Has anyone taken a look at what our American cousins ​​have to offer recently? If the answer is no, perhaps I can persuade you to reconsider.

As things become increasingly difficult in the new car market due to the global economic situation and increasingly challenging environmental issues, even American manufacturers have had to sit down and take notice. For them, their main concern is that the Japanese have gotten ahead of the American manufacturers, which has meant that a fairly large part of the market share has gone to the Japanese manufacturers, resulting in Toyota be the best-selling in the US.

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

Does anyone remember the Green Hornet? No, not me, but I do remember having a corgi model of his car and it was referenced in the Public Enemy song “Your Gonna Get Yours.” The car was a Chrysler Imperial that came to mind the first time I saw the 300c with its downright intimidating Front Grille and privacy glass.

You get a lot of engine for your money here with a lot of good looking standard features, not to mention some pretty good extras available too. Models range from the 3.0V6 CRD sedan to the downright outrageous 6.1 V8 SRT sedan with its bright orange HEMI® engine block that propels the SRT from 0 to 62.5 MPH in 5 seconds and up to 168 mph wherever possible. Output is 425 BHP with 420 lb-ft of torque, all of this from a car that weighs just 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 that is aesthetically pleasing and packed with great features.

Next up is the PT Cruiser, which at first glance looks like the kind of vehicle you might see a ZZ Top member come out of. The high profile doesn’t follow all tastes, but Chrysler has scored another winner here.

PT stands for “Personal Transportation” and while the Cruiser is fairly common on the roads now, it is still individualistic 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 prices and more punitive CO2 taxes on the horizon, the diesel model has the upper hand over the gasoline model.

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

Moving on to Chrysler’s flagship minivan, the Grand Voyager. The new version of which has tried to reinvent the favorite mode of transport for those with larger families.

The new Voyager certainly packs great features and seats seven comfortably. There’s room for the whole family and higher spec models have enough in-car entertainment to muffle the old “I’m bored” cries from younger family members!

As you’d expect from a station wagon, safety is a key feature, which is why advanced multi-stage airbags, integral disc brakes with ABS, and brake assist. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) comes standard.

Engines are available as three 2.8 CRD diesels and is completed with the 3.8 V6. Cargo space is good and it gets cavernous when the seats are removed. Chrysler’s innovative new Swivel ‘N Go (TM) seating arrangement is a smart feature. An extremely well-equipped minivan that deserves further investigation.

The Sebring is a new model that takes its style from the Crossfire heritage. An imposing design with smart features like remote keyless entry and a spacious interior that seats five comfortably. Three 2.0 and 2.4 gasoline engines and a 2.0 diesel are available. A good level of equipment is offered throughout the range.

Lastly, if you’re one of those people who likes to feel the wind in your hair (no kidding please), the Sebring Convertible is an attractive proposition with a clever electric hood that, while retracted, leaves a decent amount of space in the trunk, unlike many others. of Convertibles. You will be able to appear on the golf course with the roof down and continue to appear triumphantly from the trunk with two sets of clubs. Quite a turn of the head.

So there you have it folks, Chrysler dealerships cover all the bases with their new model lineup.