Chrysler Reviews

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SLK.The heart of the matter is a 3.2-litre V6 that delivers 160kW of power and 310Nm of torque at 3000rpm.It has been superceded by a larger 3.5-litre power plant in Benz world, but it remains very capable of catapulting the car from 0-100km/h in a rapid 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed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.

We're talking about big, cruisy American cars with thumping great V8s and truckloads of power – Yank tanks as they used to be known.Australia recently delivered the Monaro to the US and the Americans are getting ready to return the favour, with a big V8-powered Chrysler that will go head to head with Ford and Holden.It has been more than 20 years since Chrysler has gone one on one with the big two in Australia, not since the last Valiant rolled off the production line – but the Chrysler 300C is not like any American car that we have seen before.As with other vehicles to come out of the Chrysler stable in the last couple of years, the 300C boasts dramatic styling with simple technology to dramatically improve fuel consumption from the big 5.7-litre Hemi V8.In short. the rear-wheel drive 300C is a car that is going to knock your socks off with its big, bold, muscular front grille, high waisted "hot rod" sides, narrow band of windows and chunky 18inch wheels.If it all sounds good so far, the only downside is that we are going to have to wait 12 months or so before the car finds its way down under.The 300C draws its name and heritage from the 300 series "letter cars" that Chrysler began producing in the 50s.With 300 brake horsepower the big, low-slung coupes were able to reach an unprecedented 150mph and were the fastest thing to hit stock car racing at the time.The new car while it is a four-door sedan draws many styling cues from the original cars that ceased production in 1965.We were fortunate to be among a select few journalists to preview and drive the car recently in France.The big Hemi V8 (another name from the past) puts out 250kW of power and 525Nm of torque and is capable of catalpulting the car from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds, despite the fact it measures just 1mm shy of 5 metres and weighs close to 2 tonnes.The clever thing is that the engine uses what Chrysler describes as a Multi-Displacement System to shutdown four of the eight cylinders when maximum power is not required, dramatically reducing fuel consumption.Final certification has not been given yet but Chrysler executives believe the car should achieve a figure of just under 12.0L/100km which means you can have your V8 cake and eat it too.The transition from eight to four cylinders is virtually seamless, taking just 40 milli-seconds.It transforms the engine from a V8 to a V4 configuration by shutting down two cylinders on each side.The big V8 is teamed with a five-speed sequential auto that neither Australian manufacturer currently offers.Chrysler says it is too early to discuss pricing, but adds it will be "attractively" priced to compete with Fairlane and Statesman.A 3.5-litre 186kW V6 model will also be offered while an all-wheel drive Touring wagon is still under consideration.The 300C is an imposing car especially from the front with a strong street presence that turns heads wherever it goes.Based on style alone it could give Ford and Holden a real shakeup, provided of course the price is right.It is also likely to draw buyers from larger European saloons that are looking for something different.On the road the 300C feels large but agile, with a burst of power that quickly dispatches slower vehicles.Handling is not quite sporty but certainly no soggy biscuit.The twin exhaust system delivers a recognisable V8 note under hard acceleration.At other times it is almost inaudible, with impressively low levels of interior noise.Top speed of the car is limited to 250km/h.The interior is finished in "real" California walnut, with the usual luxury appointments including satellite navigation and a 380 watt Boston Acoustics sound system.The driver's seat has eight way adjustment, with a steering wheel that has height and reach adjustment as well as foot pedals that adjust. 

