Last year, DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group revamped its mid-size, front-wheel drive, 2007 model year Sebring sedan. Now, it's time to spruce up the top-down offering.
Both were redesigned long before private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management jumped in to purchase an 80.1 percent stake in Chrysler for $7.4 billion earlier this month.
While the Sebring sedan has found the going formidable in the hyper-competitive mid-size sedan segment with such stalwarts as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu, the Sebring convertible has found a sales groove. Sebring has earned the title of best-selling convertible in the United States for seven of the past 11 years (Sebring convertible was first was introduced in 1996).
The 2008 Sebring convertible started arriving at Chrysler dealers this month. It's built at DaimlerChrysler's recently refurbished Sterling Heights, Mich., assembly plant sharing time with the Sebring sedan and mid-size Dodge Avenger sedan.
The Sebring convertible was last revamped in 2001. No 2007 model year Sebring convertible edition was offered during the design transition from 2006 to 2008. Three trim levels are offered for 2008: Base, Touring and Limited. Side-impact airbags are now standard as are anti-lock brakes. Stability control remains optional.
Chrysler currently incorporates a three-convertible marketing strategy with the mid-priced Sebring sandwiched in between the PT Cruiser convertible ($19,995 starting price in 2007) and the low-volume, higher performance two-seat Crossfire roadster.
Sebring convertible's big news for 2008 is the debut of its first-ever, power-operated metal hard top joining two power soft-top selections: vinyl and cloth. While the three tops are different materials, all utilize the same mechanisms to raise and retract. All three tops work in tandem with a standard hard tonneau cover that automatically drops into place when the top is down. No need to carry around a snap-on version. All have glass rear windows. Also, the new hard-top is painted the same color as the car's body for a uniform look.
As with its sedan counterpart, three powertrains are offered in the Sebring drop top: one four-cylinder and two six bangers.
Chrysler invited members of the media to Southern California earlier this spring for a day of testing a variety of pre-production models. Although the mist-kissed clouds blocked the sun's rays for most of the day, they did not deter participants from dropping Sebring's top for trekking the twisty mountain roads in between the precipitation drops.
Looking good
From the A-pillar forward, the Sebring sedan and convertible are virtually identical mechanically and visually, with sculpted lines running the length of the hood. Behind the A-pillar, differences are notable. For starters, convertibles are two-door models. In addition, the convertible's overall length is three inches longer, stretching the side profile.
Operating the power top is simple and quick. With the vehicle stopped and in park, all three power tops retract with the push of a dashboard button. No need to continuously hold the button as the top motors down after a momentary push. Also, drivers don't have to manually twist or unhook latches as the Sebring's system circumvents these procedures.
Drivers also have the option of dropping the top with the push of a key fob button (standard in Touring and Limited, optional in Base). The soft tops raise and retract in about 27 seconds; the hard top in about 30 seconds. All three tops fold in a similar tri-section fashion. The black vinyl top is standard in Base models. A cloth top is standard in Touring and Limited with the new hard-top convertible feature optional.
In front, occupants sit 2.5 inches higher than the previous Sebring convertible model, improving road perception and making entry and exiting easier. Seat belts in the 2008 convertible are located on the seat, not the frame, improving ease of movement.
Back seats of convertibles are a bone of contention. Many claim to accommodate four riders, but lack any rear leg room to realistically qualify as a four-seater (see the stylish, powerful but leg-limiting Lexus SC 430).
The Sebring convertible's full-size back seat is comfortable and supports enough leg room for average-sized adults; although, back seat comfort is in the thigh of the beholder. Front bucket seat backs tilt forward and the base slides forward once a latch conveniently located on top is engaged to gain access to the back region.
Optional in all models, and worth the price of admission when two people are traveling up front, is a windscreen. This folding, plastic-framed device snaps into the rear seat compartment with a mesh screen that flips up behind the front head rests. It cuts down the turbulence and wind noise created when faster-moving air traveling over the windshield encounters the slower-moving air inside the convertible. It worked as advertised and also afforded the opportunity to converse with a fellow traveler without having to raise voices to be heard. When not in use, the wind screen folds flat and fits in the trunk.
Speaking of the trunk, it's usable with the top up or down. With the top down, 6.6 cubic feet of space is available. In terms of golf bags, two bags can stack in the trunk when the top is down. With the top up, space almost doubles to 13.1 cubic feet.
With the top up or down, head room is plentiful. A stylish analog clock is found on the center dashboard above three easy-to-grab ventilation dials.
Three engine selections are available: the in-line, four-cylinder, 16-valve, 2.4-liter world engine co-designed by Chrysler, Hyundai and Mitsubishi delivers 173 horses (up from 150) with fuel estimates of 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. It's mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and available in the Base edition. The two V-6 engines (both mated to a new six-speed automatic transmission) include a 2.7-liter, 24-valve, 189 horsepower engine (standard in mid-level Touring editions) generating an estimated 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. This is a flex-fuel engine capable of operating on any blend of gasoline and fuel-grade ethanol up to E85. Limited editions feature a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine producing 235 horses and generating 16 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Keep in mind fuel estimates generated by the EPA starting in the 2008 model year are calculated differently, generally resulting in lower fuel estimates (approximately two miles per gallon in each category depending on the engine) than 2007 estimates from the same engine. All Sebring convertible engines can run on regular, 87-octane fuel, although the 3.5-liter V-6 recommends mid-grade 89 octane.
Pricing can add up quickly. While starting price for base 2008 Sebring convertible with four-cylinder engine and black vinyl top checks in at $26,145 (priced $645 less than a comparable outgoing 2006 model), top-level Limited model with options and the all-new hard-top retractable roof closes in at $39,000 (Limited starts at $32,345). Mid-level Touring editions start at $28,745 with standard cloth top ($30,740 with the new hard top).
Sebring convertible continues in its decade-long tradition of offering consumers four-seat comfort starting in the mid $20,000s. The 2008 Sebring drop top should have no problem retaining its popularity with customers. |