The V6 produces 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, which is good for 0-100 km/h sprints of 6.1 seconds. It’s the most powerful car in its category alongside its Dodge Avenger sister. We know most people choose 4-cylinder engines in their mainstream mid-size sedans, but in the 200’s case, we recommend the V6 for its extra smoothness and refinement.
Fixed major shortcoming #2: suspension
Chrysler claims that almost every part of the suspension has been reworked. Changes include a lower ride height, a wider track, wider tires as well as new suspension geometry and bushings.
Whatever they did, it works; what is instantly noticeable is reduced thumping noise. The car feels more stable and poised while you’re barrelling around 270-degree highway junction ramps and the occasional twisty country road.
Still, we’ll leave the sport-sedan attributes to the Avenger when we test it in a few weeks. The 200 is a good long-distance cruiser, especially with its newfound cabin insulation.
One thing that still could use an improvement is braking effectiveness. While the car remains very controllable during emergency stopping situations, the distance it takes to immobilize is pretty long.
Fixed major shortcoming #3: interior design and quality
Now we’re talking. What has plagued Chrysler for years is finally being fixed. The Tupperware-grade dash components are ditched in favour of materials that are softer to the touch, and with what looks like a lower amount of bits and pieces; that obviously reduces squeaks and rattles. Chrome trim has been replaced with silver painted trim, while the steering wheel and its integrated switchgear feel right.
What a difference. The result is that when a customer walks into a Chrysler showroom and peeks inside the 200, he or she will no longer run away screaming. This car’s cockpit definitely feels more upscale than in a Toyota Camry or a Chevrolet Malibu.
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| The car’s suspension is much improved and is a lot quieter. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Fixed major shortcoming #2: suspension
Chrysler claims that almost every part of the suspension has been reworked. Changes include a lower ride height, a wider track, wider tires as well as new suspension geometry and bushings.
Whatever they did, it works; what is instantly noticeable is reduced thumping noise. The car feels more stable and poised while you’re barrelling around 270-degree highway junction ramps and the occasional twisty country road.
Still, we’ll leave the sport-sedan attributes to the Avenger when we test it in a few weeks. The 200 is a good long-distance cruiser, especially with its newfound cabin insulation.
One thing that still could use an improvement is braking effectiveness. While the car remains very controllable during emergency stopping situations, the distance it takes to immobilize is pretty long.
Fixed major shortcoming #3: interior design and quality
Now we’re talking. What has plagued Chrysler for years is finally being fixed. The Tupperware-grade dash components are ditched in favour of materials that are softer to the touch, and with what looks like a lower amount of bits and pieces; that obviously reduces squeaks and rattles. Chrome trim has been replaced with silver painted trim, while the steering wheel and its integrated switchgear feel right.
What a difference. The result is that when a customer walks into a Chrysler showroom and peeks inside the 200, he or she will no longer run away screaming. This car’s cockpit definitely feels more upscale than in a Toyota Camry or a Chevrolet Malibu.
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| What a difference inside the 200; the dash design and quality is very good. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |