Wrong.
It’s true that many cars do look bland and boring, but have you taken a look at the Chrysler range recently? Whereas most mainstream manufacturers seem to always play safe, by designing cars that will offend no one, Chrysler are blazing their own trail, with a range that dares to be different yet still covers all of the main vehicle groups: hatchback, saloon, executive saloon, two-seater sports, and MPV.
Let’s start with the PT Cruiser hatchback, because it really epitomises Chryslers’ gung-ho approach. Although the quirky retro-futuristic design is a few year’s old now, it still looks as fresh as a daisy, and turns heads wherever it goes. The design has recently been refreshed with some judicious resculpting, and there are no fewer than ten variations to choose from, all at sensible prices. With a tall profile that enables a command-of-the-road driving position, plus flexible, versatile interior space, it really lives up to its name, because the PT prefix stands for ‘personal transportation’ – and that’s exactly what it is.
Need a premium family saloon? Take a look at the Sebring, a stylish, and, some say, sexy, four-door five-seater powered by three alternative engines: an economical yet gutsy 2.0 diesel, a new 2.0 petrol power plant and a new 2.4 petrol automatic. From the distinctive signature grille, centre spine and fluted bonnet to the purposefully sculpted tail, the Sebring exudes sophistication and individuality. In a marketplace dominated by bland euro boxes, the Sebring is a welcome blast of fresh air.
But you don’t really want a family saloon, do you? Walk this way and let me introduce you to the Chrysler Crossfire. It has the sleekest, most beautiful, most aerodynamic body you’ve seen since Kiera Knightly emerged from the fountain in Atonement, with the added bonus of a smooth, responsive 3.2 litre V6 engine that makes it go as fast as any human being should ever need to travel. And if you don’t want to blow-dry your hair in the wind, there’s a coupé version. Best of all, it only costs around £25-28,000 – fantastic value for such panache, performance, personality (and rarity), especially compared to its much more common and costly competitors.
Unfortunately, seven into two don’t go, so for large families, choosing the capacious seven-seater Voyager is a no-brainer – unless you need even more space and versatility (such as the new Stow 'n Go seats, which adapt to create over 165 cubic feet of storage space) in which case the Grand Voyager will tick all the right boxes. Who said MPVs had to be ugly? These are smart, stylish, highly practical, state-of-the-art vehicles that drive like a car, ride like a limousine, and offer compelling value for money. In fact the biggest problem for Chrysler is that many potential buyers ignore them because they think that as they look so sleek and superior, they are far more expensive than they actually are. Prices start at just £19,000.
So now we come to the pièce de résistance, the Chrysler 300C. This is a serious executive limousine with a distinctive, perhaps even imperious presence, due in no small part to the dramatic design styling centred upon the bold grille and nicely weighted use of chrome. This is a vehicle for astute captains of industry and commerce who want to drive a quiet, refined and sophisticated vehicle that stands apart from the rest, but costs several thousand pounds less than its soulless rivals. All the desired power, performance and gadgetry are there, combined into a compellingly charismatic package that makes everything else on the road look rather ordinary.
I’m quite excited by the Chrysler range. Although the heritage and history is all there, this is a company looking and moving forward in a distinctly different way. The unique styling approach won’t appeal to everybody, but perhaps that’s the point?
