Our Yankee Doodle Dandy

Since the birth of Australia's own car industry post-World War II there has always been an American presence on Australian roads, but until less than five years ago it was one largely dominated by models considered niche or classic. That is about to end.

By the end of this year there will be at least 15 models from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Hummer on sale in Australia, with Cadillac waiting in the wings.

“Not since the late 1940s will there have been the sort of US-manufactured presence in the Australian new car market that we are now seeing,” DaimlerChrysler's David McCarthy says.

Chrysler — along with sibling marques Dodge and Jeep — have taken a point position in the new campaign.

“The difference now is the breadth of choice in model styles,” McCarthy says.

“There was always a presence in the '60s and '70s of certain types of large cars but this is very different.”

Those very American models, such as the Chevrolet Impala, Pontiac Parisienne, Ford Galaxie and the early Chrysler Valiants, were imported to supplement locally produced models and they continued to trade on the aura the US had as the home of the automobile.

Since then, the local new-car market has expanded to become one of the most vibrant and model-rich in the world.

Apart from locally manufactured vehicles Australian showrooms are full of Japanese, Korean and European brands across the full price spectrum.

DaimlerChrysler's decision to launch the Chrysler badge back into the Aussie market in 2000 was courageous. To add Dodge last year was purely adventurous.

But certainly no more so than GM's plan to put the H3 Hummer in showrooms by July.

GM spokeswoman Emily Perry says the fact that 150 firm orders were held for the H3 before the first vehicle landed in Australia is proof there is a place for the brand.

“People understand the iconic nature of the badge but I believe they also understand that the H3 is not the same as the original military HumVee,” Perry says.

Speaking of Cadillac, a brand GM Holden boss Denny Mooney has more than once suggested would have a future in Australia, Perry says it is a very exciting brand and, with the new CTS, that interest will continue to build. “But we don't have anything to announce yet,” she says.

The latest to join the invasion is Chrysler's new Sebring sedan, which was launched in Australia this week.

Chrysler will initially introduce the Sebring in only one engine and transmission variant.

A 2.4-litre, four cylinder powers the model, but Chrysler managing director, Gerry Jenkins says other engines are available, including a diesel and a V6, and they will evaluate them further down the track.

The smaller engine means Chrysler has been able to keep the cost down, while still offering impressive equipment. But it does seem a sacrifice. The standard model, the Touring, is priced at $33,990.

The Limited is $37,490 and adds a sunroof, a six-stacker CD, Boston acoustic speakers, 18-inch alloy wheels and tortoiseshell accents on the steering wheel, dashboard and door trim. The first thing you notice about the Sebring is its striking looks.

It possesses some familiar family traits, such as the Chrysler face and signature grille and the bloodline connection with the Crossfire is instantly recognisable.

Chrysler will definitely bring some added class and stunning character to this segment.

It does stand out and the bonnet strakes are especially unusual.

The 2.4-litre engine feels like a small-car engine in a bigger car. It's the same engine that's used in the Jeep Compass and the high-end Dodge Caliber. You won't be setting any 0-100km/h record in this, but then again, you don't expect to in a $30,000 plus family car.

However, the four-cylinder does feel disappointing and a little weak when working its way up to a constant speed.

The Sebring is only available with a four-speed automatic gearbox. Put your foot down and the revs climb quite high before shifting up a gear. An extra gear would have come in handy for cruising.

The gear changes are a little far apart when sitting in Drive mode. There is the manual functioning if you're after more control, but letting it climb the tacho just a little results in a whining sound.

It doesn't seem to have the substance to classify it as a really enjoyable drive.

But once getting to your desired speed, the drive is comfortable and smooth. A total of 125kW is extracted from the engine at 6000rpm, with 220Nm coming on from 4500rpm. Suspension-wise, the Australian version of the Sebring has taken the top-end performance character from the US versions.

And while it handled OK on our drive, the roads tested were limited to fairly straight conditions. One benefit from the smaller engine is the saving at the pump.

Chrysler has recorded a combined claimed fuel consumption of 8.9 litres per 100km, which makes it comparable to many small cars. We recorded around 9.5 litres per 100km.

The interior doesn't quite mirror the more glamorous exterior. But space is generous, with a lot of leg room front and rear.

And you're also getting a decent list of gear, including heated leather seating as standard.

The seating position feels weird at first, but it's not uncomfortable. As well as leather, both models get high level safety, including side-curtain airbags, multi-stage front airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and ESP with traction control.

Other features include a cupholder that can heat or chill your drink, an input jack for your iPod, analogue clock (following on with the 300C theme) and automatic climate control. Chrysler also brings new technology to the segment with MyGIG as an optional feature. This will cost you an extra $3500.

This combines navigation, 20 gigabyte hard-disc drive, MP3 connectivity and downloading function, DVD and radio screen.

Fast facts

Chrysler Sebring

Price: Touring $33,990, Limited$37,490

Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder, 125kW@6000rpm, 220Nm@4500rpm

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Fuel: 64-litre tank, 8.9L/100km (combined claimed), 9.5L/100km (astested)

Verdict: Stylish looks but the Sebring lacks a little in performance.

What they sell

Chrysler: PT Cruiser, Crossfire, Voyager, 300C, Sebring (next month)

Dodge: Caliber, Nitro (July), Avenger (September)

Jeep: Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, Patriot (August)

Hummer: H3 (July)

Cadillac: the CTS, which is currently under consideration