I wonder if the designers of the new Chrysler 200 were as nervous about creating a first impression as the average teenager on his first date.
The Chrysler 200 S is made of sheet metal and plastic, not perspiration, acne and awkwardness -- but whether you’re a teenaged boy or an all-new family sedan, the first impression is key. Chrysler hopes that first impression will get their latest ride on the mental radar of shoppers considering competitors like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.
What is a 2015 Chrysler 200 S?
Launched very recently, the 2015 200 S is a nicely loaded version of the latest iteration of Chrysler’s entry-level sedan product. The model prioritizes classy looks, a sporty and formal character, an innovative cabin and plenty of features, powertrains, options and selection to help it stand apart from the crowd.
2015 Chrysler 200 S Pricing and Specs
For 2015, the all-new 200 starts under $22,500 with a 184-horsepower 2.4L 4-cylinder and front-wheel drive. Loaded with some options, packages, and the up-level 295-horsepower V6 teamed with a rare-in-the-segment All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, pricing landed around $38,000. All units get a 9-speed automatic with electronic dial-shifter.
Driving the 2015 Chrysler 200 S
In the tester’s S-grade trim with big fancy wheels and thin tires, shoppers can expect a moderately firm but mostly comfortable ride with a good amount of feedback and confident grip. Steering is lightly locked to the road in terms of feel, and noise levels are average for the segment -- though rougher surfaces did generate some generous tire noise from the tester’s thin rubber.
All said, the 200 S tester felt casually sporty and equally capable of delivering spirited driving on winding highways, and laid-back driving on smooth, straight ones.
The V6 engine isn’t one of the segment’s quietest, though it does sound lovely -- emitting a deep, tuned-sounding howl when called upon. Power output at full throttle, once the transmission decides which of its 9 gears to kick down into, is robust and comes on right away. With the better part of 300 horsepower, the 200 both goes along furiously when you’re driving hard and moves around almost effortlessly when you’re driving it gently.
The brakes are notable; they bite with urgency from even a little press, are surprisingly precise in terms of feel, and maintain consistent stopping power that adds confidence during emergency braking. Further confidence comes from the up-level xenon headlights, which work impressively after dark, saturating the road ahead with nicely dispersed, clean white light.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Chrysler 200 S
If any part of the new 200 is set up to make a positive first impression on its first date with shoppers, it’s the design of the body and cabin. Outside, deep blue paint and contrasting wheels that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a performance coupe draw looks, and the grille, lights, exhausts and even the font used for the badging all have an appealing energy to them. You won’t lose this machine in the Sears parking lot.
Hopping on board, test drivers will find what’s likely this machine’s strongest attribute: the cabin. Soft materials, contrast stitching, and splashes of colour (including a gorgeous, anodized-looking accent panel layered between the dashboard and control console) create a sophisticated atmosphere. Details abound, too -- mostly of the small but thoughtful variety that’ll delight as shoppers size the interior up with their eyes.
Dark gloss trim rings and an illuminated panel around the instruments make the cluster look inviting and high-tech. The rubberized mats in the storage compartments are textured, and even carry a unique image of Walter Chrysler’s signature beneath the Detroit skyline. Even some of the controls and switches have been re-tuned for a more solid and substantial feeling of quality.
Plus, the HVAC controls, volume and tuning knobs, and the dial shifter, are mounted down low on a nearly flat panel and out of your line of sight to leave a tidy and uncluttered view ahead for the driver.
Behind that driver, rear-seat headroom is tight for even adults of average size, and that the 200 isn’t as generously roomy as some competitors. Other complaints included sometime-sluggish performance from the 9-speed transmission, and thick window pillars that impede visibility.
Comparing the 2015 Chrysler 200 S
Ultimately, where upscale styling, feature content and a clever, unique, storage-rich and sophisticated cabin are on your new sedan wish list, the 200 is unlikely to disappoint. If you find the 200 S sounds appealing for reasons like those above, be sure to arrange dates with competitors like the Kia Optima, Mazda6, and Ford Fusion.
