Long gone are the days of the stereotypical American Hot Rods, when 1950's Ford Model Ts complete with V8 engines and huge rear wheels were pitted against each other over the Bonneville Salt Flats. However, since 2000, Chrysler has offered the British a chance to relive past sporting glories with its PT Cruiser. Its styling remains as exuberant as when it was launched five years ago, and is still a popular choice in the UK for people hoping for something a little different. Love it or loathe it, the PT has uniquely individual looks, yet as a practical family mover, it fails to live up to its promise.

Although marketed by Chrysler as an MPV, the PT Cruiser flatters to deceive; for starters it only has five seats, and although its interior space is among the best in class, it is comprehensively outclassed by rivals such as the Fiat Multipla. As well as that, its performance when compared to its MPV rivals is underwhelming, though it provides an interesting alternative to the standard family hatchback, and remains a 'left-field' choice with businesses looking for something more individual than a Ford Focus or Vauxhall Astra.

After five years, Chrysler has revamped the PT Cruiser's appearance. In addition to minor exterior modifications, the PT Cruiser has a new interior offering increased standards of comfort and refinement. The 2.2-litre diesel engine has also been reworked to increase its power by around 25%, and remains the only alternative to the 2.4-litre petrol engine - the large uneconomic powerplants being one of the PT Cruiser's biggest failings. The diesel is perhaps the most practical engine choice, and its appeal should increase with its power hike.

A 'Route 66' limited edition has also been launched to coincide with the revamp; finished in Solar Yellow or Black, the Route 66 features additional 17-inch alloy wheels, lowered suspension and larger spoilers and exhaust.

The tweaks to the PT Cruiser help to modernise an aging model, yet the styling will put off many buyers from considering what is a competent yet not a class-leading individual family car. The convertible version of the PT Cruiser is perhaps even more extreme in the styling department, and look out for further updates ahead of its launch here next spring. Keep an eye on the Chrysler Road Tests page to see if driving the PT Cruiser endears it to us more than its looks.

Andrew Frampton - 14 Dec 2005