If you had any doubt the retro styling of the VW Beetle was just a fad, put it out of your head. Chrysler’s new PT Cruiser and Ford’s anticipated new T-Bird are proof you’re wrong.

I had the chance to be one of the first writers in the Northwest to drive the new PT Cruiser here, and then back-to-back while in Florida recently.

Looking like a smaller version of something Elliot Ness might be seen in, the Cruiser offers a small but roomy body, a very comfortable interior, and some pretty decent performance. I give it a robust “Thumbs Up.”

Just so you know, the PT stands for “Personal Transportation,” but looking at it begs the question, “Is it a car or a truck?” And what about the rumored version that will have the back doors and glass filled in so it looks like a panel truck? According to the government it’s both — depending on if it’s viewed under fuel-economy or anti-pollution rules.

A very clever design incorporating what looks like a grill from a 37 Ford and a 40’s delivery truck body, this vehicle has created its own market niche in the growing hybrid market. Driving it for two weeks — on both coasts, the Cruiser generated more interest from the man-on-the-street than any vehicle I’ve driven since the introduction of the Dodge Ram truck — and that includes the new Beetle.

All that aside, this is a great little ride. Design features include a raked roofline rising toward the rear that provides more headroom than even most seriously larger cars. The Cruiser measures a mere 168.8 inches long, so it’s easy to maneuver and park. But the wheels are located at the far corners of the body giving it a 103-inch wheelbase which answers for the comfortable ride and helps with overall handling and interior quietness.

It’s about a half-foot shorter than the small and roomy Ford Focus, but the fold down back seats reveal 64 cubic feet of cargo room — nearly as much as a Jeep Cherokee, although some of that is accounted for by the headroom.

With removable seats, it also offers about 25 different seating configurations in every combination from 1 to 5 passengers.

Interior-wise, it’s exceptionally quiet for a vehicle this size and low to the ground. The artfully shaped, chromed handles are easy to grab and body-colored dashboard inserts for the gauges — which there’s lots of — add a retro effect similar to those 1950s-style hot rods based on 1940s vehicles. The shift lever on the manual is topped by a round white “cue ball” — just like in many old hot rods. Overall, the Cruiser has an unusually nice interior — without the flimsy controls or marginal trim sometimes found in other Chrysler products in this price range. Even with the back seat installed, there’s enough trunk space to load three large suitcases and some other smaller bags as well.

The base model comes equipped standard with air conditioning, tilt wheel, AM/FM/cassette, dual outside mirrors, and power steering, windows and brakes.

The PT Cruiser is based on a modified version of the Dodge Neon platform, but is powered by a 2.4-liter, DOHC, 16 valve 150-horse 4-banger similar to what’s under the hood of Chrysler’s smaller minivans. This motor won’t win any trophies at the dragstrip, but it’s smooth and quiet with enough power to move the 3,100+ pound Cruiser efficiently through traffic. On Florida’s I-95, where the 70 mph speed limit is nothing more than a suggestion not taken seriously by anyone, cruising in excess of 80 mph with enough guts to pass if necessary wasn’t a problem.

Both of our test Cruisers were equipped with the 4-speed automatic, although a 5-speed that allows the Cruiser to perform more efficiently is standard. Too bad a V6 isn’t available with the automatic.

Whines: I was a little disappointed in the estimated 20 mpg in the city and estimated 26 on the highway — which isn’t all that hot for such a small vehicle. On the plus side, only 87-octane fuel is called for.

The radio controls seem to me to be too small for safe driver operation — which seems to be an affliction in some other Chrysler products as well. The power front windows are located in the center of the dashboard, which once you get used to them being there is fine, but the power rear window controls are at the back of the center console, where it’s difficult for the driver to reach them.

Kudos: This is a fun vehicle to drive, very versatile and stylish, with a practical, functional interior that offers lots of options for use. For some families this could be a serious alternative to the minivan. The PT Cruiser is aimed at younger folks, but will draw buyers from across the spectrum who want high utility in a small, reasonably priced package.

Bottom Line: The PT Cruiser will be a strong seller due to the fact that the standard model has a base price of only $15,450. The Cruiser Limited Edition option package is an additional $4,580 and anti-lock brakes with traction control are another $595. Suddenly, you’re seriously stylin’ in a vehicle that has nearly every option that can be added for under $21,000. Chrysler is going to sell every single one of these they can make.