control, headlights, and plastic interior trim parts and a large turning circle. Yet she says it's great to drive, the ride is wonderful, the power fabulous, and fuel economy is great.RATING12/20 Large roomy transport for seven that can also carry a load of luggageGreat flexible seating arrangementGood economy and performance from V6 Loaded with featuresComfortable ride Average build quality

Make no mistake, the topless Crossfire is as eye-catching as anything with four wheels and a bucketful of fun to drive.A short stint with the car was welcome but by the end of the week there were few tears being shed when it was time to take the Crossfire home.From the outset, the Roadster – and to a slightly lesser degree its coupe stablemate – was designed to draw attention to Chrysler.To do that, the American brand's new masters, DaimlerChrysler, turned the designers loose in the leftovers bin at Mercedes. Conservatively, 40-odd per cent of the Crossfire is made from bits Mercedes was not using any more, predominantly from the previous-generation SLK.Switchgear, seats, trim and automatic gear-shifter – renamed Autostick for the Crossfire – are instant clues to where the car is coming from.Less obvious but more central to the Crossfire's character is the Mercedes rear-wheel-drive platform with double-wishbone front suspension, multi-link rear, recirculating ball steering and a 160kW/310Nm 3.2-litre V6. All this technology, most of which has been superseded, for $75,990 -- and for that Chrysler will throw in a semi-automatic folding cloth roof. While that is substantially below the price tag for a new SLK Roadster or BMW Z4, it still gives a small start to Nissan's 350Z drop-top and almost $30,000 to Mazda's turbo MX-5.The most obvious compromise the designers have had to make to utilise the Mercedes donor parts, yet give the Crossfire its eye-catching and unique style, is in space.There is precious little room in the cabin with limited adjustment available via the reach-only steering wheel and electric height/tilt/slide driver's seat.If you want the roof down – and why else would you buy a convertible? – don't expect to be loading up the boot. The roof will do that for you. An annoying aspect of the test car was the solid perspex wind diffuser strapped between the individual roll hoops behind the seats.At night the reflection from the perspex shield is so bad that looking in the rear-vision mirror shows only what is in front of the car.Yes, it can be removed and stored but it shouldn't have to be.On the plus side, the Roadster's performance and manners are well ahead of what might be expected from the sum of its parts. In a relatively light body – just over 1400kg – the Merc 3.2 is a happy little unit.In manual or auto the engine winds out freely accompanied by a very pleasant crackling exhaust note.Ride is good, particularly given the low-profile tyres, and the chassis works to a level that would satisfy most owners.Body roll is not an issue and while the steering is generally adequate, there is a vagueness at the upper end of performance.Standard equipment is good – as could be expected for the price tag – with dual front and side airbags, ABS with brake assist, a stability program and switchable traction control.There are heated electric leather seats, power windows, cruise control and dual-zone climate control.The trim is well done with a polished metal-look dash treatment going some way to compensate for the white leather interior of the manual test vehicle.Is that enough to be able to live with it? Personally, no, but there are plenty of a more extroverted nature who would forgive its shortcomings for the guaranteed attention – at least in the short term.

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.

