Chrysler Sebring coupe scores with sporty moves, good prices
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
|
MADISON, Ill. -- A serpentine autocross course marked by orange plastic traffic cones wound around a vast asphalt parking lot at the new Gateway International Raceway, situated just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis.
That's where a fleet of mid-size coupes, imports and domestics, awaited driving tests on a route containing hard corners, sweeping bends and chicane slalom swerves.
The last model one driver tested -- Chrysler's slick Sebring -- was steered around this pylon course only reluctantly because, despite the car's racy lines, my preconceived notion was that Chrysler's bread-and-butter coupe looks better standing still than it behaves in motion.
A spin around the lot prompted an instant revision in perceptions, though, because Sebring ended up running circles around its competitors and demonstrated in the short space of three tight turns executed with flat stance and no tire squeal that the Chrysler handles in a confident manner that matches its fluid styling curves.
Sebring's stunning shape, accented by softly curving corners and a bold strip of side cladding stretched below the door line, emerged two years back as 2-door coupe replacement for aged LeBaron in Chrysler's line.
Its bold nose with a recently revamped trapezoidal grille leads rearward over arching hoodline to a massive expanse of raked window glass.
From the side, Sebring presents a definite wedge-shaped profile, but the angular C pillar adds an assertive notched element toward the rear, where a flat decklid cascades crisply to the multi-colored cluster of lights and snug low fascia strip.
Inside, Sebring stocks comfort and convenience features to complement the exterior's fine lines, while beneath that windswept skin mechanical hardware like you'd find in an expensive sportster enables it to scream through a squiggly set of mountain curves or zip down a broad freeway slab.
All of these Sebring driving feats were revealed to me during recent tests, first at the autocross course and subsequently through a week of down-home drives while living out of the top model, Sebring LXi, outfitted with snappy V6 power and 4-speed automatic transmission.
That premium model, containing power controls and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus air conditioning and cool stereo sound, may look and feel like another expensive sports coupe but Chrysler's pricing strategy positions Sebring well below its imported and domestic rivals.
My tester Sebring LXi listed for $21,655.
And at entry level, Sebring LX drops to $17,000.
The two trim levels appear complete -- Sebring LX stocked with a sprightly twin-cam 4-cylinder engine and malleable 5-speed manual shifter, Sebring LXi packing the 2.5-liter V6 with 4-speed automatic.
What's the catch?
From my tests, I could find no catch, no flaw, no reason not to like this car.
Sebring in either engine format sounds unexpectedly quiet for a coupe. At freeway speed, you may detect only a hint of wind noise and virtually no sound stemming from the engine compartment. On a hill course, the smaller engine may protest more than the V6, but it's working harder.
Sebring's base 4-cylinder engine delivers 140 hp and can push to 7000 rpm.
This powertrain package delivers fuel figures as high as 31 miles per gallon.
Sebring's twin-cam V6 comes with cast iron block and aluminum alloy heads, four valves per cylinder and sequential multiport injection. It rises to 163 hp and mates exclusively with the 4-speed automatic.
Safety systems include dual airbags, built-in structural crash zones and a safety cage for passengers, steel reinforced side doors, 3-point safety belts with adjustable B-pillar turning loop, even fog lights.
Electronically-controlled anti-lock brakes rank as a standard item on LXi, but stand as optional on LX.
Inside, Sebring feels spacious and comfy.
The cockpit apparently was designed for an aggressive driver, with ergonomic arrangement of analog instruments and power control switches, a comfortable contoured bucket seat with firm edges to hold you in place, and a fat steering wheel that's gutsy and meaty, just what you need for dynamic driving.
Important incidentals enhance Sebring's user-friendly interior, such as the floor-mounted console with padded armrest, dual cupholders, twin storage sections, juice box cubbyhole and covered electrical power outlet, which I used to plug up my radar detector.
The floor plan pegs twin buckets in front of a bench that works best for two, although there's space for three.
Unlike typical coupes, Sebring rides on a chassis that's long enough to leave room in the rear seat for legs.
To prove the point, I logged time in back and found my long legs fit neatly -- even comfortably -- behind the driver's front seatback. Further, I didn't need a hoist to haul myself out of that space, as the front seat slides forward enough to create sufficient space for an easy exit.
No rival provides such rear seat leg space, but who buys a racy sports coupe for its back seat? In this class it's looks that count, and Sebring has that covered.
Sebring's trunk size also seems generous for a coupe, with more than 13 cubic feet of cargo room, plus a low entry level for the lip so you won't have to hike items aboard.
Peel away Sebring's sheetmetal and you'll find underpinnings that belong to Chrysler's Cirrus sedan.
Essential hardware ingredients -- a stiff chassis, independent double wishbone suspension and speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering -- become a core package shared by Cirrus and Sebring.
These two cars were styled at Chrysler's Michigan design studio, but unlike Cirrus the Sebring is produced in Illinois at the Diamond Star joint-venture plant of Chrysler and Mitsubishi, which also builds the Eagle Talon.
With its slick good looks, gutsy mechanicals which enable Sebring to perform surprising pavement tricks, and that affordable price plan, Chrysler's sporty car may carve a smile on your face if you test it -- like it did on mine.
1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING COUPE
|
| 1997 CHRYSLER SEBRING VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact sports coupe |
| Model Options: |
Compact sports coupe |
| Wheelbase: |
103.7 inches |
| Overall Length: |
191.0 inches
|
| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.0-L I4
SOHC 2.5-L V6
|
| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum/ABS
LXi: Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
I4: 22/31 mpg
V6: 20/28 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 17,000 to $ 22,000 |
|
|
|
The Big Lot! is dedicated to privacy, security, and service. Read our Privacy Policy.