Chrysler's Sebring convertible sure to be a showstopper<\/p>\n
By Russell Williamson<\/p>\n
CHRYSLER's growth in the Indonesian market has been impressive
\nover the past two years, with the four-wheel drive Cherokee now
\ncommanding top spot in its market sector.<\/p>\n
From its launch nearly two years ago, the Cherokee has notched
\nup sales of almost 3000 cars for the local assembler and
\ndistributor, PT Ningz Pacific.<\/p>\n
The 4000cc straight-six powered Cherokee is available in two
\nforms: the top-spec Limited with leather, an automatic
\ntransmission and all the goodies for Rp125 million; and the
\nSport, with a five-speed manual gearbox for Rp105 million.<\/p>\n
Together with the smaller, more rugged looking off-roader,
\nWrangler -- which has added about 600 cars in the past year to
\nthe company's sales volumes -- Chrysler has garnered a reputation
\nfor tough, reliable and stylish four-wheel drive vehicles.<\/p>\n
However, this is not the only market the giant United States
\ncorporation operates in, as visitors to this year's Jakarta Auto
\nExpo will be able to testify to.<\/p>\n
Taking center stage on the Chrysler display stand --
\nalongside the Cherokee and Wrangler -- is the company's Sebring
\nconvertible.<\/p>\n
Leading edge<\/p>\n
Although this car is not likely to make it onto the Indonesian
\nmarket in the near future, it nevertheless demonstrates
\nChrysler's ability to manufacture modern cars at the leading edge
\nof automotive design.<\/p>\n
The Sebring convertible is unique in its sector in that it is
\nnot simply a modified sedan or coupe, but has been designed as a
\nconvertible from the ground up.<\/p>\n
As such, its design offers excellent balance and dynamic
\ncharacteristics in the chassis and extra body stiffness to reduce
\nthe scuttle shake that many convertibles suffer from.<\/p>\n
The car carries on Chrysler's theme of cab-forward design,
\nwhich is intended to help increase visibility and roominess
\ninside, evidenced in the Sebring's full four-passenger capacity.<\/p>\n
In Europe and the US, the car is available with a choice of
\ntwo drivetrains - a four cylinder 2000cc single overhead cam 16
\nvalve engine driven through a five-speed manual gearbox, and a
\nsmooth 24-valve 2500cc V6 power plant linked to a four-speed
\nelectronic automatic transmission.<\/p>\n
Independent<\/p>\n
In keeping with the car's sports orientation, the suspension
\nis fully independent with a double wishbone, coil spring, anti-
\nroll bar setup at both ends.<\/p>\n
Rack and pinion speed-sensitive power assisted steering is
\nstandard, as are four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock system.<\/p>\n
Comfort and convenience equipment levels are high, with the
\nSebring fitted with both driver and passenger air bags, air-
\nconditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker audio system,
\ncentral locking and six-way power adjustable driver's seat.<\/p>\n
The electric roof can be lowered and raised at the touch of a
\nbutton and features a heated glass rear window.<\/p>\n
Although the Sebring is unlikely to be sold in Indonesia, it
\ngives some clues as to what customers can expect when Chrysler
\ndoes start selling passenger cars here.<\/p>\n
The company was expecting to have its small Neon sedan on sale
\nby August. However, concern over the government's national car
\npolicy has delayed its introduction for an indefinite period.<\/p>\n
On a brighter note, the company still expects to be
\nintroducing its large people mover Voyager by about September
\nnext year, and is committed to the Indonesian market to introduce
\nnew models following that.<\/p>\n
The managing director of PT Ningz Pacific, Rudi Bachrie, said
\nthe company was in the process of building its own assembly
\nplant, which could start production as soon as March next year.<\/p>\n
He said the facility would have a capacity of about 30,000
\ncars per year once it was completed around the third quarter of
\nnext year.<\/p>",
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