The All-New Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible: Still the Swiss Army Knife of the Auto World

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 29, 2004 -- The 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible's versatile cargo area is unique in the segment because it has a versatile back seat (fold and tumble rear seats) and a pass-through trunk, capable of carrying two golf bags or similar lifestyle equipment.

At 84.3 cu.-ft., the PT Cruiser Convertible has more total interior volume than the Beetle convertible (79.6 cu. ft.) and the Mustang convertible (79.0 cu.-ft.). The PT Cruiser Convertible is the only convertible among these same competitors to offer true pass-through luggage volume of 13.3 cu.-ft. and nine different seat configurations.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible was designed to be taller than most cars, yet shorter than a minivan or a small sport utility vehicle. This led to a 103-inch wheelbase with short front and rear overhang dimensions.

The Fold and Tumble Rumba

Like the sedan, folding and tumbling either or both portions of the rear PT Cruiser Convertible seats results in numerous interior configurations. The additional cargo area can hold a variety of large objects easily with both rear seats folded or tumbled. There's even room for two golf bags or home improvement supplies.

"Like the sedan, the new Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible has more versatility built into it than a Swiss Army knife," said Larry Lyons, Vice President-Small Vehicle Product Team Engineering. "Maintaining multiple seat configurations and unparalleled cargo storage in a convertible was a challenge our engineering team met with all the success of the four-door version."

To accommodate both passengers and cargo, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible features a 50/50 split rear seat that can fold or tumble to create a variety of useful configurations. Each section can be folded flat independently to form a load-carrying surface and can be tumbled forward to permit cargo pass-through from the trunk. In the upright position, each seat back latches to the body structure at its center. Pulling the knobs from inside the trunk releases each rear seat back for folding. When folded, the carpeted seat backs lie horizontally, creating a flat-load area. With the seat back folded, the back and cushion also can be tumbled forward using a nylon pull-strap in the center of the folded seat. The full length of the flat cargo floor can be exposed with a single pull that releases the seat cushion floor latch and raises the seat to the tumbled position. The seat belt buckle anchors also tumble with the cushion to keep the cargo floor clear.

When in the tumbled position, an adjustable nylon web strap on each seat cushion hooks to a chrome striker on the quarter panel. The seat is held in the tumbled position by attaching the seat hook to the striker and cinching the seat tether strap securely. A fabric pocket on the side of the cushion holds the web strap hook when the seat cushion is in the normal position. The cushion and seat back latch in place automatically when returned to their normal positions.

A stationary rear seat bolster completes the low profile design. No tools are needed to fold or tumble the seats, as each section of the standard rear cloth seats weigh about 29 lbs. (13.2 kg.).

Boatloads of Storage

Just because there are two less doors doesn't mean the PT Cruiser Convertible has less storage capability than the sedan. Places to put things abound, including:

  -- A cubby bin at the base of the center stack
  -- Locking bin-type glove compartment with storage clips specifically
     designed for a tire gauge or pen/pencil
  -- An under-seat storage drawer with slots for cassette tapes and CDs
  -- Door storage pockets
  -- Four cup holders, coin holder, pen tray, a miscellaneous storage bin,
     and a cubby bin at the rear of the center console
  -- Driver seatback storage pocket

To keep items in the rear cargo area secure when the top is down, the rear seat releases are mounted inside the trunk, with the trunk release button located in the lockable glove box.

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