Classic Criuser.

Byline: By Steve Hughes

One of the most versatile of all family hatchbacks has become an even-more attractive proposition for those on a tight budget.

Chrysler's gloriously-retro PT Cruiser now comes with an economical diesel engine option, with 40mpg economy.

It is a sophisticated oil-burner too, thanks to the expertise of Mercedes-Benz, with which Chrysler merged to form Daimler-Chrysler. The PT Cruiser is an ideal recipient for such an engine, being a mini-MPV if required and well-suited to long family journeys.

Such is the flexibility of the rear-seat arrangement that it can be an extremely comfortable five-seater one minute and a van with a huge cargo area the next.

Now with a 2.2-litre common-rail diesel engine beneath its unfeasibly large bonnet, it lives up to its name in style. It can cruise effortlessly all day at maximum motorway speeds, while achieving its maximum economy potential.

This gives it a huge range, with a return trip to London being possible from Scotland on a single tank, for example.

As might be reasonably expected from a Mercedes diesel engine, it is a very sophisticated unit. Power is unexceptional, but there is masses of pulling power.

This means that although it is not the quickest car away from the lights, once on the move the mid-range acceleration is impressive. Even fully laden it pulls strongly in every gear, and feels surprisingly smooth and quiet.

There is the usual diesel clatter when idling, but otherwise it is simply impossible to tell the diesel apart from its two-litre petrol counterpart.

Although not as economical as its Renault Scenic or Vauxhall Zafira rivals, it has the edge on performance.

You would have to cover vast distances to lose out substantially to the other two in terms of extra fuel bills, and the Cruiser's better performance makes it worthwhile anyway.

The diesel version incorporates the relatively-recent cosmetic changes, inside and out, which give the car an even-more distinctive appearance.

Chrysler claims it is pleased with the Cruiser's sales performance here, which has allegedly been hampered by supply shortages.

For those who like the way this car looks, it represents a great alternative to more mainstream MPVs. It has tremendous presence and is one of the most practical cars available for the money, with a superbly-comfortable interior.

The downside is that there are just five seats, while rivals such as the Zafira, the latest Toyota Corolla Verso and Volkswagen's Touran offer seven.

It was far too expensive when first introduced, at pounds 17,495 for the Touring version, and pounds 18,895 for the Limited, but prices have since tumbled, to pounds 15,700 and pounds 17,200, with a Classic entry model at pounds 14,200.

Facts and figures

Make: Chrysler

Model: PT Cruiser CRD Classic

Price: pounds 14,200

Mechanical: 120bhp, 2,148cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 113mph

0-62mph: 12.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 40.9

Insurance group: 12

CO2 emissions: 185g/km

BiK rating: 26%

Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited miles; 7 years anti-rust