Chrysler's PT Cruiser gets special

CHRYSLER has released a special-edition version of its long-running PT Cruiser.

Apart from slicing $2000 from the price of the hard-top Touring model upon which it is based and throwing in all on-road costs, the 2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser Special Edition offers a host of extra equipment and unique features.

Available now at the driveaway price of $29,990 as a five-speed manual – $2000 less than the $31,990 sticker price of the regular PT Cruiser Touring – the special-edition PT is available only with Brilliant Black exterior paint. A four-speed automatic costs an extra $2000.

Completing the unique special-edition look are specific 17-inch SRT Design alloy wheels, a new cross-hatched solid billet aluminium upper grille, chromed body-side trim spars and deep-tint sunscreen glass.

Inside, the list of upgrades includes a 368-Watt Boston Acoustics amplifier with six-CD stacker and premium speakers, premium ‘Embossed Momentum’ cloth trim with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with bright silver spokes, power sunroof, satin-silver finished instrument cluster with chromed rings, chromed door lock knobs and special floor mats.

The special-edition PT Cruiser’s 105kW/214Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine remains unchanged, as is the unique PT’s standard equipment list, which includes power windows, 65/35-split fold/tumble/removable rear seats, a sliding front armrest with storage, Chrysler signature analogue clock, compass, temperature display, air-conditioning, heated front seats and cruise control.

Chrysler has sold more than 7000 PT Cruisers in Australia since February 2000, with more than 1.3 million examples sold worldwide since 1999.