The new Neon goes on sale in Chrysler showrooms in October with a truly outstanding on-the-road price that makes it by far the least expensive 2.0-litre C-segment vehicle - saloon or hatchback - on sale in the UK. And even among 1.6-litre vehicles in this segment, only four cars - with much less equipment - can beat it on price.

Built in Illinois, USA, this new Neon replaces the original saloon, around 1.5 million of which were sold worldwide. The new car is the result of a $700 million development project that used Virtual Reality as an industry-first to not only reduce development time to just 28 months, but also to ensure that the new Neon joins the class leaders on standards of quality - a previous failing of the Neon.

The original Neon, the arrival of which marked the launch of the Chrysler marque in the UK three years ago, had an outstanding sales launch in this country with 1500 orders being received by dealers in its first 21 days on sale. The UK rapidly became the top-selling market for Neon in Europe and around 10,000 are now on the roads here, alongside a rapidly growing posse of over 12,000 Chrysler Voyagers.

Starting in price at just UK�10,995, the Neon range consists of only two models so far - 2.0 SE and 2.0 LX - and comes with a choice of five speed manual transmission or automatic transmission at no extra cost. The low-cost Neon 2.0 SE is fitted as standard with air conditioning, twin air bags, power assisted steering, remote control Thatcham-approved alarm/immobiliser plus six speaker stereo radio cassette player.

The lavishly-equipped LX model has all the specification of the SE plus additional equipment which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control, 15-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, height-adjustable driver's seat, leather-covered steering wheel and wood grain trim. In addition, the LX Automatic gains cruise control as standard.

The on-the-road price of the Neon 2.0 LX is UK�13,495, which is in fact lower than the original launch price of the less well equipped Neon LX which it replaces.

The new Neon is powered by an improved version of the 2.0-litre SOHC four-cylinder 16-valve engine. New air induction and intake manifold systems were developed to increase available torque over broader operating speeds. The engine develops maximum torque of 131lb.ft at 4600rpm. The engine also produces 131bhp at 5600rpm. Top speed is claimed to be 125mph and acceleration from zero to 60mph takes just under 10 seconds. Neon is capable of 44.8mpg on the extra urban cycle and 35. mpg on the combined cycle. As with all Chrysler and Jeep models sold in the UK, the value-for-money package includes a three-year/60,000 mile warranty plus three-year roadside assistance and six-year anti-corrosion cover.

The family genes are clearly visible in the latest car through Chrysler's cab-forward design and newly-adopted grille, which contains - for the first time in the UK - the new worldwide symbol for the Chrysler brand, the winged emblem. As a result, the Neon retains its distinctiveness and flair but in a more mature overall package.

Neon 2000 not only has an all-new body but also benefits from new suspension and brakes plus a new, more spacious interior and increased luggage space. The car also gets improved ergonomics, higher quality interior materials, reduced NVH levels and improved ride characteristics as part of Chrysler's determination to upgrade Neon, giving it more substance, solidity and quality.

The new model retains the former Neon's clear American style and but benefits from experience gained by Chrysler in understanding the demands and requirements of international markets - including 10 years' experience in Europe, the last seven of which have also included a rapidly-growing presence in the UK.

"Neon customers can have a 2.0-litre engine for the price of a 1.6 and with a better specification than its competitors. It not only returns to the value of the original Neon, but exceeds it," said Steve Gray, Marketing Director of Chrysler Jeep Imports UK. "Chrysler's strength has always been in exceeding the specification of our peers and Neon 2000 is no exception."

Neon has attracted a distinct and loyal customer base in the UK over the past three years. The average age of a Neon customer is 53 years, 86 per cent of those people are married, they are largely male (82 per cent) and over three quarters are now without children living at home. While over a third are retired, almost the same number have high profile jobs. For nearly half, Neon is the only household transport.

The no-cost automatic transmission option looks set to be a popular choice on the Neon. On the previous Neon, around 70 per cent of customers took up this option while 85 per cent of all Neons sold were the top specification versions (LX and GLX).

"The new Neon keeps all the aspects loved by customers while refining other elements to win new ones," said Richard Mackay, Managing Director of Chrysler Jeep Imports UK. "In Neon 2000, a higher degree of substance and sophistication has been combined with fun. The first-generation Neon gave us a great foundation - best-in-class power, fun-to-drive handling, surprising room and comfort. Neon 2000 has built on this platform while also preserving its strong identity."

"The market for small cars has changed significantly," said Joe Caddell, General Product Manager, Small Car Operations at DaimlerChrysler. "The customer in the small car segment requires refinement and substance, not just good mpg and a low price. That's where the next Neon is a perfect fit."

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