2002 Chrysler Sebring Convertible Alfresco motoring that's practical and affordable. By Bob Plunkett, New Car Test Drive .com

Chrysler's Sebring convertible combines a roomy interior, attractive pricing with a sleek design and top-down motoring. Maybe that's why it's America's best-selling convertible.

Who says practicality has to be boring? Boring goes out the window with the touch of a button, as the Sebring's top drops behind the rear seat. This car looks good even with the top up. Completely redesigned a year ago, Chrysler's convertible sports smooth lines similar to the Sebring coupe and sedan. Beneath its sleek interior is a stiff structure with a suspension designed to provide sporty handling and a smooth ride. Quick acceleration is on tap from the available 200-horsepower V6 engine.

For 2002, the availability of a four-cylinder engine has reduced the price of entry into Sebring's alfresco experience. This year, the LX model starts at just $23,075 and comes equipped with a 2.4-liter twin-cam engine rated at 150 horsepower.

Midyear in 2002, Chrysler is introducing a GTC model that comes with the V6, a sports suspension, and a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Sebring convertible is available in three trim levels: LX, LXi and Limited.

Sebring Convertible LX ($23,075) comes equipped with Chrysler's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a high level of standard equipment that includes a vinyl convertible top, premium cloth-covered seats, a floor console with cupholders and armrest, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and 15-inch steel wheels.

Sebring LXi ($26,160) comes standard with the 2.7-liter V6, a cloth-coated top, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a CD player with six Infinity speakers, and 16-inch cast-aluminum wheels.

Sebring Limited ($28,795) adds premium leather to the seats, instruments with bright white faces and electroluminescent lighting, an in-dash CD changer for four discs, a driver-interactive AutoStick shifter for the four-speed automatic transaxle, and ABS Plus.

The new GTC model comes with the V6, a specially tuned Euro-sport suspension, P205/60TR16 tires on 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, a trunk lid spoiler, body color bodyside moldings, two-tone Ultrahide seat trim, a sport instrument cluster, and a premium sound system.

Four-wheel disc brakes come standard on all Sebrings. Optional is a sophisticated anti-lock brake system Chrysler calls ABS Plus ($565) designed to better balance braking forces at each wheel; this helps improve stability when braking and turning at the same time by counteracting yawing or swerving. ABS Plus comes with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), which distributes braking forces front to rear for better stopping performance.