Review
The PT Cruiser was one of the must-have cars of a few years ago, but time hasn't been kind to its retro hot rod styling and it now looks seriously dated. Despite which, there's a decent car lurking underneath the slap - especially when equipped with the impressively brawny 2.2 litre CRD diesel engine option.
You'll already know if the PT's 1950s styling appeals to you or not, although the sales figures suggest that most people with any ambition to own one have long since done so. Inside the cabin the same theme continues with lots of old-fashioned design details, although the upright seating position is comfortable enough. Space is decent for five occupants, and although the PT Cruiser can't quite match the interior volume or versatility of a conventional MPV, it's far more spacious than an ordinary family estate.
The driving experience is painless, thanks to a comfortable ride, decent refinement and a safe, if completely uninvolving, driving experience. The 2.4 litre petrol engine gives decent performance at the cost of high fuel consumption for a car of this type - the brawny 2.2 litre turbodiesel option is far better.