The PT Cruiser earned a three-star Euro NCAP rating when it was tested in 2002, a poor score when new rivals easily score five. Most models have ABS (all have it from 2003) and traction control while security is taken care of with an alarm/immobiliser and remote central locking.

The rear seats are removable, but they’re heavy and bulky, which makes it a more difficult job than it should be. However, they are foldable, which in conjunction with a wide-opening tailgate, gives the PT Cruiser a good load area. With them in place there’s 620 litres of boot space – which is more than a BMW 5-Series Touring. However, the glovebox is quite small with only enough space for a couple of A-Z maps and there isn’t much useable stowage in the front of the cabin.