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Yes, the iconic PT Cruiser finally gets its top taken off, allowing four people to get wind-in-the- hair motoring - at, wait for it, just R249 000.
The new car will feature a freshened face and also comes with an all-new interior, improved performance and a boost of power for the 2006 model year.
The most obvious design changes are to the front of the PT Cruiser where it boasts a new front grille with the Chrysler winged badge and chrome accents, new headlamps that feature a scallop along the bottom edge and new round fog lamps.
Power boost
Chrysler also pumps up the power on the PT Cruiser, giving the engine a power boost for 2006, now rated at 112 kW.
However the 171 kW turbo version will not be available in SA.
In addition to the exterior updates and more power, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser gets an all-new interior.
Included are new seat trims and fabric choices.
A new instrument panel features larger gauges, new flush shutoff, rotating air vents and a Chrysler signature analogue clock.
Also new for 2006, the radio is mounted higher in the centre stack, 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 of the vehicle.
The glove box capacity is increased, and the door has a dampened movement.
Centre console
A new centre console with a sliding armrest and covered storage space replaces the previous seat-mounted armrests and front passenger seat storage bin for the 2006 model year.
This console includes a covered tray for concealing small items, a deep 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.
Front cup holders on the Limited and GT models get bright accents.
Also available on the 2006 PT Cruiser is a new Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC), which adds functionality by allowing owners to customise and easily adjust their personal settings.
Settings on the new EVIC include compass and temperature display, audio information, fuel economy, distance to empty and elapsed time.
To reduce road noise, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser has an all-new acoustic package, which includes improved sealing around the doors, windows, rear floor pan and reverberant cavity area, as well as increased sound absorption in the trim panels.
New improvements to the sealing around the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, as well as added insulation in the dashboard, reduce powertrain noise.
Wind noise has also been reduced by the use of redesigned inner seals in the door and added foam in the A-pillar.
Expect the new car to hit SA in May.
