Diesel engine was good, perhaps the only detail that was missing from the PT Cruiser to curdle in the Old Continent. Although its price elevado- -something not placed among the leaders in its segment, lovers of this model will not find excuses to avoid becoming one of the most iconic American vehicles.

Chrysler has been responsible for tuning the Mercedes engine used in the PT Cruiser CRD, which already has a diesel mechanics designed to meet the demands of the European market. Thus, the model builder US iconic received propeller 2.2, similar to that of riding classes C and E of structure "Godfather" German and capable of developing 121 hp after modifications received.

The smoothness of operation and performance are more remarkable heritage teutón manufacturer, which has built a progressive motor and with a good response thanks to a pair of 30.6 mkg at 1,600 rpm (figure even higher according to measurements made by our Center Technical). This explains not display lazy when making overtaking in vain-not only needs 11.2 seconds to go from 80 to 120 km / h when in fifth speed- left, facing steep slopes or reach a certain cruising speed (which it can be quite high, it comes without too much trouble to 180 km / h).

It proposed as rivals Chrysler PT Cruiser to compact MPVs, although the interior space can not take advantage as they and their price is much higher, so your opponents can also be sought between cars "reedited". However, it is true that this vehicle has been designed to travel, so the US model is at ease on highways or freeways. There, passengers will enjoy a ride which will be treated with the greatest of mimes: suspensions, dedicated primarily to occupant comfort, not let the bumps reach the passenger compartment. The pilot has also been the subject of attention and has a cruising speed control that allows you to set the desired speed, making driving. If you want to increase the pace, simply step on the accelerator; the device is disconnected (which also happen when we use the brake) and can bring the vehicle to higher regimes, although consumption will eventually take its toll: despite not being exaggerated, we must not forget that the engine has to move a car 1,600 kg of weight and aerodynamics penalizing fuel savings due to its wide front surface road though consumption (7.7 l / 100 km) is much better than his "brother" gasoline, with 8.5 liters consumed per 100 km-.

Its forms (that will not leave anyone indifferent) can also be a disadvantage when facing roads with sharp bends. Very soft suspensions are attached to a body with high center of gravity, which causes the PT Cruiser tilting more than is desirable in turns, subtracting poise their behavior. This section also influences the driving position, which accentuates the impression "lie down" in turns. All these factors significantly affect the behavior of this Chrysler on mountain paths, an area where it will cost to enroll in curves.
This is one of the few discordant notes in a set where everything is arranged to make driving enjoyable: manual transmission (no, for now, automatic), similar to riding the Class V Mercedes, It has a fairly smooth operation -there is no sudden jumps between different speeds-. In addition, the task of raising or lowering speed is facilitated by a lever short distances which provides a more than acceptable accuracy.