2007 Chrysler Sebring Touring Edition flex-fuel test drive

When it’s all said & done: Sit up and take note

It’s comfy, it handles superbly and it’s an overall pleasing ride. If this is what Chrysler’s got in store for the future, we think there’s some good stuff up their sleeve--and some competition a-comin'.

Of course, we’d like to see improvement in fuel mileage—the new 2007 EPA ratings of 16/22 for the Sebring are rather sad no matter which way they’re sliced. Part of making wise choices involving alternative fuels involves efficiency and conservation as much as making the switch to different fuels. It’s not just a matter of taking current technology and trying to replace it with a different (E85 or biodiesel) fuel of choice. By tapping into technology like cylinder deactivation, hybrid auto-stop (saving significant fuel at an idle), or 5 or 6-speed transmissions, any fuel can be stretched even further. And that means lower emissions and cleaner air, which builds cumulatively each mile, day, week and year that a vehicle is in service.

So give us a vehicle that has efficiency and alt fuelability—and a bit o’ bling—and we’re talkin’ about the perfect blend in a set of wheels. The Sebring has taken us another step closer.

Pros:

• fun to drive
• flex-fuel
• affordable

Cons:

• 4-cylinder not available as flex-fuel
• front seats a bit stiff
• mild engine growl under hard acceleration

Details and Specs:

Technical Features: 2.7L V6 DOHC 24-valve MPI engine with flex-fuel capability, 4-speed automatic transmission

Safety Features: Advanced multistage front air bags, supplemental front seat side air bags, supplemental side curtain front and rear air bags, LATCH-ready child seat anchor and tether system, anti-lock 4-wheel disc brakes, Electronic Stability Program with traction control

Interior Features: Keyless entry, Electronics Convenience Group

Exterior Features: 17-inch aluminum wheels, P215/60R17 BSW all season tires

The 2007 Chrysler Sebring was assembled in Sterling Heights, MI with 82 percent U.S./Canadian parts..

Page One: Initial Impressions, Look & feel and Enviro-meter