Chrysler Crossfire 2003 Review

Of the cars that have been through our garage, the Crossfire has attracted the most attention – edging out Holden's panel van and Smart's funky roadster.

"Does it go as good as it looks?" and "How much?" were common phrases exchanged in raised voices at intersections.

I felt like making a sign, it would have been easier.

Others were seen to stop in car parks to have a good look, pressing their noses up against the glass before standing back to take in the car's styling.

So it has incredible street cred but does it have the performance and handling to match?

If the Crossfire could talk, it would say "I wish I was a V8".

Not that the 3.2-litre V6 doesn't drive those rear wheels – it does – but for a car with such appeal on the outside and a bonnet big enough to get a V8 underneath it, the bigger engine would be a nice option.

Bigger exhausts would do the car justice as the pea shooters surrounded by the nice big chrome tipped pipes create a muffled noise, not the throaty sound you would expect from a sports car.

The manual is the better box to choose. The clutch is a little heavy and the box a bit sloppy but the ability to rev the engine is a plus not enjoyed in the automatic, even with the tiptronic-style shifter.

The six-speed box makes the most of the 160kW (at 5700rpm) and the 310Nm (at 3000rpm).

The Crossfire tested had a track debut at Oran Park. No, not as a race car – it was used in the second stage of the Jim Murcott Advanced Driving Course.

The Crossfire stops well but under heavy braking above 80km/h the test car pulled to the left and had a shudder through the wheel.

In the understeer/oversteer tests at the track the Crossfire proved how stable it was. Despite traction control being off it was difficult to make it move off-line.

Vision is a problem. The back window is narrow and rear quarter vision is poor.

The Crossfire is built on the Mercedes Benz SLK platform and the Benz influence is felt throughout the interior. The leather even has the same smell.

The low roof, high door sills and dark matt finish make for a cosy interior but there is still a reasonable amount of room.

The glovebox is surprisingly large and the centre console bin hides the phone, wallet and keys away. Finally, a sports car with a decent boot. It is large enough to fit a trolley-load of shopping (without any riding shotgun) and an average suitcase.

The chrome finish on the centre dash area is striking. The leather seats are hard but comfortable.

The cup holder is clumsy to use, is in the wrong position and there is only one.

There was noticeable creaking from around the door trims when the car flexed under stress and over rough roads.

The Crossfire is nicely priced at $69,990 for both auto and manual, and competes directly in money terms with Nissan's 350Z.

But, as far as street cred goes, there is no competition.

Want to be noticed but can't quite afford a Ferrari or a Lamborghini? Then go cruising a Chrysler Crossfire. It gets attention wherever it goes.