Test Drive: Chrysler 200C
It never fails: I see a Chrysler 200 gliding down I-75 and think to myself “Dang, that’s a fine looking automobile.” Unlike most cars that have at least one unflattering design angle, the 200 looks sleek and unified from bumper to bumper.
There’s something about the broad shoulders and molded rump of Chrysler’s midsize sedan that highlight the car’s spot-on proportions. The coupe-like roof line helps streamline the exterior look, although its large A and C pillars restrict visibility some.
In the looks department, I’d rank it alongside two other mid-size beauties, the Ford Fusion and Mazda 6, and ahead of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord (fine cars that lean toward more conservative styling).
The 200C competes in an ultra-competitive segment, but stands out for its design panache and optional V-6 engine. Our tester includes a four-cylinder engine that delivers 184-horsepower, although the stout V-6 (295 horsepower)
is available for those drivers who want a little more oomph.
There are four trim levels, the LX, Limited, S and C. Our tester is a top-of-the-line 200C with most of the available option groups, and lists for $33,540. Chryslers are available locally at Crown Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram on Chapman Road.
DESIGN AND FEATURES
The 200C’s crisp, clean body lines and low roof-line give the sedan a profile that looks expensive and elegant. A black mesh grille is surrounded by chrome accents that flow together like a modern sculpture. Swept headlights are underlined by arcs of LED lamps. An attractive character line bisects chrome door handles and pulls the design together, front to rear.
Our tester this week comes in Granite Crystal Metallic exterior paint with Deep Mocha leather seats. The color scheme is the equivalent of a dark gray suit paired with brown dress shoes — a combination of hues we are seeing (and liking) more and more these days.
Nineteen-inch polished, aluminum wheels with painted pockets ($995) lend a performance vibe to the 200C, although the four-cylinder engine in our tester works hard to pull the car’s 3,488 pound weight.
Inside, the 200C looks modern, with plenty of soft-touch plastic panels and real-wood trim on the doors and dash. There are also bronze and chrome interior accents that complete the contemporary look. The dark Mocha leather seats, which are both heated and ventilated, are plush and comfortable. The back seats lack the knee room of some other sedans in the class, such as the Accord and Chattanooga-made VW Passat.
Optional equipment on our tester includes a safety tech package ($1,295) with rain-sensing wipers, lane departure warning, automatic high-beam control, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitor. A navigation and sound group with an upgraded Alpine sound system
adds $895. The higher trim levels feature an 8.4inch infotainment screen and Chrysler’s Uconnect phone interface.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
In several days of commuting around Chattanooga, the 200C was a capable — if not athletic — companion. For mountain commutes, step up to the powerful V-6. (About 70 percent of buyers stick with the four-cylinder, though, which gets 36 mpg highway, 23 mpg city.
A silky, nine-speed automatic transmission improves gas mileage and ensures that the 200C never hunts for gears on steep grades. Various instrument rated reviews have the 200C, with four-cylinder engine, clocked in the 8.5-to-9-second range in the 0-60 mph sprint. The 200C joins the Fusion and Subaru Legacy in the small club of midsize cars offered with allwheel-drive.
With 16 cubic feet of trunk space, the 200C held three jumbo lacrosse bags and two folding chairs, with room to spare.
BOTTOM LINE
It’s hard to break through in this crowded segment, but the 200C makes a good first impression and should appeal to consumers drawn to its sexy, upscale design.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@ timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/ mkennedycolumnist.