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2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Preview

Hello Sunshine!

I know that Chrysler is known as the minivan company, a title the automaker showed it still deserves with the recent introduction of its now best-in-class "Stow n Go" folding seating system, but it has an enviable reputation building convertibles as well.

Model year 2002 saw Chrysler selling nearly 44,000 Chrysler Sebring Convertibles, a 14.5 percent share of the convertible market, which was the highest of any competitor, making the stylish midsize ragtop Americas best seller in the segment.

Of course Chrysler built convertibles before the Sebring. The Le Baron Convertible it replaced initiated a boom in the segment when launched in 1981 as a 1982 model, maintaining highest sales in the convertible category throughout its tenure. Much earlier in the brands existence, 1939 to be exact, Chryslers now defunct Plymouth division developed the worlds first automatic convertible top.

But segment firsts are nothing new for the blue ribbon badged brand. Still

Chrysler has had a lot of experience and success building convertibles, and their latest looks hot. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

its been a long time coming since I first caught wind of the convertible version of Chryslers PT Cruiser. It first showed up on the auto show scene shortly after the retro sedan/wagon/minivan crossover turned the North American youth-oriented market upside down in a whirlwind buyers frenzy.

I recently saw this latest production version, that debuted to the world at the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, January 6, in a special preview a month or so ago also held in Detroits Cobo Hall, and have to admit to being impressed.

It looks no different than the original concept, or at least not perceptibly so, with its protective roll-bar-style B-pillar hoop taking center stage. Chrysler calls it a "sport bar,"

The production-spec PT Cruiser Convertible debuted to the world at the North American International Auto Show on Tuesday, January 6. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

but dont get excited guys as it doesnt include a scantily clad waitress bringing you your favorite beverage or a big screen TV permanently set to ESPN.

There are two long doors, however, plus a stubby little trunklid and a folded roof bundled up top similar to VWs New Beetle Cabrio. While not as slick as automated hard tonneau covers, the PT system is less expensive and allows for much more room in the luggage department. The rest of the design is much like the popular GT Turbo, incorporating sporty color-keyed bumpers and side moldings.

Inside, a unique two-toned treatment sets the drop top PT apart from its fixed roof siblings, as does its distinctive "halo-design door panels with interlocking shapes," or so the Chrysler press material states.

But probably what impressed me most when sitting inside

While not as slick as automated hard tonneau covers, the PTs system is less expensive and allows for much more room in the luggage department. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler)

is the cars space optimization, or in English how much room it has inside. The driver and front passenger enjoy the same level of interior accommodations as inside the hard top PT, but rear passengers arent exactly compromised either. With 40 cubic inches of legroom, it offers 10 cubes more than any competitor in its class. Theres plenty of room from side to side too. Whats more Chrysler managed to incorporate a theater-style raised seating position to the rear seats as well, especially improving visibility for children. Altogether the PT Convertible boasts 84.3 cubic feet of interior volume.

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