WASHINGTON — The midsize sedan market is ultra-competitive, with large sales numbers for top-name manufacturers. One name you don’t hear in the mix is Chrysler, but that could be changing.
The last Chrysler 200 was more popular with rental car companies and fleets than the regular buying public. The old 200 sedan was dated and not really competitive.
But for 2015, it seems Chrysler is looking to make a car that can compete in the midsize sedan class. The new 200 has the same name as the old one, but that’s about it — and that’s a good thing. The 200 looks really good from the outside, and stands out in the crowd. The looks are sleek and rather sporty for a midsize sedan, and the price starts at around $22,000. There are two engine choices and available all-wheel-drive.
The new 200 looks like a more expensive car, especially if you choose the top-of-the-line $35,900 200C model with AWD. All-wheel drive is a real differentiator in this class. The large wheels fill up the wheel wells and add a bit of class to the outside, and chrome trim brightens up the velvet red paint.
All Chrysler 200 models come with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and my optional V6 has plenty of punch for passing. It’s a smooth engine, as well. I enjoyed driving the new 200C with its AWD — it’s very sure-footed and it had good handling, which I wasn’t really expecting. The steering is a little heavier when hitting faster turns, but I prefer it that way. You’ll notice bigger bumps more than with some of the competition, but it’s never a harsh ride. The new 200 is also a quiet ride, though you can hear the sound of the V6 when you punch it. The steering wheel seems a little big in the hands and is busy with leather, a chrome strip and some real wood, which felt like overkill to me.
The new 200C offers a new interior. With the optional premium group, you get nicer leather-trimmed seats with heat and ventilation and more padding. They are some of the best I’ve tested in a midsize sedan, but the seat heat wasn’t the best — it could’ve been warmer. Trim and other materials in the cabin are more upscale, and they are a high quality that feels nice to the touch. The rear seats are good, with room for three in the back, though the legroom could be tight for those pushing six feet.
Tech in the 200 is a step up, with the easy-to-use Uconnect system, which includes a larger 8.4-inch touch screen that controls the loud sound system and a simple-to-use NAV system. This car can park itself for both parallel and perpendicular parking, and even has adaptive cruise control to stop you and go again without you hitting the pedals.
The 2015 Chrysler 200 is likely the most improved car of 2015. It’s gone from a car that was mostly forgotten by buyers to a sedan that people are really buying now. After a week driving the new 200C, I understand why I’m seeing the Chrysler on the road more frequently. It’s now a worth a look and a drive when you’re shopping for a midsize sedan.
Editor’s note: Mike Parris is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association. The vehicles are provided by STI , FMI or Event Solutions for the purpose of this review.
