Chrysler Sebring Cabriolet : CALL ME A CAB

The `special relationship' between the UK and the US doesn't always extent to the automotive world. June Neary takes a look at the Chrysler Sebring Cabriolet.

Just because a car sells like half price iPods in America don't necessarily assume it'll be similarly profitable on the European market. In Britain, for better of for worse, we're probably more in tune with our American cousins than the rest of Europe but we still find their taste in cars baffling from time to time. Chrysler's Sebring Cabriolet arrived on these shores with quite a reputation. It had conquered the US drop-top market and its tail was up but things haven't really gone according to plan. You've got your sporty little convertibles and your big cruising convertibles and the Sebring falls very much into the latter category. It's quite a size, being based on the Mondeo-rivalling Sebring saloon, and it's about as lively as a student on a Sunday morning. The way to appreciate this car is as a large, comfy vehicle with a removable roof, a low price and a certain degree of exclusivity. If that prospect sounds attractive, the Sebring Cabriolet is worth a look and you might be more American than you think.

Inside, the clocks are softy lit in blue, while the infotainment system on the centre console will be familiar to anyone who has driven a modern Mercedes. Metallic coloured plastics dominate the centre console while the cowled dials, four-spoke sports steering wheel and two-tone trim on the doors act as small design signatures that lift the fascia above the mundane.

This 138bhp Volkswagen engine is far from the most refined oil-burner we've come across and although it is certainly punchy when it gets into its stride, it doesn't seem the ideal engine for this sort of car. Still, the oil-burner doesn't do at all badly in terms of emissions and economy. It'll manage a decent 41.5 miles from one gallon of derv and will emit 183 grammes of CO2 per kilometre travelled, neither figure being what you'd expect for a car of this size and presence.

Two models are sold and both are very well equipped. The 2.0-litre CRD Limited model that will prove more popular comes as standard with heated front seats, a six speaker Boston Acoustic stereo, air conditioning, a powered boot release, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power folding and heated door mirrors, ESP stability control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. If you're really serious about music, or just easily bored, then the optional MyGIG music server and sat nav system will tempt. It's tempting to compare this car with smaller apparent rivals like VW's Eos but Chrysler will point out that this Sebring is really punting at drop-tops like Saab's 9-3 Cabrio and Audi's A5 Cabriolet in the class above (both of which also have fabric tops). Against these rivals of course, the Sebring looks very good value.

Big sales in its home market mean that the Chrysler Sebring Cabriolet has nothing to prove over here. Some would say that this is just as well but the car does have its appeal for buyers who are more in tune with their American side. For not a whole lot of money, it's a big impressive-looking convertible and over here, hardly anyone else will have one. If you're unconcerned with the finer points of handling or the intricacies of cabin quality but want comfort, lots of toys and space for four, the Sebring Cabriolet is a decent left-field option.