More power and a new interior and exterior design upgrades take the already "too cool to categorise" Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible to new heights in 2006.

"The 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible maintains its one-of-a-kind styling and flexibility," said Jeff Bell, Vice President – Chrysler. "For 2006, we've increased the horsepower, refined the exterior and updated the interior to ensure that the Chrysler PT Convertible continues to grow in the hot small specialty car segment."

New for 2006, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible gets updated front and rear fascias, including a new front grille with the Chrysler winged badge and chrome accents, new headlamps and fog lamps. The available high-output turbo engine gets a power boost, with 230 horsepower and 245 lb.-ft. of torque, compared with the previous 220 horsepower. This motor isn't expected to be available on Australian models.

The 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible also gets an all-new interior, including new seat trim and fabrics. A new instrument panel has a Satin Silver finish and features larger, more visible graphics, new flush shutoff air vents and a Chrysler Signature analog clock. Also new for 2006, the radio is mounted higher in the centre stack, and a passenger grab handle has been added to the right side of the instrument panel to make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle. A new dampened door opening provides increased capacity in the glove box. Front cup holders on the GT model get bright accents.

A new centre console with a sliding armrest and covered storage space replaces the previous seat-mounted armrests and front passenger seat storage bin for the 2006 model year. This console includes a battery-fed power outlet for 'phone charging and two fold-out cup holders for passengers in the back seat. New radio options include a Boston Acoustics® premium sound system that features six premium speakers and a 368-watt amplifier. All Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible models also get MP3 play capability in the 2006 model year.

New convenience features for the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible for 2006 include an available six-way power adjustable driver seat with manual lumbar adjuster and an Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC), which is more refined and allows owners to customise and easily adjust their personal settings. This new EVIC includes compass and temperature display, audio information, fuel economy, distance to empty and elapsed time.

Several updates to the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible also make this already quiet convertible even quieter.

"We've made many reductions in road and powertrain noise, which combine to create an overall quieter driving experience," said Larry Lyons, Vice President – Front-Wheel-Drive Product Team.

New improvements to the sealing around the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, as well as added insulation in the dashboard, reduce powertrain noise.

With 84.3 cu. ft. of space and 13.3 cu. ft. of pass-through luggage volume, the Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible maintains its leadership in the segment, offering more interior cargo volume than its competitors. Seats may be configured in nine different ways, including a position that creates a pass-through boot opening.

In addition to its one-of-a-kind heritage PT Cruiser styling, the 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible boasts a power convertible soft top, 10 inches more rear legroom than its competitors, storage space large enough to fit at least two golf bags or similar lifestyle equipment and an exceptionally quiet ride.

The Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible is available in two models for 2006: Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible Touring and Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertible GT.

All Chrysler PT Cruiser Convertibles are built at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico alongside the Chrysler PT Cruiser.