Though its exterior style never got old, the rest of the Chrysler PT Cruiser was not aging well. In particular, it sounded like what it was -- a car from the 1990s that was designed before the issue of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) became a focal point.
This probably has a lot to do with the car's fading sales fortunes in recent months, despite a range of rebates (from $4,200 and up) that have been in affect for months.
So it's good that a primary focus of the Detroit-based wing of Germany's DaimlerChrysler AG's revision of the mini-minivan was its interior, particularly with regard to NVH problems. According to Chrysler, the changes can reduce the noise levels inside the PT Cruiser by five decibels, depending upon the driving situation, which is considerable.
This is not as exciting as giving the most expensive model a handful of extra horsepower (which won't help it much in the real world) or even touching up the classic look of the car with a new grille, but for buyers who plan to drive the Cruiser regularly it would be very important.
Indeed, these changes could be a very big deal, since Chevrolet is almost ready to launch its HHR model right at the mini-minivan market that the PT Cruiser has owned for years.
To the casual observer, Cruiser's exterior shape might look the same, but it isn't. There are new front and rear fascias, including a new front grille with the Chrysler winged badge and chrome accents, and new headlamps that feature a scallop along the bottom edge, and new round fog lamps.
A new body-color spoiler on the liftgate is said to improve aerodynamics, but it's not clear what the benefit might be in daily driving.
As for that power upgrade, that only applies to the High-Output turbo engine in the Cruiser GT model, which is now rated at 230 hp, up from 220. The rest of the engines are carried over from the previous model, which means 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 150 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque.
The newer, quieter interior includes new seat trims and fabric choices as well as a new instrument panel with larger gauges, new flush shutoff, rotating air vents and a Chrysler signature analog clock.
The stereo is set higher up on the center stack for 2006, and a passenger grab handle has been added to the right side of the instrument panel to make it easier for passengers to get in and out. The glove box capacity is also increased, and the door has a dampened movement.
A new center console with a sliding armrest and covered storage space replaces the previous seat-mounted armrests and front passenger seat storage bin. This console includes a covered tray for hiding small items, and a storage bin that holds six CDs, an available battery-fed power outlet for cell-phone charging, a new coin holder and two fold-out cup holders for rear-seat occupants.
New radio options for 2006 include a Boston Acoustics premium sound system that features six speakers and a subwoofer, as well as a 368-watt amplifier, and rear door speakers that improve bass response. On top of that, all 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser models will have MP3 play capability.
This probably has a lot to do with the car's fading sales fortunes in recent months, despite a range of rebates (from $4,200 and up) that have been in affect for months.
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| 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
This is not as exciting as giving the most expensive model a handful of extra horsepower (which won't help it much in the real world) or even touching up the classic look of the car with a new grille, but for buyers who plan to drive the Cruiser regularly it would be very important.
Indeed, these changes could be a very big deal, since Chevrolet is almost ready to launch its HHR model right at the mini-minivan market that the PT Cruiser has owned for years.
To the casual observer, Cruiser's exterior shape might look the same, but it isn't. There are new front and rear fascias, including a new front grille with the Chrysler winged badge and chrome accents, and new headlamps that feature a scallop along the bottom edge, and new round fog lamps.
A new body-color spoiler on the liftgate is said to improve aerodynamics, but it's not clear what the benefit might be in daily driving.
As for that power upgrade, that only applies to the High-Output turbo engine in the Cruiser GT model, which is now rated at 230 hp, up from 220. The rest of the engines are carried over from the previous model, which means 2.4-liter naturally aspirated engine that produces 150 hp and 165 lb-ft of torque.
The newer, quieter interior includes new seat trims and fabric choices as well as a new instrument panel with larger gauges, new flush shutoff, rotating air vents and a Chrysler signature analog clock.
 |
| 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser (photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
A new center console with a sliding armrest and covered storage space replaces the previous seat-mounted armrests and front passenger seat storage bin. This console includes a covered tray for hiding small items, and a storage bin that holds six CDs, an available battery-fed power outlet for cell-phone charging, a new coin holder and two fold-out cup holders for rear-seat occupants.
New radio options for 2006 include a Boston Acoustics premium sound system that features six speakers and a subwoofer, as well as a 368-watt amplifier, and rear door speakers that improve bass response. On top of that, all 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser models will have MP3 play capability.