As things get increasingly tougher in the new car market due to the global economic situation and ever more challenging environmental issues even the American manufacturers have had to sit up and take notice. Of greater concern to them the Japanese have stolen a march on US manufacturers which has meant a rather large chunk of market share has gone to Japanese manufacturers resulting in Toyota being the top seller in the US.



The Americans have launched a counter attack and Chrysler now has a range of models to woo us.

Anyone remember the Green Hornet? Nah nor me but I do recall having a corgi model of his car and reference to him was made in the Public Enemy song ?Your Gonna Get Yours? The car was a Chrysler Imperial which came to mind the first time I saw the 300c with its frankly intimidating front grill and privacy glass.

You get a lot of motor for your buck here with many enticing standard features not to mention some pretty good extras available also. Models range from the 3.0V6 CRD saloon to the frankly outrageous 6.1 V8 SRT saloon with its bright orange HEMI? engine block that propels the SRT from 0-62.5 MPH in 5 seconds and on to 168mph where possible. The output is 425 BHP with 420lb ft of torque, all this from a car that weighs in at just a shade under two tons!

There is also a touring model across the range as well as common rail diesel options. The 300c is a very impressive car which is both aesthetically pleasing and packed with great features.

Next up is the PT Cruiser which on first glance looks like the sort of vehicle you might see a member of ZZ Top step out of. The tall profile doesn't suit all tastes but Chrysler has scored another winner here.

PT stands for ?Personal Transportation? and although the Cruiser is quite a common sight on the roads now they are still individualist enough to have great appeal. Available in 13 models this five door hatch comes with a 2.2 CRD common rail diesel unit and 2.4 DOHC petrol versions. With ever increasing fuel price rises and more punitive CO2 based emissions taxes on the horizon the diesel model has the edge over the petrol.

The entry model is the 2.4 Classic and rises to the 2.2 CRD limited manual. All models have a good range of features as standard for a vehicle in this class with some tasty optional extras available. Better make a start on growing that beard!

Moving on to Chrysler's flagship people carrier the Grand Voyager. The new version of which has claimed to reinvent the favoured mode of transport for those with larger families.

The all new Voyager certainly boasts some great features and seats seven in comfort. There is room for all the family and the higher spec models have enough in-car entertainment to silence the age old cries of ?I'm bored? from the younger members of the family!

As you would expect from a family vehicle safety is a key feature so advanced multistage airbags, all-round disc brakes with ABS and Brake Assist. Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) all come as standard.

Engines are available as three 2.8 CRD diesels and is topped off with the 3.8 V6. The load space is good and becomes positively cavernous with the seats removed. Chryslers innovative new Swivel? N Go? seating arrangement is a clever feature. An extremely well equipped people carrier which is worthy of further investigation.

The Sebring is a new model which takes its styling cues from the Crossfire heritage. An imposing design with smart features such as remote keyless entry and a spacious interior which seats five in comfort. Three engines are available 2.0 and 2.4 petrol and a 2.0 diesel. A good level of equipment is on offer throughout the range.

Finally if you're one of those people who likes to feel the wind in your hair (no jokes please) The Sebring Cabrio is an attractive proposition with a smart power hood which whilst retracted still leaves a decent amount of boot space, unlike a lot of Cabriolets. You'll be able to turn up at the golf course with the roof down and still appear triumphantly from the boot with two sets of clubs. Quite a head turner.

So there you have it folks Chrysler dealers cover all bases with their new model range.