Saved from the axe this summer by Fiat's incoming management the Chrysler PT Cruiser has been hurriedly relaunched this month in Model Year 2010 format with at least another year's life ahead of this very distinctive decade old car.

Saved from the scheduled axe this summer by Fiat's incoming management the Chrysler PT Cruiser has been hurriedly relaunched this month in Model Year 2010 format with at least another year's life ahead of the very distinctive decade old machine. It was expected that the unusual PT Cruiser would make way for the Fiat 500 to be built at Chrysler's Toluca, Mexico plant but it has been given a stay of execution of at least another year.

The new 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic combines the iconic heritage-styled design with efficient passenger cabin space along with a tried-and-tested four-cylinder powertrain. In commemorating nearly a decade of the PT “Personal Transportation” Cruiser’s timeless design, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic aims to embody the romance of American automotive heritage, styling and versatility that made PT Cruiser an instant hit. More than 1.3 million PT Cruisers have been sold in more than 60 countries since its introduction.

Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic’s unique fenders, roofline and high belt-line proportions recall 1930s and 1940s hot-rod styling — while chrome body-side mouldings, door handles, 16-inch wheels and grille highlight PT Cruiser Classic’s high level of detail and style.

Inside the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic continues to be a valued member of small-car segment with its combination of style, craftsmanship and flexibility. Chrome rings highlight the Bright Silver Metallic instrument panel’s three gauges, rotating air vents and Chrysler signature analogue clock. A retro proportioned leather-wrapped steering wheel features four spokes with Satin Silver accents and a small centre airbag cover for easy viewing of the large gauges. A Satin Silver centre stack features conveniently placed climate controls and radio with MP3 input jack, while the centre console features a sliding armrest with covered storage.

The PT Cruiser Classic features 32 front- and rear-seat configurations to accommodate any cargo need quickly and conveniently. Command-of-the-road five-passenger seating provides chair-height seating comfort with an elevated second-row for improved visibility and passenger legroom. An available fold-flat front-passenger seat accommodates longer items, such as a ladder or snowboard. PT Cruiser Classic’s 50/50 split-fold rear seats fold-and-tumble to offer quick access for additional room and can be completely removed for up to 62.7 cu. ft. (1.78 cu. m) of cargo space. The tailgate also features a five position shelf panel for additional interior flexibility and utility.

With rising fuel costs attracting consumers to smaller, versatile, more fuel-efficient vehicles, Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic delivers with a time-tested 2.4-liter four-cylinder 16-valve engine that delivers efficiency with spirited performance. High-quality, craftsmanship, performance and functionality continue to give the award-winning Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg-up on the competition. For years, leading consumer magazines and third-party studies have recommended the Chrysler PT Cruiser for its consistently high levels of quality and refinement. In fact, the PT Cruiser tied for first place in J.D. Power’s 2009 Initial Quality Survey (IQS).

Chrysler continues to keep its icon fresh and exciting. The new 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic marked the 15th variation since PT Cruiser’s introduction, following five Dream Cruiser Series vehicles, PT Turbo, Flames, Woodie, Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible, the refreshed 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser, W.P. Chrysler Signature Series, PT Street Cruiser Route 66, Pacific Coast Highway and Sunset Boulevard editions.

2010 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER CLASSIC AT A GLANCE

Unmistakable heritage-styled design highlighted with chromed body-side mouldings, door handles and grille accents; Interior craftsmanship reflected through premium interior features, including satin-finished gauges with chromed rings, premium cloth seats, Satin Silver interior accents and Chrysler’s signature analogue clock; Standard convenience features including Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC), four-wheel Anti-lock disc Brakes (ABS), Tire-pressure Monitoring (TPM), fog lamps, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and locks; AM/FM/CD radio with MP3 input jack and available SIRIUS Satellite Radio; Fuel-efficient four-cylinder 16-valve engine with standard automatic transmission

Chrysler PT Cruiser Variant Introductions (by calendar year)

1997 – Plymouth Pronto Concept unveiled at NAIAS; 1998 – Chrysler Pronto Cruizer (2-door) concept revealed at Geneva motor show; 1999 – Chrysler PT Cruiser (4-door) concept revealed at NAIAS; 1999 – Chrysler PT Cruiser production model revealed at NAIAS (2001 model); 2000 – Chrysler Panel Cruiser concept, GT Cruiser (2.4-liter turbo) concept revealed at NAIAS; 2001 – Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Styling Study revealed at New York International Auto Show; 2001 – Chrysler PT Cruiser Flames version revealed at What's New event at Chrysler Group’s Chelsea Proving Grounds (CPG); 2001 – Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 1 and Woodie versions revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise event; 2002 – Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible production version announced at Geneva motor show; 2002 – Chrysler PT Turbo revealed at the New York auto show; 2002 – Chrysler PT Chrome Accents package revealed at What's New event at CPG; 2002 – Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 2 revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise event; 2003 – Chrysler PT Chrome Accents package announced at What’s New event at CPG; 2003 – Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 3 revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise event (2004 model); 2004 – Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible revealed at NAIAS; 2004 – Chrysler PT Cruiser Two-Tone edition offered; 2004 – Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 4 (convertible) revealed at Woodward Dream Cruise event; 2005 – Refreshed Chrysler PT Cruiser introduced at What’s New event at CPG; 2005 – Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Route 66 Edition introduced at Woodward Dream Cruise Event; 2006 – Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Pacific Coast Highway Edition introduced at Woodward Dream Cruise Event; 2007 – Chrysler PT Street Cruiser Sunset Boulevard Edition introduced at Woodward Dream Cruise Event; 2008 – Chrysler PT Dream Cruiser Series 5 introduced at Woodward Dream Cruise Event; and 2009 – Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic offered (2010 model).

ItaliaspeedTV - Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic (2010)