Available 18" split-spoke wheels lend an upscale appearance and fill the fender wells nicely.
Nowhere was the unfortunate Sebring more roundly criticized than for its flimsy, plastic-riddled, cheap interior. Chrysler has finally responded, with interior makeovers across the lineup. Top grain leather seating, soft touch dash and door panels are well-crafted and attractive.
Buckling up, my driving partner and I look around the cockpit, nodding in approval at the chrome bezels and redesigned instrument cluster and centre console. The signature clock is back, but it's been reinterpreted – a bit more upscale and a bit less cheesy. Though not exactly european-sedan quality, the cabin is tidy, attractive and well-done.
The Pentastar V6 is strong and responsive and works well in conjunction with the smooth shifting six-speed automatic. Our drive route climbed through the heavily forested Petaluma county roads, winding up through the Sonoma Mountains. There are plenty of tightly curving, off-camber drops as we descend into the rolling hills of the Napa Valley.
Surprisingly agile, the 200 is planted and unruffled through the turns thanks to revised springs and stabilizer bars. We're both impressed with the 200's competent handling, displaying none of the boggy wallow and roll of its predecessor.
Obviously there's been plenty of attention paid to sound absorption and chassis stiffening, as the car remains composed and quiet over washboard roads. Changes to lower control arms, steering gear and suspension bushings have resulted in steering that's responsive and controlled.
It might be a stretch to call it "exciting", but the Chrysler 200 is certainly competent, attractive and well put together.
In this make-or-break, all important segment, it seems that Chrysler has finally put forth a contender.
 |
| Top grain leather seating, soft touch dash and door panels are well-crafted and attractive. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
Nowhere was the unfortunate Sebring more roundly criticized than for its flimsy, plastic-riddled, cheap interior. Chrysler has finally responded, with interior makeovers across the lineup. Top grain leather seating, soft touch dash and door panels are well-crafted and attractive.
Buckling up, my driving partner and I look around the cockpit, nodding in approval at the chrome bezels and redesigned instrument cluster and centre console. The signature clock is back, but it's been reinterpreted – a bit more upscale and a bit less cheesy. Though not exactly european-sedan quality, the cabin is tidy, attractive and well-done.
The Pentastar V6 is strong and responsive and works well in conjunction with the smooth shifting six-speed automatic. Our drive route climbed through the heavily forested Petaluma county roads, winding up through the Sonoma Mountains. There are plenty of tightly curving, off-camber drops as we descend into the rolling hills of the Napa Valley.
Surprisingly agile, the 200 is planted and unruffled through the turns thanks to revised springs and stabilizer bars. We're both impressed with the 200's competent handling, displaying none of the boggy wallow and roll of its predecessor.
Obviously there's been plenty of attention paid to sound absorption and chassis stiffening, as the car remains composed and quiet over washboard roads. Changes to lower control arms, steering gear and suspension bushings have resulted in steering that's responsive and controlled.
It might be a stretch to call it "exciting", but the Chrysler 200 is certainly competent, attractive and well put together.
In this make-or-break, all important segment, it seems that Chrysler has finally put forth a contender.
 |
| It might be a stretch to call it "exciting", but the Chrysler 200 is certainly competent, attractive and well put together. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
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