Classier Chrysler convertible revealed

Published Jan 17, 2011

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It may be nothing more than a very thorough facelift of the previous Sebring, but Chrysler's new 200 Convertible, like its sedan counterpart that was released last year, could just deliver the goods for those seeking a classy cruiser.

Yes they've used a lot of chrome on the front without making it very distinctive and perhaps they've borrowed too much the Jaguar XF at the back end, but we can't imagine anyone not agreeing that this is a huge improvement over the much-unloved Sebring.

With this new drop-top, said to comfortably seat four adults and offer ample boot space, Chrysler promises "elegant craftsmanship" and a "refined driving experience."

Customers are offered the choice between two automatically latching tops: A body-colour retractable steel top or a cloth soft top, both of which can drop with the press of a button on the key fob.

As expected there's a new flagship engine in the form of Chrysler's 211kW 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 while the proven 129kW 2.4-litre four-cylinder motor soldiers on for less affluent buyers. Six-speed transmissions are standard across the range.

As for dynamics, virtually every part of the suspension has been retuned or redesigned, including 22 of 28 suspension bushings.

Step inside and you're greeted by an all-new cabin that packs some cool new gadgets for those indulging in the options sheet, including media centre with voice command and a 30 gigabyte HDD/CD/DVD/MP3 radio with Sirius Travel Link, which provides real-time driving information.

Unfortunately, unlike its Sebring forebear, the 200 Convertible is not coming to South Africa, according to Chrysler SA, as it is being build in left-hand drive form only.

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