Playing the roll of crossover utility vehicle in a segment of sedans and wagons gives Chrysler PT Cruiser a leg up on the competition. It offers versatility and eye-catching styling not found among compact cars and this year adds more power with the Turbo model.

Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix are new this year and are worth considering as Recommended SUV-like alternatives. Hyundai's Sonata earns recognition for offering impressive comfort, equipment, and warranty coverage at a reasonable price. The all-wheel drive Subaru Outback/Legacy is another Recommended selection, thanks to a superb AWD system and roomy cargo holds.

PT Cruiser sales finally dropped in 2002, slipping 4.5 percent on year-to-year basis. But that was fewer than 6800 units, not bad for a "fashion" car that's no longer the latest fashion. Demand may perk up now with the addition of the PT Turbo, which answers the biggest complaint about the original: no suds.

Another possible sales boost arrives early next year with the much-anticipated PT convertible. Not surprisingly, it won't have the same cargo space or versatility as the wagon. It's bound to be heavier too, so don't be surprised if the turbo engine is standard. The ragtop will definitely have seating for four only, plus a fixed "hoop" bridging the passenger cell to restore some of the rigidity that's always lost when a steel-roof car is "decaptitated." The top will probably be manual, with power operation optional.

Further out, the PT reportedly stays with its current basic design through model-year 2005 or '06. Then comes a replacement built on a basic platform to be shared by next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer and Dodge Neon subcompacts. The platform is being designed by Mitsubishi, in which DaimlerChrysler owns a controlling 37-percent stake. No word yet on whether PT styling remains retro or takes on a more modern air.