There’s plenty of space inside the trunk, and the drop-down rear seats extend the vehicle’s cargo hold into its cabin but getting bulky items through the opening revealed by the trunk lid can be problematic. Fortunately, there’s no such concern when it comes to placing bulky occupants into the vehicle.
Upscale cabin is welcoming and roomy
The 200 is more spacious inside than its outer dimensions telegraph. In fact, I was surprised by the generous amount of headroom and legroom that greeted me when I first climbed aboard. After trying all five seating positions, I concluded that the 200 can effortlessly accommodate the “big and tall,” provided only two such shapes locate themselves in the rear.
Chrysler has gone to great lengths to improve the quality, look and feel of their cabins of late. The 200 is a good example of what they’ve accomplished in this regard. The materials in use are much better than anything that previously lined a mid-level Chrysler product, and the quality of construction has risen immensely.
An example of the heightened quality is the dashboard. Rather than being comprised of a multitude of plastic segments, which tend to rub against each other resulting in creaks and squeaks, the dash in the 200 is pretty much a single unit.
Seating is another area where vast improvement has been achieved. The front perches in my tester were faced with leather and offered firm support, similar to what one would find in a German produced automobile.
And there’s another aspect of the 200 that had me thinking German.
Euro-like underpinnings and ride quality
My immediate impression behind the wheel of the 200 was that it delivered a remarkably smooth, absorbent ride. Bumps and potholes were quietly and effectively absorbed by the suspension, and not transmitted into the cabin as undesirable thumps or shudders.
This degree of cushion I expected to come at a price; that being sloppy handling. I’m happy to report that such is not the case. Sure, the 200 won’t place undue stress on BMW’s 3-Series when it comes to handling ability but it’s a sure-footed sedan nonetheless. It remains flat and planted when cornered aggressively, and that was a pleasant surprise – as was the performance underfoot.
Optional V6 is powerful yet supple
Chrysler’s new Pentastar 3.6-litre DOHC V6 engine is impressive. Named one of Ward’s “ten best” engines for 2011, it sits on a list that includes BMW and Audi. The refined mill dispenses 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through the auspices of a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Upscale cabin is welcoming and roomy
The 200 is more spacious inside than its outer dimensions telegraph. In fact, I was surprised by the generous amount of headroom and legroom that greeted me when I first climbed aboard. After trying all five seating positions, I concluded that the 200 can effortlessly accommodate the “big and tall,” provided only two such shapes locate themselves in the rear.
 |
| The 200 is more spacious inside than its outer dimensions telegraph. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
Chrysler has gone to great lengths to improve the quality, look and feel of their cabins of late. The 200 is a good example of what they’ve accomplished in this regard. The materials in use are much better than anything that previously lined a mid-level Chrysler product, and the quality of construction has risen immensely.
An example of the heightened quality is the dashboard. Rather than being comprised of a multitude of plastic segments, which tend to rub against each other resulting in creaks and squeaks, the dash in the 200 is pretty much a single unit.
Seating is another area where vast improvement has been achieved. The front perches in my tester were faced with leather and offered firm support, similar to what one would find in a German produced automobile.
And there’s another aspect of the 200 that had me thinking German.
Euro-like underpinnings and ride quality
My immediate impression behind the wheel of the 200 was that it delivered a remarkably smooth, absorbent ride. Bumps and potholes were quietly and effectively absorbed by the suspension, and not transmitted into the cabin as undesirable thumps or shudders.
This degree of cushion I expected to come at a price; that being sloppy handling. I’m happy to report that such is not the case. Sure, the 200 won’t place undue stress on BMW’s 3-Series when it comes to handling ability but it’s a sure-footed sedan nonetheless. It remains flat and planted when cornered aggressively, and that was a pleasant surprise – as was the performance underfoot.
Optional V6 is powerful yet supple
Chrysler’s new Pentastar 3.6-litre DOHC V6 engine is impressive. Named one of Ward’s “ten best” engines for 2011, it sits on a list that includes BMW and Audi. The refined mill dispenses 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through the auspices of a 6-speed automatic transmission.
 |
| Chrysler new Pentastar V6 engine is named one of Ward’s “ten best” engines for 2011. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |