A compact weird-styled hatchback Chrysler PT Cruiser

Unique ONES People may be happy with antique cars with aerodynamic all-round designs like vehicle designs from the 1930s. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to maintain these cars. It's understandable that its name is also an antique item that is old. Perhaps by seeing this opportunity, Chrysler, one of the American automotive giants then released a retro-looking car named the Chrysler PT Cruiser in between the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser (in pictured 2003 model) is a unique retro-styled 5-door hatchback produced almost ten years by Chrysler during 2000 to 2010. (Picture from: MotorTrend)

Actually, the model was made for Plymouth (one of Chrysler's subsdiaries) which had previously launched production of a car inspired by the 1930s era vehicle, the Plymouth Prowler during 1997 to 2001. But unfortunately, Plymouth itself then had to shut down in 2001 even though a few years earlier it had also launched a concept car called the PT Spyder. Therefore, the PT Cruiser was rebranded under the Chrysler badge, and produced during 2000 to 2010 in Mexico and Austria.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser (in pictured 2009 model) designed by Bryan Nesbitt, featured with a high roof, a maximized cabin space. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

While related to the PT name on PT Cruiser stands for Personal Transport. In contrast to PT Spyder which stands for Pronto. The design of the PT Cruiser was inspired by the design of American cars from the 1930s to 1940s which were made all rounded and aerodynamic. The design of the car made by Bryan Nesbitt is classified as having a high roof with maximized cabin space in accordance with the 5-door hatchback which is practical for daily use.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser interior has a two-tone design that uses premium leather upholstery on the seat panels, dashboard and doors. (Picture from: AutoTekno-SindoNews)

Meanwhile its engines provided are actually quite diverse, ranging from 4-cylinder 1600cc to 2400cc turbo. Of the many machines offered, it turns out that most of the ones used are 4-cylinder 2,000 cc DOHC 16 valve engines with an injection fuel system. This machine is capable of producing power of 150 hp at 6,500 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, which is combined with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission system to drive the front wheels.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser (in pictured 2004 model) blends the retro look of a late-1930s or early 1940s American sedan with new-age styling cues such as dual-beam flush headlights and teardrop-shaped taillight lenses. (Picture from: AutoTekno-SindoNews)

The power of this car may look big but when driven, this machine feels normal maybe because the weight of the PT Cruiser is quite heavy. Even though it looks like a classic car, the features provided by this car certainly meet the criteria of a modern car, such as air conditioning, power steering, power windows, central lock, audio, seat belts, airbags, up to disc brakes on all four-wheels and ABS, already available on this car. The load capacity of this car is only 5 passengers while the back is used as the trunk.

The advantages of this car are in its unique design with a retro-classic styles. And thanks to this American car design featured with the high roof, so it feels very roomy for those who are not too big and tall (such an Asian), as well as  people with a larger body. The downside lies in the design too, indeed not everyone likes it. Besides that, because of the limited amount of production, the availability of spare parts is also limited. This possibility is what makes people rarely want to glance at these car models. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | MOTORTREND | NEWCARTESTDRIVE ]

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