Chrysler Sebring 2010 News

In Chrysler's case the sales success of the 300C sedan has overshadowed the rest of the range. It is easy to see why when you look at what makes up the Chrysler line-up these days. The PT Cruiser five-door, Crossfire two-seater and Voyager people mover are essentially niche players and at the end of their lives. The arrival of the Sebring last May bucked things up, but the mid-size sedan added only 199 sales to Chrysler's 3059 total for last year. Now Chrysler has expanded the Sebring line-up by delivering two cabrio versions. The four-seater cabrio comes as a Touring model with a fabric soft-top or Limited with a folding metal hardtop. Both have one-touch automatic controls for the roof on the console or key fob. The cloth roof takes 27 seconds to raise or lower. The hardtop takes three seconds more to do the same thing and both disappear into the boot, giving the car an uninterrupted silhouette. Because the car is based on the sedan, it is a roomy four-seater with plenty of space for luggage. With the roof up there is 356 litres of luggage space and with the roof down the boot holds 193 litres. Standard equipment includes electronic stability control, dual front and side airbags, 17-inch alloys, automatic climate control, six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control, automatic-dimming rear view mirror, electric driver's seat, alarm, six-speaker CD stereo, tyre-pressure monitoring and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Limited adds heated and cooled cupholders, 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery, heated front seats, premium Boston Acoustics six-speaker MyGig 20GB stereo and automatic headlight washers. The Sebring cabrio is the first Chrysler model locally to use the new six-speed automatic mated to the 2.7-litre V6, both of which will make their way into the Sebring sedan. The cabrio produces 137kW at 5500 revs and 256Nm at 4000 revs. Like its sibling, the cabrio shares the same Macpherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, which gains extra cross bracing to add some torsional strength. The two-door is 80mm longer than the sedan, but 15mm lower thanks to a more steeply raked windscreen. Extra body strengthening contributes to a stronger body, but also increases body weight by 170kW in the hardtop and 130kg in the soft-top. Prices stary at $43,990 for the Touring and $51,490 for the Limited, bringing the car's entry price in under the Peugeot 307CC, Renault Megane convertible, Holden Astra Twintop and Ford Focus cabriolet.  

Sebring or Avenger? That is the choice as Chrysler looks to cull one of its mid-sized models in a company-wide simplification program that will create more casualties. Chrysler's Crossfire, PT Cruiser convertible, Pacifica wagon and Dodge Magnum wagon were all given a death sentence last year and the company's new president, Jim Press, confirms there will be more cuts as it looks to revitalise its bottom line. Press says many model duplications will be removed to ensure three distinct paths for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. Dodge will concentrate on performance, Jeep on adventure lifestyle and Chrysler will be the luxury brand. The Sebring and Avenger are the same car in different clothes and Press admits one will go. “Yes. But we don't have a timeline,” he says. “Directionally, we realise that's where we have to go.” Chrysler design director Trevor Creed says the decision will be made at model changeover. “We're not talking about now. We're talking about next generation,” he says. “At the next generation we'll decide which one will be renewed and which one will be hasta la vista. “That's something that will have to be determined and marketing will come to me and say, `We've decided we're going to do this segment again and this time only Chrysler — or only Dodge.” The current Sebring and Avenger were launched only last year, so they should live for at least four years despite the death sentence, making it easier to fit a single replacement into a new strategy. “Once the strategic direction is clear and we've decided what we want to be when we grow up, it will be relatively easy,” Press says. “It's tough to make the right decisions en route. We need to change the perception of our brands, and that's a big move. It's like eating an elephant one bite at a time.” Chrysler Group Australia welcomes the plans for product rationalisation, but believes the Avenger and Sebring are not a complete overlap here. “At the end of the day, we're driven by customer preference,” managing director Gerry Jenkins says. “As for Sebring and Avenger, their style and positioning appeal to different tastes. We'll see what the future holds.”  

When you are behind the wheel of a new Chrysler people notice you. Well, the car at least. Chryslers are known to attract attention. I think it is because of their distinctive design. The new Sebring sedan certainly can boast she is unique. From her ribbed bonnet to her clever cup-holders that can chill or heat contents, this American-made gal ticks many boxes for the family car buyer. She is value for money, spacious and quirky and sure to attract the 100 or so buyers predicted for her Australian market each month. From front on, the Sebring looks burly, but side on she is more your classic family sedan. What I like is that she features as standard equipment, many things you would expect to find only in luxury models such as the heated seats and an alarm. Also included are six airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels and tyre-pressure monitors, a great idea. I don't even mind the plastic dash that takes up a whole lot of the front because it is curved in all the right places and sits comfortably with the Sebring's street-wise feel. She is that sort of car, one that warns other vehicles not to mess with her; she has that mean look that means business. This won't put women off her. I enjoy being behind the wheel and did not feel at all aggressive. Women will appreciate her gentle side and will look forward to the convertible, which is due to release later this year in Australia for about $45,000. The Sebring sedan was released here in June and is available only as a four-speed automatic model for now.