PT CRUISER - racerchick review

The Daimler Chrysler radically designed new vehicle - the PT Cruiser is making its' splash at autoshows across North America now. At a base price of about $20,000US or $25,000Cdn, it has been described as everything from a retro-rod to a hearse-like mobile. Don't let the testosterone's tell you it's underpowered - it comes with a 2.4litre, 4 cylinder that runs about 150hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. [Racerchick insert - Horsepower SELLS cars but torque WINS races!!] Take into consideration that the vehicle weighs about 1400kg/3100lbs and the power seems reasonable. The handling was super with the car/truck - whatever you want to call it, staying tight to the road through some hard corners. Add the fact there is ample trunk space, even more if the back seats are gone - this is a fun vehicle that is bound to be enjoyed by many. Production was to start Valentine's Day this year and we hope to see the PT Cruiser in showrooms late March in the US and shortly after in Canada.

Specs for the technical girls:

TYPE: 4-dr, 5 pass. Wagon; FWD
ENGINE: DOHC, 16-valve L4
DISPLACEMENT: 2.4 litres
HORSEPOWER: 150 @5200rpm
TORQUE (lb-ft): 162 @ 4000rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual - automatic also available
STEERING: power rack & pinion
BRAKES F/R: power vent disc/disc; ABS
TIRES: P195/65HR15
WHEELBASE: 2617 mm/103 in
LENGTH: 4288 mm/ 168.8 in
WIDTH: 1705 mm/ 67.1 in
HEIGHT: 1601 mm/ 63 in
CURB WEIGHT: 1412 kg/ 3112 lb
CARGO CAPACITY: 518L/18.3 ft 3 2152L/76 ft 3
FUEL CAPACITY: 57 L/ 15.o gal.
ACCELERATION: 0-100km/60m = 8.5 sec
FUEL ECONOMY: 11.3L/100km city 7.1L/100km highway