Sales soared and Toyota went all the way with a chisel-nosed Tarago that was the class act of the field.Every big brand had some sort of people mover for drivers with more than four in the family. Some called them, unkindly, Catholic vans.But they were mostly just converted delivery vans with three rows of seats, built to a price and with little concern for safety, comfort or equipment. A head-on crash meant the driver's legs would be first on the scene.People movers have never really recovered from the backlash against those evil originals, and the rise and rise of four-wheel-drives has also made life tough.Some people just don't want to be seen in a boring, boxy people mover, even if the newest of the breed are morphing into crossover cars that do more with less.The latest Mitsubishi Grandis and the Honda Odyssey point to the future. They're shorter and smoother but still pack lots of positions and choices into the cabin.They could spark a revival, particularly if petrol prices put real pressure on hulking seven-seat four-wheel-drives, but the current sales figures don't suggest that will happen soon.Kia sold 461 of its class-leading Carnivals in July to take its year-to-date total to 3199, but that was nearly half the total number of people movers, only 8579 going on to Australian roads in the first seven months. In contrast, big sixes totalled 103,677.People movers still fill a role, particularly if you really need to carry a lot of people for more than a sprint to the shops.Most carry seven in reasonable comfort. Among the official people movers, only the Volkswagen Kombi is rated as a nine-seater. The pricey Toyota Tarago and VW Caravelle seat eight.Still, people movers have come a long way on safety, comfort, refinement and equipment, and the benchmark Honda Odyssey is set for a huge sales rise very soon.A PEOPLE mover is no longer a box on wheels, nor is it an embarrassment to its occupants.The new Ford Territory is hot, and happily carries seven people if fitted with the rear seat. A Holden Crewman combines work-and-play duties, and the Toyota Kluger is a seven-seat family van disguised as an all-wheel-drive.Families want a vehicle that sits between traditional passenger car and hulking bush basher, and carmakers are rushing to fill the void.In coming years we can expect a rush of crossover vehicles that will blur the lines between traditional market segments.The Territory is already doing the job of an old-fashioned Falcon, albeit one dressed up in a macho body with a high-rider seating position, a classy finish and plenty of equipment and versatility. Luggage space is tight with the third row of seats up, and access to those seats could be easier, but it is a winner with families.The Crewman, the Cross8 in particular, is aimed at part-time parents who want family wheels with a bit of excitement. The upright back seat isn't all that comfortable, but the person making the buying decision – and using a Crewman for work – will be sitting up front.1. Honda OdysseyLowdown: Attractive body and Honda quality boosted by a top-value price.Verdict: The smooth new Honda shows how people movers should be done.Plus: Refined, classy, good looking.Minus: Not a huge amount of space.Rating: 18/20THE newest member of the Honda family is more quality stuff from the company that gave us the pace-setting Accord Euro. It comes with only seven seats, but that's no real handicap because the 2.4-litre engine has 118kW of power and impressive response. Letdowns are suspension that thumps over bumps, child-seat anchor points in the ceiling block the rear view, and loss of the V6. But to cap the action and really rattle its rivals, prices open at $38,790 and the fully loaded luxury model is $45,290.2. Chrysler VoyagerLowdown: The incredible hulk of the people-mover class is the one to buy if you have a big family and equally large budget.Verdict: An American "minivan" that's great for heavyweight hauling.Plus: Roomy and versatile, with V6 power.Minus: Costly, and not the best right-hand-drive conversion.Rating: 17/20THE American carmaker says this is the Rolls-Royce of people movers. There's space for seven with innovative roll-out rear seats and armrests in the front. The 3.3-litre V6 is punchy, if a little thirsty. Also available in a long-wheelbase model and all-wheel-drive. Prices start at $53,490 (SE model), step up to $59,090 for the long-wheelbase machine and go all the way to $78,590 for the fully loaded four-wheel-drive.3. Holden ZafiraLowdown: The innovative Holden was developed in Europe for three-row family work and Opel's original has been smartly tweaked for Australian sales.Verdict: Not the biggest of the bunch, but a good drive for smaller families.Plus: A good drive with impressive quality.Minus: Poor space in the tail, second-row bench has to slide forward for access to back seats.Rating: 16/20THE Zafira is close in concept to the now-dead Mitsubishi Nimbus, with a compact body that has Tardis-style third-row seating. It has excellent suspension tuning and good punch from its 2.2-litre four. The price is pretty nice, too, at $32,890, and the TV commercial with a youngster sketching on a baby is one of our favourites.MITSUBISHI GRANDISRating: 16/20Price: $43,990Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinderSMOOTH lines, nicely built and well equipped, but hit hard when the Odyssey arrived. Definitely worth a look for those dollars.MAZDA MPVRating: 15/20Price: $50,665Engine: 3.0-litre V6THE multi-purpose vehicle has been left behind by the zoom-zoom models in the Mazda family. Quality is impressive and it drives nicely, but few people seem to want a Mazda people mover.TOYOTA AVENSISRating: 15/20Price: $43,100Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinderNICE to drive with good access for kids in back, but minimal luggage space with third row up. Too costly for what it is, and shows Toyota doesn't really care about people movers in 2004.TOYOTA TARAGORating: 15/20Price: from $52,460Engine: 2.4-litre fourTHE faded former champion. Still has a great name. Desperately needs a V6 engine to justify prices that go up to $72,620.VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLERating: 15/20Price: From $59,990Engine: 2.8-litre V6BOTH Volkswagens are in a run-out situation, with no turbodiesels left. The new turbodiesel T5 could be the pick for long-distance families.HYUNDAI TRAJETRating: 15/20Price: From $32,990Engine: 2.7-litre V6ONE of the newer models in the Hyundai family, and punchy with its V6 motivation. The price is good but it shapes as a big-box deal for people who are more worried about practicality than quality.VOLKSWAGEN KOMBIRating: 14/20Price: $39,990Engine: 2.5-litre four cylinderTHE Kombi has a great name and drives better than you'd expect, with austere but quality finishing. Not as flashy as some.KIA CARNIVALRating: 14/20Price: $29,990Engine: 2.5-litre V6THE easy sales leader but doing it on value. Is much like its Hyundai twin but with a little more equipment and a price that makes it a real winner.MERCEDES-BENZ VITOArriving early next yearPrice: TBAEngines: TBATHE Vito people mover will be available in two models, with the upmarket version getting leather seats and all the fruit. Worth a look.