2007 Chrysler Sebring Touring Road Test
August 28, 2007 by Paul Maric
2007 Chrysler Sebring Touring Road Test
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Recommended Retail Price: $33,990 – $37,490.
Options Fitted: None.
Chrysler has been wooing Australian audiences with the 300C for several years now. With an ambition to sway Aussie buyers to their American built bruisers, Chrysler has released a mid-sized sedan which is set to take on the likes of the Mazda6, Camry and Epica.
From the outside, it’s not a bad looking vehicle. The base model (Touring) being test driven comes standard with 17” alloy wheels which bring out the vehicle’s easy going and stylish nature. Swept around headlights and a streamlined bonnet give the Sebring an upmarket look and feel, slotting it into the mid-sized category with vigour.
At first, I thought I was actually driving the top-of-the-line ‘Limited’ version. Leather seats, heated seats and an auto-dimming mirror had me convinced. But, surprisingly I was in the base ‘Touring’ model.
Although it’s loaded with features, the Sebring is seemingly made entirely of plastic. It’s more a case of buying a heap of plastic and getting some free car, opposed to vice versa. Everything from the dashboard to the arm rest is plastic, so it’s certainly in no short supply.
Plastics aside, the interior is very spacious and accommodating for people of all sizes. The standard sound system is very powerful and does a great job of handling all types of music. The front cup holder can also be heated or cooled, going hand in hand with small trips to the local coffee shop.
Under the bonnet, a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder engine developed in conjunction with Hyundai produces 125kW and 220Nm of torque. A 4-speed smooth shifting automatic gearbox with manual override delivers the power. The Sebring returns an above average fuel economy of 8.9-litres/100km. Although the interior road noise suppression is above average, a lot of noise still manages to come from the engine bay, making it a relatively noisy environment when the engine starts piling revs onboard.
The brakes, and response from the engine is very good. The Sebring also feels quite confident through corners, retaining composure and compliance when attempting corners with gusto. The steering is direct, while also retaining feedback. The steering wheel itself could do with a slightly better design though, as it’s tricky to hold at the ‘quarter to three’ position with confidence.
Starting at $33,990 for the Touring model, the two model range ends at the Limited, priced at $37,490. Standard Touring features include: Automatic climate control; 17” alloy wheels; auto dimming rear view mirror; cruise control; heated/cooled cup holder; central locking; heated and foldable exterior mirrors; AM/FM CD player with MP3 compatibility; fog lights; power windows; leather seats; heated front seats; power driver’s seat and tyre pressure monitoring system.
The Limited model receives (in addition to the Touring): 6-disc DVD MP3 CD player; headlamp washers; sunroof; 18” alloy wheels and 6-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system.
Safety features include: Electronic Stability Program (ESP); Brake Assist (BAS); Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); driver and passenger airbags; driver and passenger side airbags; curtain airbags.
Starting at $33,990, the Sebring Touring offers very good value for money. An artillery of features, along with very generous interior and boot room would make the Sebring a wise purchase. If you can put the myriad of plastic to one side, the Sebring out-values its Japanese competition quite considerably.
If you are in the market for a new mid-sized sedan capable of moving the family around in style and comfort, check out the new Sebring, the size and features are bound to leave you surprised.
- by Paul Maric










4-speed auto? Yuck
OT: Someones screwed up the coding, the page is all messed up on Firefox.
Looks fine to me, Firefox 2.0.0.6.
U-G-L-Y
nuf said
UGLY! Looks like a car from the 1980’s
300c – Good
Sebring- Fugly
Benjamin – Looks fine now. Odd.
I couldn’t imagine driving around in this car,
its hideous!
It is hideous indeed. Tried to take inspiration from a Crossfire, which wouldn’t have won any beauty pageants to begin with.
Add to that a poor plasticky interior, and I’d rather pick a plain old Camry, Accord or the like any day.
A Camry in drag :D
JW, I actually love the look of the Xfire, its a very agressive car, but it doesnt work at all for a sedan like this.
Got a glimpse of one in the flesh and I didn’t think it looked too bad.
Shame about the 4-speed though.
The 6-cylinder will be a better option, although it could do with a bit more power as well.
i rekon it looks like a camry from the front and a subaru rexxie from the back
The thing Ive noticed with Chryslers is they aernt very ‘photogenic’. They look better in the flesh, like I saw a Dodge Nitro the other day and I thought it looked quite good! The only major issues are their features (a 4 speed isnt good enough – which also applies the Corolla etc as well) and the interior not only the poor quality but to much plastic.
Guys I have read heaps of things on the Chrysler Sebring, Car Tests etc. And it is crap. WHEELS Mag compared it to the Epica and Camry and it is said that it is worse than the epica!
Americans making terrible and ugly cars?
Never saw that coming!
The Hyundai built engine is about the only good thing in this car…
Ugly?? The Exterior?? no really… the interior is really hideous tho. I have driven this thing in the US, base model. Good engine response, 4speed was actually sufficient. The suspension was terrible tho….. I felt like I was steering a boat in the rough sea!
I have one of these cars and have found it fantastic. I went from a Ford Territory Ghia to the Chrysler Sebring and have no complaints at all. Until you drive one, don’t comment!
thank;s for all
How are they for parts if something needs fixing. Do i have to sit around for weeks waiting for them to show up.