Chrysler Sebring

Our verdict

The Chrysler Sebring is a mid-sized to large American saloon that’s pitched to tempt us away from more traditional rivals. But nowhere near good enough to extricate us from Ford’s Mondeo, never mind anything with a German badge.

Comfort

Supposedly ‘engineered for Europe'. Yes. Unfortunately engineered for Europe by the Americans, who don't live here. The suspension is soft, there's scuttle-shake despite the fact this is a SALOON and it makes you travel sick. Very comfortable in a straight line, driving on glass, when you're drunk.

Performance

There's a big bit of Europe tucked under the bonnet in the form of the VW Passat's 138bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel, which is loud but effective; 0-62mph in 12 seconds dead and 126mph. There are also a pair of Chrysler's own engines on offer - a 154bhp 2.0 and a 167bhp 2.4. The small petrol is surprisingly good, with 0-62mph in 11.1 seconds and a 118mph top speed, the bigger unit is less impressive (and slower to 62mph!).

Cool

As cool as wearing a visible thong if you're a man.

Quality

The Sebring actually feels pretty solidly built, but the design focus group were all colour-blind and senseless, so the interior is awash with grey plastic and a lack of texture. Elephant hides are more exciting than this. Engines should be reliable though.

Handling

The steering died in the ‘80s, the lurching bodyroll inspires 0.00001-percent confidence and understeer is an almost constant companion. Talking about a Chrysler from the 1950s? No, we're talking about the Sebring in 2008. Scandalously bad.

Practicality

The boot's big at 440 litres and there's plenty of space for four large humans (though good luck finding three people willing to get in with you). Oh, and you won't care if you run it into a brick wall - it might improve the looks.

Running costs

The diesel gets 45.6mpg and 170g/km with a 21percent tax hit. The small petrol gets 36.2mpg but is rated higher for both tax and g/km. The 2.4 is pointless, so you're looking at the diesel. Residuals are one-legged; they fall straight over the minute you're out of the showroom.