Chrysler Crossfire

Blending retro US styling with German build quality has resulted in quite a car. Strong performance will satisfy all but the most demanding thrill seekers, but the dated chassis means ride and handling can't match rivals. The gearbox is the weak link, but as an exclusive Audi TT alternative, the Crossfire makes sense - and it's sure to boost Chrysler's image in the UK.

Thanks to our tight and twisting country B-roads and costly fuel, V8 muscle cars from across the Atlantic have never caught on in Britain. However, Chrysler hopes its new Crossfire will smash the stereotype and become a UK hit - and with its European underpinnings and a more efficient V6 powerplant, it's off to a very good start.

Now the suspension has been fettled, the steering wheel moved and the dealers' order books filled, we've got our hands on the first right-hand-drive Crossfire in the UK. So will it catch the imagination of British sports car fans?

Well, it looks as though many of you are happy to judge the Mercedes SLK-based newcomer on its styling alone, as all of the first year's UK allocation has already been sold. And it's not hard to see why - the machine looks fantastic and turns heads like a supercar.

But the quality of sporty two-seaters is decided from behind the wheel. And the first problem is the driving position - the steering wheel is far too big for this class of car and there is no height adjustment. However, there are lots of Mercedes-derived materials and, consequently, build quality is first rate.

On the move, it's difficult to figure out what Chrysler has tried to achieve - the suspension is too hard to provide smooth long-distance cruising, but not sporty enough to rival class leaders. We have no complaints with the performance, though. While it's quiet at idle, the distinctive-sounding 18-valve 3.2-litre V6 growls if you prod the throttle, and the surge of acceleration is addictive, despite the six-speed manual gearbox's awkward action. The 0-60mph sprint is covered in 6.5 seconds, but drive carefully and 27.2mpg should be possible.

At £27,260, the Chrysler is cheaper than Audi's £29,155 TT V6, but £760 more than the Nissan 350Z GT. Even at that price, though, the Crossfire won't struggle to find homes in the UK.