Chrysler 300C Hemi

4/5 seats, 392/1 062 litres 4 airbags, ABS, BAS, stability control R 11 750 February 2006 (300C Hemi)

0–100 km/h: 6,96 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h Power: 250 kw Torque: 525 N.m Fuel consumption: 12,22 L/100 km

With no Cadillac V8s sold in this country, the Chrysler makes for a characterful alternative. It sported the longest wheelbase among its rivals while still being shorter than all of them. This resulted in a super spacious cabin. Mercedes-benz’s influence is noted in the cabin and the boot swallows just under 400 litres. Most on the market are the V6 petrol models. We spotted only one interesting (and much more economical) CRD V6, but some V8s are on offer if you want the real deal. The engine is big and lazy, but does have the feature of shutting down four cylinders at low throttle loads to save fuel. The fully reasonable fuel index for such an engine gives this technology some credence. In 2013, a revised model with softer styling arrived. Prices were enticingly reasonable when new, but don’t expect bargain-basement used pricing because of this. These cars still fetch good prices notwithstanding the fuel economy disadvantages. There is an SRT8 version, which has even more cubic inches and power, but this could be over-the-top and tricky to find. We think the earlier model has more visual appeal and you have the option to switch from an egg-crate to a mesh grille for a reasonable impression of a Bentley. Incidentally, the eggcrate grille could also be found on 1950s Chrysler 300 series cars.