The Chrysler 200 S is made of sheet metal and plastic, not perspiration, acne and awkwardness -- but whether you’re a teenaged boy or an all-new family sedan, the first impression is key. Chrysler hopes that first impression will get their latest ride on the mental radar of shoppers considering competitors like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Camry.
What is a 2015 Chrysler 200 S?
Launched very recently, the 2015 200 S is a nicely loaded version of the latest iteration of Chrysler’s entry-level sedan product. The model prioritizes classy looks, a sporty and formal character, an innovative cabin and plenty of features, powertrains, options and selection to help it stand apart from the crowd.
2015 Chrysler 200 S Pricing and Specs
For 2015, the all-new 200 starts under $22,500 with a 184-horsepower 2.4L 4-cylinder and front-wheel drive. Loaded with some options, packages, and the up-level 295-horsepower V6 teamed with a rare-in-the-segment All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, pricing landed around $38,000. All units get a 9-speed automatic with electronic dial-shifter.
Driving the 2015 Chrysler 200 S
In the tester’s S-grade trim with big fancy wheels and thin tires, shoppers can expect a moderately firm but mostly comfortable ride with a good amount of feedback and confident grip. Steering is lightly locked to the road in terms of feel, and noise levels are average for the segment -- though rougher surfaces did generate some generous tire noise from the tester’s thin rubber.
All said, the 200 S tester felt casually sporty and equally capable of delivering spirited driving on winding highways, and laid-back driving on smooth, straight ones.
The V6 engine isn’t one of the segment’s quietest, though it does sound lovely -- emitting a deep, tuned-sounding howl when called upon. Power output at full throttle, once the transmission decides which of its 9 gears to kick down into, is robust and comes on right away. With the better part of 300 horsepower, the 200 both goes along furiously when you’re driving hard and moves around almost effortlessly when you’re driving it gently.
The brakes are notable; they bite with urgency from even a little press, are surprisingly precise in terms of feel, and maintain consistent stopping power that adds confidence during emergency braking. Further confidence comes from the up-level xenon headlights, which work impressively after dark, saturating the road ahead with nicely dispersed, clean white light.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Chrysler 200 S
If any part of the new 200 is set up to make a positive first impression on its first date with shoppers, it’s the design of the body and cabin. Outside, deep blue paint and contrasting wheels that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a performance coupe draw looks, and the grille, lights, exhausts and even the font used for the badging all have an appealing energy to them. You won’t lose this machine in the Sears parking lot.
Hopping on board, test drivers will find what’s likely this machine’s strongest attribute: the cabin. Soft materials, contrast stitching, and splashes of colour (including a gorgeous, anodized-looking accent panel layered between the dashboard and control console) create a sophisticated atmosphere. Details abound, too -- mostly of the small but thoughtful variety that’ll delight as shoppers size the interior up with their eyes.
Dark gloss trim rings and an illuminated panel around the instruments make the cluster look inviting and high-tech. The rubberized mats in the storage compartments are textured, and even carry a unique image of Walter Chrysler’s signature beneath the Detroit skyline. Even some of the controls and switches have been re-tuned for a more solid and substantial feeling of quality.
Plus, the HVAC controls, volume and tuning knobs, and the dial shifter, are mounted down low on a nearly flat panel and out of your line of sight to leave a tidy and uncluttered view ahead for the driver.
Behind that driver, rear-seat headroom is tight for even adults of average size, and that the 200 isn’t as generously roomy as some competitors. Other complaints included sometime-sluggish performance from the 9-speed transmission, and thick window pillars that impede visibility.
Comparing the 2015 Chrysler 200 S
Ultimately, where upscale styling, feature content and a clever, unique, storage-rich and sophisticated cabin are on your new sedan wish list, the 200 is unlikely to disappoint. If you find the 200 S sounds appealing for reasons like those above, be sure to arrange dates with competitors like the Kia Optima, Mazda6, and Ford Fusion.
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