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One of the coolest vehicles in modern motoring has received a major boost to its
deserved icon status with the introduction of the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser and
the addition of a limited edition ‘Route 66’ model.
Restyled on the outside and sporting the “face of Chrysler”, the charismatic
2006 PT Cruiser also boasts an all-new interior.
The new PT Cruiser gets visual enhancements with smoother front and rear
fascias – including a distinctive front grille with chrome accents and the
Chrysler winged badge – and re-styled headlamps that feature a scallop along the
bottom edge, plus fresh-look circular front fog lamps. A new discrete
body-colour spoiler on the sedan’s tailgate roof reduces drag and improves
aerodynamics.
Gerry Jenkins, Managing Director, Chrysler Jeep Australia, said: "The
exterior of the latest PT Cruiser has been freshened up for 2006 but our
designers have made sure that we haven’t lost the car’s unique looks.
“Nearly all PT Cruiser customers tell us that one of the key reasons they buy
a PT is the stunning design.
“And many a customer is sure to get their kicks with our special edition
‘Route 66’ model, which makes an even stronger visual statement with bright
yellow paint, a large spoiler and big alloy wheels.
"The new exterior is only part of the story though– the all–new interior is
quieter and boasts a host of improvements. And all of these changes have been
made without increasing the price from 2005!
“Starting from $29,990, the PT Cruiser is packed with value,” said Jenkins.
PT Cruiser Route 66 limited edition
The stunning limited edition
‘Route 66’ Chrysler PT Cruiser is based on the Grand Touring model and is only
available in Black or Solar Yellow. Additional features include 17-inch
five-spoke alloy wheels, firmer suspension, large rear spoiler, body coloured
grille and solar yellow coloured brake callipers. The ‘Route 66’ is priced at
$31,390 for the 2.4-litre, five-speed manual and is $33,390 for the four-speed
auto.
All-new interior highlights, refinement and class on 2006 PT
Cruiser
The 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser model receives an all-new interior
to add refinement to the well-known versatility and cabin space of the vehicle.
This interior includes new seat trim and a new three-dial instrument panel with
satin silver finish and larger, more visible graphics, while the dashboard
features a total of four new flush shut-off circular air vents and a round
analogue clock. The glove box also has an increased capacity.
For 2006, the centre stack is all-new, with the radio mounted higher for
easier operation, just below the power window switches and twin air vents.
Beneath the stack, the front cup holders on the Limited and Route 66 models
feature bright accents. Mounted behind the new centre stack is a completely
revised heating and ventilation system that gives as much as 20 per cent more
airflow, while reducing operating noise.
A new tall centre console with a sliding armrest and covered storage space
replaces the previous seat-mounted armrests and front passenger seat storage
bin. This console includes a standard battery-fed power outlet for mobile phone
charging and, at the rear, two fold-out cupholders for rear-seat occupants, who
also will find the powered rear window switches easier to operate now that they
are positioned higher on the back of the centre console.
New radio options for 2006 include a Boston Acoustics premium sound system
that features six speakers and a subwoofer, as well as a 368-watt amplifier –
available on Touring, Limited and Grand Tourer models. The 2006 model also has
rear door speakers for improved bass response.
New convenience features for the Chrysler PT Cruiser include courtesy map
lamps, a six-way power adjustable driver seat with manual lumbar adjuster and an
available new Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). This system displays
compass headings, temperature, audio information, fuel economy, distance to
empty, elapsed time and personal settings in the lower half of the fuel/engine
temperature dial.
Enhanced refinement across the range
The new Chrysler PT Cruiser
benefits from improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) measures, which cut
road noise by 2–5 decibels and include a host of improvements throughout the
vehicles that reduce road, wind and powertrain noise. All doors have additional
lower seals, the A-pillars have extra foam filing and the front doors have
redesigned inner seals for reduced wind noise.
