The PT GT is engineered however, to provide a ride far less punishing than pavement searing sports cars. But before a

Clearly the chassis engineers at Chrysler applied themselves when formulating the blueprints for the PT convertible. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

suspension system can function with maximum efficiency and stability, it must be affixed to a very strong and rigid frame structure. The creation of such a foundation is even more challenging when the roof is removed from a vehicle that was never inherently designed as a convertible. Clearly the chassis engineers at Chrysler applied themselves when formulating the blueprints for the PT convertible. The end result is a solid body unit the resists excessive flex and shudder. The solidity of the PT convertible enables the suspension to absorb bumps and rough surfaces without transmitting undue vibration or shudder to the passenger compartment. Despite the GT's stiffer spring calibration it checks-in with a firm, well controlled, but surprisingly smooth ride - certainly more compliant than I had expected. In GT trim, the PT is equipped with strong, fade resistant 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and an antilock brake-based traction control system. Pulling the PT to rapid, easily controlled stops was a pleasure, as braking force applied itself commensurate to pedal pressure. Nose-dive during severe braking was minimal and non-intrusive to the process. Unfortunately this top-notch braking system is only supplied as standard equipment when the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is fitted beneath the V-shaped hood.

Strong, fade resistant 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and an ABS brake-based traction control system are standard on the GT, but unfortunately not on the rest of the Cruiser lineup. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Otherwise a front disc/rear drum setup without ABS is standard equipment on PT Cruisers, with antilock and/or 4-wheel discs available as pricey options. It's unfortunate that Chrysler doesn't just fit the best of brakes to all PT trim levels as standard equipment. Just because the PT Cruiser sports a retro-look design doesn't meant it should be equipped with retro-brake technology. Surely the attractive entry-level price-point wouldn't suffer a great deal if an extra few greenbacks were added, regardless of trim level, to fund superior braking. I've ranted on this issue before and will continue to do so until all, not just some, auto manufacturers get it right - don't skimp on important safety related content such as 4-wheel, antilock disc brakes. Okay - I've recomposed myself and we can move on.