For the first time since the death of the Valiant, Chrysler plans to go head-to-head with Ford and Holden in Australia.The Chrysler 300c will arrive here towards the end of next year, with a price around the $60,000 mark.And it will be aimed straight at our homegrown luxury stars, the Ford Fairlane and Holden Statesman.It will join the Crossfire coupe and convertible in Australia, and could finally provide the much-needed breakthrough for the American brand.The 300c is bold and beautiful. It is also an American car in the truest sense, with a big engine, a big body and traditional rear-wheel drive.Even more important, the 300c will be gunning for a global role as Chrysler's new flagship model."The introduction of the Chrysler 300c marks an important chapter in the evolving history of our brand internationally and is one of the most important episodes of our continuing product offensive," Chrysler executive director international sales and marketing Thomas Hausche says.Chrysler has gone back to its roots to push the brand forward.The 300c is a modern interpretation of the company's historic letter-series models that began with the renowned C-300 in 1955.This contemporary styling, including an in-your-face grille, will put the 300c in a class of its own and provide a point of difference against the Statesman, Fairlane and other contenders in the $60,000 price range.The 300c also heralds the return of Chrysler's legendary 5.7-litre HEMI V8 – which got its name from its hemispherical combustion chambers – after almost 50 years.As fitted to the 300c, the latest HEMI development is the first modern volume-production powerplant produced in North America with cylinder deactivation.Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System turns off the fuel supply to four cylinders when V8 power is not needed, boosting efficiency and resulting in fuel consumption as low as 12-litres/100km.Even so, the 300c – which also comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine – is no slouch, sprinting to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds and reaching an electronically regulated top speed of 250km/h. Not bad for a car that weighs 1840kg.On the roadThe 300c is a long way down the road from a 1980s Australian-made Chrysler Valiant.From the moment you sit in the 300c you are greeted with luxuries. An eight-way powered seat combined with electronically adjustable pedals adds new meaning to finding a comfortable driving position.The seat is also heated, together with the passenger's side, and there are walnut accents on the steering wheel (which has power tilt and telescoping with a memory).The centre console is sized for a suitcase and the Boston Acoustic stereo pumps out the tunes.The cabin space is similar to its likely rivals, though the Statesman has an additional 38mm of rear legroom. The Statesman and Fairlane both have bigger boots.Once you get going, the 300c is basically a big cruiser. It's a luxury long-wheelbase limousine that, though measuring a freckle under 5m, manoeuvres surprisingly easily.Acceleration is responsive and the 300c, helped in part by the 18-inch wheels and tyres, feels like it is nailed to the road at high speeds.The five-speed automatic gearbox (on the V8) is a step ahead of the 300c's competition and greatly improves drive comfort, even when not utilising the Autostick driver-operated manual control.The MDS was not noticeable, despite attempts to try to catch it out.The smooth, luxurious ride compromises the handling – as you would expect from a luxury sedan – and some body roll was encountered when cornering hard.And, just as you'd expect with a Hemi under the hood, the 300c allows you to enjoy the traditional thump of a big V8.

The Chrysler Crossfire incorporates typically extravagant styling demanded by American buyers with mechanicals from Mercedes-Benz.And that just about sums up the collision of cultures which is Crossfire.Buyers who like sleek, svelte European styling will not get caught in this crossfire.However, those who want a niche model which is different will consider the new car.But all that said, Crossfire is not without merit. Any car which shares the same 3.2-litre V6 engine, sequential automatic and suspension as Merc's sensational SLK has lots in its favour. And full credit to Chrysler for being different in its styling approach.The two-seat sports car was developed in the US but is built in Germany by specialist car builder Karmann.And that guarantees Crossfire is turned out with sky-high build quality.From a dynamic viewpoint, the presence of Mercedes mechanicals and chassis assures the car goes quickly and handles impeccably.The car goes from zero to 100km in a quick 6.5 seconds on its way to a claimed top speed of 242km/h. Crossfire is available with either six-speed manual or five-speed adaptive automatic – both priced at $69,990.The test car ran Merc's auto box, which means sequential gear changes are made with a nudge to the left and right, rather than the more conventional front and rear employed by other brands.Having experienced – and enjoyed – the Mercedes configuration in so many of its cars, Crossfire's east-west auto shift operation held no mysteries.Similarly, the punch from Merc's 160kW 3.2-litre engine has been savoured many times in the past, and feels and sounds like it is working in a machine bearing a silver star.The all-aluminium 18-valve unit is highly responsive and with an all-up weight of under 1400kg to haul around, the good power-to-weight ratio results in highly responsive acceleration.With a Mercedes-worked suspension keeping the body nicely in check, it is not surprising Crossfire handles extremely well.The car comes with electronic stability program (ESP), the dynamic stability system which has proved so successful on a number of European performance cars. The system takes road safety to a new level, cutting in and out without input from the driver when cornering forces threaten to generate understeer or oversteer.Coupled with anti-lock brakes and brake assist system, ESP ensures Crossfire never gets crossed up.Cornering grip is also enhanced by evenly balanced weight distribution and independent front and rear suspension.The chassis has sufficient travel to provide superior ride quality while geometry is designed to control body movement during spirited cornering. If the car were to be judged on dynamics alone, marks would be very high indeed.But while sports coupe buyers place great emphasis on pure driving pleasure, looks do play a significant part in any evaluation.Crossfire's profile is sound enough – powerful shoulders, heavy wedge side profile, long bonnet and sweeping beltline all combine for winning looks.The rear end is nicely rounded around the C-pillar for an unusual – but not unattractive – boot line which is an extension of the roof radius. Chrysler's new face is appealing and the air vents rearward of the front wheels work well.But there are just too many bends in the metalwork for the total package for work for this writer.The rib work pressed longitudinally along the bonnet is altogether far too busy.In the cabin, the centre console is painted in bright silver, which is more like an arcade game.And the less said the better about the seats, which provide little in the way of support.While the car has to be considered a genuine performance vehicle, the rear spoiler which deploys automatically when the car's speed rises above 90km/h has to be considered as bit excessive.A car has to be travelling well in excess of 90km/h before wings and things begin to impact on downforce.So while a certain section of buyers may be impressed by toys on their cars, this writer prefers cars to be pure in design and spirit – and definitely gimmick-free zones.Chrysler has been a bit of a drain and a strain on Mercedes-Benz since the amalgamation of the two car giants.But DC claims the American arm of the world's fourth largest car maker has a host of new products in the pipeline.It really is hard to be negative about a car like Crossfire, which is designed to appeal only to a niche market – roughly 200 a year in Australia.But it comes down to what works for the Americans does not necessarily make friends and influence buyers in Australia.Remember Pontiac demanded changes to our Monaro beyond branding changes, which illustrates the differing tastes. So far, Chrysler has sold 85 examples of Crossfire but it will be interesting to see how the monthly demand levels out following the fulfilment of the initial demand.In sum, great mechanicals, questionable styling.

