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NEWS AUTOMOTIVE

GUIDE

THE Chrysler Sebring
convertible is more
than just roomy —- it’s
classy, too,

The Sebring is now into its
fifth model year since it was
introduced and will be
replaced by a redesigned
model for 2001. Still, it
remains one of the most stylish
and roomiest convertibles on
the market, and a relatively
good value for under $35,000.

Other convertibles in this
price range include the Ford
Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro,
Pontiac Firebird, Chevrolet
Cavalier, Pontiac Sunfire and
Volkswagen Cabrio, but none
of these cars are directiv com-
parable to the Sebring. The
Camaro, Firebird and
Mustang are smaller, pertor-
mance-oriented — rear-wheel-
drive convertibles that offer
optional V8 engines; while the
Cabrio, Cavalier and Sunfire
are all considerably smaller
“242” convertibles with four
cylinder power plants.

he Sebring convertible,
on the other hand, is a V6-
powered — front-wheel-drive
mid-sized convertible with an
interior that will seat four
adults, a trunk that is compar-
atively large, and offers a clean
stylish design that’s sporty, but not aggressively sc.

Based on the Cirrus platform

First introduced in 1996, the Sebring convertible is based on
the same front-wheel-drive plattorm as the 1995) Chryster
Cirrus /Stratus/Breeze cars rather than, as you might expect, on
the Sebring coupe which is actually a Mitsubishi-designed prod-
uct. A 2.4-fitre four-cylinder engine was available on the base
Sebring convertible JX model until 1999, but the optional 2.5-
live V6 engine became standard on all trim levels in 1999,

For 2000, just a few changes were made. Additional sound
insulation was added in the wheelhouses and behind the rear
seats, and a foam backing was added to the convertible top. The
steering, was given a firmer feel, and a brake-park interlock was
added to ensure that drivers have their foot on the brake before
taking the transmission out of park.

Also, a new limited trim level was added above the }X and JXi
trim levels. Limited models added such standard features as

GO sercedee Br Ganete We Taras, Onewna

THE 2000 Chrysler Sebring’s standard 2.5-litre V6 engine is smooth, though not overly powerful. Its four-passenger interior is the roomi-
est in its class. Available in three trim levels, the front-wheel drive, mid-sized Sebring convertibles range from $32,585 to $37,555. Reviewer
Greg Wilson says the Sebring offers a clean, stylish design that’s sporty, but not aggressively so.

chromed alloy wheels, four-speed AutoStick transmission, CD
player and graphic equalizer, four wheel disc brakes with ABS,
traction control, and HomeLink garage door opener.

Power convertible top

A power-operated top is standard equipment, and it’s easy to
put up and down from the driver's seat. After unclipping the two
attachments on the windshield, a power button on the console
does the rest. However, the attachment clips should be folded
over to prevent the clips from sticking out, and a vinyl boot cover
should be placed over the tolded top to prevent dirt and mois-
ture from getting into the cop. This, of course, requires getting
out of the car. The tan convertible top of my metallic red test car
was made of a quality fabric material (the white model which has
a white vinyl top for easier cleaning), and has an inner lining for
sound insulation, and a glass rear window with electric defroster.

See Sebring page 25

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NEWS photo Julie iversor

At A Glance

“The Sebring can’t match the
performance of cars like the
Camaro 228 convertible and
Mustang GT convertible. Of
course, it’s not meant to. The
Sebring convertible is a stylish,
open-air convertible, not a
‘muscle-car’...”

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