Chrysler’s top-of-the-line 200C with all-wheel-drive stands out among a crowded mid-sized sedan market with a blend of performance, premium luxury, and an easy-to-use infotainment system.
The 200C, Chrysler’s top-shelf offering within its four-model 200 lineup, has an understated yet sophisticated exterior. A split, over-under black grille is outlined in chrome that contrasts against gray metallic paint. Narrow headlights extend into the fenders and give way to slight character lines along the doors. A sloping rear window gradually blends into a small trunk lid and a modest rear spoiler. Dual tailpipes dressed in chrome are neatly tucked beneath the rear bumper and 19-inch alloy wheels give the 200C a sporty identity.
My Chrysler tester‘s interior was adorned in quality brown leather and wood trim that created the aura of an English gentlemen’s club. Heated and ventilated seats with contrasting white stitching were extra firm, supportive and infinitely ?adjustable. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, which was also heated, completed the package.
The 200C’s easy-to-use infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch dashboard-integrated touch screen. Menus were well thought out and allowed the user to personalize their most-used functions for quick access. A handy “Do Not Disturb” feature provides drivers with the option to override the system and send calls directly to voicemail and suppress text messages while driving. A nine-speaker Alpine sound system with a 506-watt amplifier pumped out well-defined music at all volume levels. Dual-zone temperature controls with front and rear climate control outlets allowed the driver and passengers to dial in specific temperatures.
The 200C packs a 3.6-?liter, V6 engine under the hood that produces an impressive 295 horsepower. Shifting was hardly ?noticeable from a nine-speed automatic transmission as the Chrysler hustled off the line at traffic lights or accelerated to highway speed. The 200C steering had a heavy, high-performance feel and handling was composed.
The 200C’s all-wheel-drive system has an automatic, fully disconnecting rear axle that improves fuel economy during normal driving conditions. Despite this feature, I barely got above 29 mpg in highway fuel economy and 18 in the city. Chrysler does offer the 200 with a smaller four-cylinder engine that improves fuel economy to 36 mpg on the highway.
In addition to a standard rearview backup camera, the 200C is loaded with the latest safety technology.
Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist and blind-spot ?detection were features that I missed when I?returned the Chrysler. My tester also included a parallel park-assist feature that was part of a $1,295 optional equipment package.
I found the 2016 Chrysler 200 was greatly improved over earlier versions of the mid-sized sedan.
The exhilarating-to-drive yet elegant 200C with an outstanding interior represents a true value and is worth a test drive when compared with the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and the Kia Optima.