Of the cars that have been through our garage, the Crossfire has attracted the most attention – edging out Holden's panel van and Smart's funky roadster."Does it go as good as it looks?" and "How much?" were common phrases exchanged in raised voices at intersections.I felt like making a sign, it would have been easier.Others were seen to stop in car parks to have a good look, pressing their noses up against the glass before standing back to take in the car's styling.So it has incredible street cred but does it have the performance and handling to match?If the Crossfire could talk, it would say "I wish I was a V8".Not that the 3.2-litre V6 doesn't drive those rear wheels – it does – but for a car with such appeal on the outside and a bonnet big enough to get a V8 underneath it, the bigger engine would be a nice option.Bigger exhausts would do the car justice as the pea shooters surrounded by the nice big chrome tipped pipes create a muffled noise, not the throaty sound you would expect from a sports car.The manual is the better box to choose. The clutch is a little heavy and the box a bit sloppy but the ability to rev the engine is a plus not enjoyed in the automatic, even with the tiptronic-style shifter.The six-speed box makes the most of the 160kW (at 5700rpm) and the 310Nm (at 3000rpm).The Crossfire tested had a track debut at Oran Park. No, not as a race car – it was used in the second stage of the Jim Murcott Advanced Driving Course.The Crossfire stops well but under heavy braking above 80km/h the test car pulled to the left and had a shudder through the wheel.In the understeer/oversteer tests at the track the Crossfire proved how stable it was. Despite traction control being off it was difficult to make it move off-line.Vision is a problem. The back window is narrow and rear quarter vision is poor.The Crossfire is built on the Mercedes Benz SLK platform and the Benz influence is felt throughout the interior. The leather even has the same smell.The low roof, high door sills and dark matt finish make for a cosy interior but there is still a reasonable amount of room.The glovebox is surprisingly large and the centre console bin hides the phone, wallet and keys away. Finally, a sports car with a decent boot. It is large enough to fit a trolley-load of shopping (without any riding shotgun) and an average suitcase.The chrome finish on the centre dash area is striking. The leather seats are hard but comfortable.The cup holder is clumsy to use, is in the wrong position and there is only one.There was noticeable creaking from around the door trims when the car flexed under stress and over rough roads.The Crossfire is nicely priced at $69,990 for both auto and manual, and competes directly in money terms with Nissan's 350Z.But, as far as street cred goes, there is no competition.Want to be noticed but can't quite afford a Ferrari or a Lamborghini? Then go cruising a Chrysler Crossfire. It gets attention wherever it goes.