Wednesday, May 19, 2010

The Chrysler Sebring Convertible Limited: A Luxurious All-Season Four-Seater



What’s New:

The current generation Sebring convertible hit the market in early 2007 as a 2008 model. For the 2010 model year there has been a few changes to enhance this convertible: a new wheel design, a new instrument-panel gauge cluster and foremost a slightly refreshed exterior design. And to enhance the headrests, a driver and front-passenger active head restraint has been added this model year.

Must Have Goodies:

If it’s in your budget, we recommend stepping up to the one-touch power-operated retractable hardtop convertible we had in our Sebring Limited. The Sebring is also available with a cloth power-operated drop top. Added to that, it’s worth equipping the four-seater convertible with Chrysler’s Media Center package, which includes a one-year subscription to Sirius traffic service, a rear-view automatic dimming mirror, a DVD player, a CD player and a 30-GB hard-drive with anywhere from a  4,250 to 6,700 song capacity. And if you order the navigational system, the package is also includes voice command with Bluetooth connectivity.

What Rocked:

The Sebring can easily convert from a hard-top coupe to an open-air luxurious drop top in a matter of seconds. With the hardtop convertible, this helped to reduce the shake and rattle typically found in most soft top convertibles. Also the optional keyfob controls the power top and windows, the remote start system and the security alarm. And, unlike many coupes and convertibles, the Sebring can actually accommodate two adults in the rear with the top up or down.


What We Hated:

Surprisingly, the Sebring wasn’t outfitted with lighted vanity mirrors or a rear backup camera. However, budget constraints, with the automaker, have caused them to lag on keeping up with latest high-tech features.

Any Juice:

While the Sebring is available with three engine choices, our vehicle was equipped with Chrysler’s 3.5-liter engine, with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering a respectable 235 horses from underneath the hood.

The Verdict:

Overall the seats are comfortable, the hard top was easy to operate and the trunk was able accommodated cargo, when the hardtop was retracted and folded into the trunk.

While Chrysler is in transition right now, retooling their line up, don’t expect many high-tech features on any of their current model vehicles. Despite the latest high-tech features, this is one smooth-riding convertible, especially when accessorized with the 18-inch wheels.

The Sebring convertible is available in three trim levels: LX, Touring and Limited. Starting price for the base LX convertible is approximately $28,000 and when fully equipped with the Limited trim, the vehicle can run up to $38,000. Expect Chrysler to offer incentives and discounts to help move the Sebring.

No comments:

Consumer Reports Talks To 'Auto Trends' About Their First Used Car Brand Study

Consumer Reports' Connecticut test track (Photo Credit: CR) With the average transaction price of a new-vehicle hovering around $48,000,...