Sebring retractable hardtop a convertible for all seasons

Sebring retractable hardtop a convertible for all seasons

2008 Chrysler Sebring convertible
By: Lorne Drury

Convertibles are making a big comeback these days thanks to the retractable hardtop — a concept that is hardly new and dates back to the '50s. Readers of my generation may remember the original retractable hardtop — the Ford Skyliner that was produced from 1957-59.

You still see many of them around these days at cruise nights and car shows because car buffs at the time recognized that they would be a collector's item because of the novelty.

In fact, I'm told the soft-top versions of Fords from that era draw really big bucks these days as well because they are even rarer than the retractable models. Go figure!

Only time will tell what the future will hold as far as today's collectibles are concerned, but Chrysler sure has the market covered with not just one, but three types of tops on its new 2008 Sebring convertible.

I recently spent a week with the new retractable hardtop version and I have to say, this is the way to go if you want the best of both worlds — top down motoring in summer and the warmth and snugness of a hardtop coupe in the winter. It just makes so much sense for people in northern climes who want to make their convertible a four-season car.

However, if you put your vehicle in storage over the winter months, the vinyl or cloth-top versions of the Sebring are easier on the pocketbook and may be more to your liking.

For many years, the Sebring was one of only a handful of convertibles on the market and was a sales leader in its segment. Now with the resurgence of the convertible, the Sebring has plenty of competition in the marketplace, including other retractable hardtops offered on the Volkswagen Eos, Pontiac G6, Volvo C70, BMW 328i Cabriolet and the Mazda MX-5 Miata models. The Sebring sedan was redesigned for 2007, while this new convertible version debuts as a 2008.

Never known for its sporty handling, the Sebring convertible has simply been a sporty looking car. Things haven't changed all that much with this new design. The ride is still on the soft side and handling can best be described as adequate.

But as convertibles go, the Sebring still brings a lot to the table. There's seating for four (a bit cramped in the rear, but it's still a true four-seater) and there is modest trunk room, particularly with the top up. Chrysler says the trunk will hold four golf bags with the top up and two with it down, and that seems about right.

My week with the Sebring coincided with a trip to Detroit for the Woodward Dream Cruise, billed as the largest one-day automotive event in the world. It draws upwards of a million people and 40-50,000 classic, exotic and luxury cars for one day that leaves car lovers in awe.

Even in the Motor City where the car is king and fancy wheels are everywhere, the Sebring still got several thumbs up from the thousands of spectators on Woodward. People there know their cars and many recognized it as a new 2008 model.

Some critics disagree, but I find it an attractive design. It has a higher stance than the previous model and also a higher beltline. It comes with either 17- or 18-inch tires. The hood strakes that originally debuted on the Crossfire and the distinctive grille give it that signature Chrysler look.

The Sebring convertible comes in three trim levels — LX, Touring and Limited. My tester was the Limited with retractable hardtop, MyGIG multi-media system with navigation, remote start and other minor options that listed at $44,050.

At the entry level, it's one of the least expensive four-seat convertibles on the market. It starts at $29,995 for the LX, $33,995 for the Touring and $38,995 for the Limited.

The LX comes with a 2.4L four-cylinder producing 173 hp, while the Touring offers a 2.7L V6 with 189 hp. The Limited has a 3.5L V6 with 235 hp. The first two engines are mated with a four-speed transmission, while the latter comes with a six-speed automatic that you can shift manually. The interior is attractive and the seats are a step up from the previous model, but like many Chrysler products these days, the over use of hard plastic takes away some of the luster. After all, this is a $45,000 car and it should look like one.

While there is adequate room in the back seat, getting in and out requires the moves of a contortionist because of the seat belts that always seem to be in the way. But that comes with the territory when you’re talking about four-seater convertibles.

I haven’t driven this car with the 2.4 or 2.7L engines so I can’t speak about them, but the 3.5L V6 provides enough power for any situations I encountered. With the top up, the vehicle is quiet. Top down, it’s easy to carry on a conversation in the city, but less so at high speeds. You may want to power up the windows on the highway.

There is a $250 optional windscreen that is supposed to reduce cabin turbulence, but I didn’t get a chance to try it.

So, while it does have its flaws, the Sebring convertible for 2008 should continue to be a strong seller in the Chrysler fleet. Anyone looking for a drop-top four-seater should add this one to their test drive list. And if you’re looking for four-season comfort, the new retractable hardtop adds a new dimension to the mix.

2008 CHRYSLER SEBRING LIMITED CONVERTIBLE

BODY STYLE: two-door convertible

DRIVE METHOD: front engine, front-wheel drive

ENGINE: LX 2.4L DOHC inline four-cylinder (173 hp, 165 lb/ft), Touring 2.7L V6 (189 hp, 191 lb/ft), Limited 3.5L V6 (235 hp, 232 lb/ft)

FUEL ECONOMY: 3.5L V6, 12.9 L/100 km (22 mpg) city, 7.7L/100 km (37 mpg) highway.

PRICE: $29,995 to $39,995, as tested $44,050

WEB: chrysler.ca

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