Chrysler's new Sebring was revealed at this year's London Motor Show, signalling a move towards development of a range of cars that appeal to both North American and European buyers. At this week's LA Auto Show, Chrysler took the covers off the convertible version.

Like any self-respecting new convertible, the Sebring features a folding hardtop. Chrysler is curiously pitching it against the Saab 9-3 Convertible and the Audi A4 Cabriolet, both featuring traditional soft-tops. The Sebring's roof meanwhile stows completely automatically in about 30 seconds and can be done remotely using the key fob. Without giving actual dimensions, Chrysler tells us that, thanks in part to three inches added to the saloon's length, the Convertible will fit four golf bags with the roof up or two with it stowed, which sounds quite reasonable.

When the Sebring Convertible goes on sale in Britain in late 2007, buyers will have a choice of either a 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine or a 2-litre turbodiesel.

Shane O' Donoghue - 29 Nov 2006