OF all the modern cars on the road the Chrysler PT Cruiser is certainly a strong contender for the title king of cool.
And now at last the cool Cruiser has been given a diesel engine which makes it, if not a hot hatch, certainly a very warm one.
From the outset the retro-look PT Cruiser, with its blend of mean American saloon and cool hot rod styling, has always looked as if it needed a beefy power plant under its bonnet.
It started life with the same two-litre petrol engine that was used in the Chrysler Neon and while it did the job it was hardly exciting.
Now the latest refreshed Cruiser has undergone a number of internal and external cosmetic changes, but best of all it has more powerful engines and the latest diesel version is certainly a revelation.
The new 148bhp, 2.2CRD unit is a massive 25 per cent more powerful than the old diesel engine - and it shows.
This gutsy new turbocharged unit gives the PT Cruiser a new lease of life car and makes it a really enjoyable drive.
The power boost means the 0-62mph time goes down from a relatively stately 12.1 seconds to a lively 10.8 seconds, which means the Cruiser is now sharp when it comes to essential quick-off-the-mark acceleration often needed at busy city junctions and islands.
But impressive as this is, the mid range performance of the car has also dramatically improved. The new engine is extremely torquey and the pulling power in each gear makes it a delight for everyday driving.
Despite the new surge of power this latest diesel will average more than 42 miles per gallon, which is certainly going to impress a lot of potential buyers.
Chrysler says its latest model benefits from improved noise, vibration and harshness reduction measures which lower road noise by between two and five decibels.
A lot of work has also been done improving sound proofing and the current model has a very refined feel about it even at high speed with very little engine noise and certainly no diesel rattle.
In fact, on the road, the car offers an impressively smooth and relaxing ride yet has a suspension set up to offer good cornering with little if any body roll.
External changes to the body include a new style front grille, re-styled headlamps, fresh look fog lamps and a discreet body-colour spoiler on the hatchback's tailgate roof to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics.
Inside, the new clocks have larger graphics, there are new style air vents and updated seat trim and fabrics. And it's refreshing to find a car with a bright red metal dashboard - matching the body colour of this particular car - rather than the ubiquitous mass of black plastic.
The Cruiser offers an abundance of internal space, its high stance giving it a vast amount of headroom, and despite not being an obvious people mover it has an interior which boast no less than 32 different seating positions.
You can fold seats down or take them out according to need. In fact it's claimed you can get an eight foot ladder into the Cruiser and still close the rear tailgate.
There is no doubt about it. The PT Cruiser really has grown up.
If you've driven one before and were undecided. Take a second look - you will be pleasantly surprised. I know I was.
FAST FACTS
Chrysler PT Cruiser 2.2 CRD Limited Edition
Price: £17,225
Mechanical: 148bhp, 2,148cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 113mph
0-62mph: 10.8 secs
Combined mpg: 47.2
Insurance group: 13
CO2 emissions: 177g/km
BiK rating: 25%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 7yrs paint, 7yrs anti-rust