Chrysler Crossfire Review
Published: 11th January 2005
Chrysler Crossfire
We found the ride to be a bit unsettled and it never really felt as sure-footed as one would expect of a sports coupe. This is in part down to the road surfaces and the 18” front wheels (18 x 7.5 inch, with 225 / 40 ZR 18 tyres) and 19” rear (19 x 9.0 inch, with 255 / 35 ZR 19 tyres), tram lining rather than anything inherently wrong. The ride borders on the hard side and it did cope well on better road surfaces.
In summary the handling is safe and predictable, but not particularly exciting. We feel the Crossfire is an excellent cruising car rather than a true out and out sports car.
Ease of Use
If you are looking for an easy to use sports coupe then the Crossfire might be your answer.
The V6 3.2 litre engine when coupled to a five speed automatic gearbox makes the perfect combination - it is a true point and shoot car with predictable handling. The frameless doors open wide but you do have to bend a little to enter the cabin.
The cabin is relatively spacious for a sports coupe. The leather seats are electrically adjustable. We liked the auto dimming rear-view mirror, which was welcoming in a low car with a glass rear hatch.
Parking can be a bit awkward, due to the cabin/design constraints. Dare I say parking sensor might be a good idea, if Chrysler could hide them in the Crossfire's beautifully sculptured bottom.
The boot is useable (215 litres), although the hatch opening is narrow, and there is a load cover. The Crossfire relies on a tyre inflation kit (TIREFIT), rather than a spare wheel, which is particularly handy as the front and rear tyres sizes vary.
Safety and Security
Accident avoidance technology fitted as standard to Crossfire includes ABS (anti-lock braking), BAS (Brake Assist System) and ESP® (Electronic Stability Programme) to help keep the car on the road and following the driver’s intended course, even in the severest of weather conditions.
Sometimes a collision may not be avoided and that’s when the Crossfire’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) assesses the severity of an impact to determine the appropriate responses. Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load-limiters are fitted, together with front and side airbags (mounted in each door) for driver and passenger, a knee bolster for the driver and special deformable padding in the headlining, covering all areas of possible head impact.
A remote key-less entry system controls the standard central locking
which secures the doors, tailgate and fuel-filler flap. Automatic
Central Locking can be selected; this activates the system when
the vehicle’s speed reaches 10 mph. To aid exit and rescue
following a collision, the doors unlock automatically a short time
after a major deceleration is detected.
The Crossfire is equipped with a Thatcham category 1 security system,
including a Sentry Key™ immobiliser controlled by a coded
electronic transponder in each key fob supplied with the car. Whenever
the key is removed from the ignition, it disables the engine computer,
preventing unauthorised driving of the vehicle, because the engine
will not start.
