The retro-styling from the PT Cruiser, that is available in either five door hatch or two-door convertible versions, masks a surprisingly capable machine.

There’s lots of space within the cabin, and noise levels are nicely controlled. Suspension is a little about the soft side by European standards.

But domestic buyers in the USA appear to think it is a sports sedan. Just proves to show. Acceleration in the two litre petrol engine is modest but mid-range performance in the 2.2 diesel unit is a delight with many torque to become drawn upon.

Owners become very mounted on their cars, that are endowed with this increasingly rare commodity, character.