New for 2006, two exterior colours – marine blue and magnesium – join the
existing colour line-up of electric blue, linen gold, inferno red, bright
silver, black and cool vanilla. New interior colours include pastel slate grey
and pastel pebble beige.
Space and functionality
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is extremely
versatile. Its tall profile contributes to its command-of-the-road seating and
flexible interior space. The interior can be arranged in 32 different seating
configurations, and the versatility continues to expand when the rear shelf
panel is included in the count.
Safety and security
The 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser range offers even
more occupant protection with advanced multistage driver and front passenger
airbags now standard, along with a host of carry over standard safety and
security features:
- Brake/Park interlock (on vehicles equipped with automatic transmission)
- Four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and low-speed
traction control
- Child seat anchor system (ISOFIX)
- Front seat-mounted side air bags
- Lap and shoulder seat belts in all three rear seat positions
- Rear door child protection locks
- Rear liftgate release latch
- Sentry Key engine immobilizer
Model range and pricing
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is available in
four versions - Classic, Grand Touring, Limited and the new special edition
Route 66.
Even with the enhancements the price of the PT Cruiser remains unchanged
starting from $29,990 for the Classic model.
| PT Cruiser Classic |
|
| 2.4L five-speed manual |
$29,990 |
| 2.4L four-speed auto |
$31,990 |
|
|
| PT Cruiser GT |
|
| 2.4L five-speed manual |
$31,390 |
| 2.4L four-speed auto |
$33,390 |
|
|
| PT Cruiser Route 66 Limited Edition |
|
| 2.4L five-speed manual |
$31,390 |
| 2.4L four-speed auto |
$33,390 |
|
|
| PT Cruiser Limited |
|
| 2.4L five-speed manual |
$33,990 |
| 2.4L four-speed auto |
$35,990 |
Sales success and manufacturing
More than 875,000 PT Cruisers have
been sold around the globe since its introduction in 2000, including over 5,000
in Australia, testifying to the world wide appeal of the retro styling and one
of a kind motoring and raising the profile of the Chrysler brand.
All Chrysler PT Cruiser vehicles are manufactured exclusively at the Chrysler
Group’s Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico. Since starting PT Cruiser production in
2000, this facility has become one of the corporation’s most efficient plants.
Standard features by model
Classic model
New standard
features on the Chrysler PT Cruiser for 2006 include: sport contour bucket seats
with new Bauhaus feature seat fabric, 6-way power driver’s seat, an AM/FM radio
with single CD player, chrome front grille accents, a centre console with
sliding armrest and internal storage, plus an analogue clock topping the new
centre stack.
Carry-over standard features include seat-mounted side airbags, air
conditioning, courtesy map lamps, power outlets in the centre console and rear
cargo area, interior assist handles, Sentry Key® engine immobiliser,
speed-sensitive power locks, power windows with auto-down function on both front
windows, a 65/35 split fold/tumble/removable rear seat, a fold-flat front
passenger seat , power mirrors, remote keyless entry with illuminated entry,
body-colour bodyside mouldings, a shelf panel in the cargo area, 15-inch steel
wheels and tyres, floor mats and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with four disc
brakes and low speed traction control.
Grand Touring model
The higher specification Chrysler PT Cruiser
Touring models incorporate the Classic features and add: an Electronic Vehicle
Information Centre (EVIC), illuminated visor mirrors, leather-wrapped steering
wheel, 17-inch aluminium wheels, cruise-control and optional front fog lamps.
Additional options include: a powered sunscreen-glass moon roof with sliding
sun shade, security alarm and an audio upgrade package featuring six-disc
in-dash CD changer and Boston Acoustics premium sound system.
Limited model
In addition to the features on the Touring model,
standard features on the Limited include: leather seats with heat and lumbar
adjust (lumbar: driver’s seat only), 16-inch chrome-clad aluminium wheels,
chrome exhaust tail pipe and bright cupholder surround rings.
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