Louisville, KY -- Motivation itself is one of the great motivators. Motivation mixed with passion is a recipe for success, at least it should be. Chrysler has demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for decades, and in the process have created some game-changing products, as well some that did little but fill dealer lots only to be heavily discounted to move.
One such product line has been the Sebring/Avenger duo that, although popular, has never left a mark on its segments other than being a fleet star. Although good for the bottom line, Chrysler turned their attention to one of their bestselling nameplates to make it better (much better) and more importantly, something that you and I would want to own.
The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is actually a car I wouldn't mind seeing parked in my driveway. I wouldn't be ashamed of it. Visually, the car looks proper and the cabin is a smart evolution from what Chrysler has been putting together recently. As for the drive, it impresses in every respect. The sole issue is the highly touted 9-speed automatic transmission, which worried me with its often-erratic behaviour.
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What is a Chrysler 200?
The 2015 Chrysler 200 is Chrysler's bread-and-butter midsize sedan. Previously known as the Sebring, this car has long been the entry into the brand's line of affordable luxuriously appointed cars.
The previous 200, introduced in 2010, was based on the Sebring's platform which was limited in its possibilities. The new car is assembled atop the Fiat-Chrysler Compact Wide platform that also underpins the Dart and new Jeep Cherokee.
2015 Chrysler 200 Price and Specs
As one of the most affordable luxury midsize cars in the business, the 2015 Chrysler 200 LX has a starting price of $22,495. The volume star will be the Limited and it retails for an extra $2,500. The “S” comes in at $26,995 and the top-line C, for a supplemental grand.
Returning to the plate as the proposed powerplants, although heavily revised, are the Tigershark 2.4L 4-cylinder which develops 184 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque. The optional V6 is the 3.6L that produces 295 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The latter is a $2,000 option on all trims, save for the LX.
To both engines is bolted a 9-speed automatic transmission. With the V6 equipped cars, a highly advanced AWD system with rear-wheel disconnect is available as a $2,500 option for the S and C.
Driving the 2015 Chrysler 200
It's actually far more pleasant than most of you would think. Let's begin by how a Chrysler product should be -- the new 200 is quiet, smooth, and very comfortable. On these three aspects, Chrysler has scored some serious points. Here's where it gets better.
Meant as no offence to Walter's namesake, the 2015 200 gives the impression that it is not a Chrysler when being driven. From my POV, this is a
huge pro. Unlike all the Sebrings, Avengers (discontinued) and 200s I've evaluated in the past, the 2015 was responsive and (dare I say it?) fun to drive.
The 200's ride quality is what stands out the most. The revised suspension, now comprised of aluminum components, stiffer bushings, and sportier tuning proved to be adept at negotiating tight and twisty roads in Louisville's surrounding rural areas. If the Mazda6 is the handler of the segment, the 200 comes in somewhere around the Accord, which would be 3rd or 4th.
Steering is light and reasonably precise. Chrysler 200s equipped with the V6 (thus the Sport mode) will notice more weight behind the wheel when engaged, among other things. Brakes are on par with the category.
I tested both a 2.4L and a V6 AWD. Respectively, they are lively and plenty powerful. The 4-cylinder will dominate the take rate and few will ever require more power. The 3.6L growls healthily under load and doesn't fear being pushed. Unfortunately, the transmission gets in the way.
The 9-speed automatic transmission comes off as more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. From 6th to 9th, all gears are overdrives, questioning the reason for their existence. Gearing from 1st to 5th is not especially tight and functions no differently than an average 6-speed ‘box. What's more, the tranny hates to be rushed, and I'm referring to any type of acceleration over a snail's pace.
Like the 2014 Cherokee, the 1-2 shift is dry and clunky as it takes place. Subsequent shifts were frequently jerky and on a few occasions, worrisome... This behaviour was more apparent with the 2.4L than the V6. Going from “R” to “D” also created unfortunate shudders and even delays.
Inside and Out of the 2015 Chrysler 200
Chrysler's come up with some fascinating designs over the decades, some were actually far ahead of their time. In the 2015 Chrysler 200's case, the car's styling is a little of everything that's good about today's modern, flowing body lines.
Depending on the angle, the new 200's got equal parts Audi, Ford (Fusion) and a little Lexus, and it all comes together rather well. Even the base trims don't look as though they belong in a car park. Clearly, the S and C 200s are far more exciting to look at.
The 2015 Chrysler 200's cabin is, with little doubt, one of the nicest in its segment. Packaging and ergonomics are, in a word, exceptional. The tactile 8.4” screen is a model to follow and the easy access to HVAC controls should also be mimicked. Fit, finish and materials gain equal praise.
The seats are comfortable and supportive and overall interior space is decent to good. The centre console is brilliant thanks to a rotary gear selector that frees up space for extra storage below. Some of the available interior trims are truly upscale and complement the impression that this is not a typical Chrysler product.
Comparing the 2015 Chrysler 200
Chrysler's game certainly has changed with the arrival of the new 2015 200. Although a big seller, the 2015 Chrysler 200's job is now to change people's opinion of what the car represents. In other words: that it's no longer a rental car.
Going up against the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord and a few others is a daunting task on the best of days. This time around, the 200's got what it takes. It's now up to buyers to see it in a different light.
