Vehicle Tested
| 2011 Chrysler 200 Touring
Base Price: $21,245
At-Tested Price: $23,495
Built in Detroit, Michigan.
Options
Special Paint
Sunroof
Uconnect
Engine: 2.4-liter I4
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
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Chrysler's lineup shrinks to three models for 2011: Town & Country, 300 sedan, and the all-new 200, which replaces Sebring as the Detroit-based automakers' midsize-car entry. Though the basic chassis and dimensions are unchanged from the previous Sebring, the new 200 sports fresh sheet metal, a redesigned interior and a more-powerful optional V6 engine. Like the outgoing Sebring, 200 comes as a four-door sedan and, this summer, a two-door convertible.
200 competes with vehicles like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry. Of those competitors, only the Honda Accord offers a coupe version and none offer the 200's convertible bodystyle. The four-door 200 seats five on twin front buckets and a three-place split-folding rear bench. Droptop models will seat four and lose the folding rear seatback.
For now, 200 sedan is offered in LX, Touring and Limited trim. Standard on all is a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that carries over from the Sebring. Optional on the Touring and Limited is a new 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Both engines pair with a six-speed automatic on all models except for the LX, which comes only with a four-speed automatic. Regardless of trim or engine, all 200s have front-wheel drive.
Standard safety features on the 200 include antilock four-wheel disc brakes, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, front-seat active head restraints, emergency inside trunk release and dual-front and front-side airbags. Sedan models also get curtain-side airbags. Rear-view monitor and blind-spot alert are not offered.
LX sedans start at $19,245 and include air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, center console, split-folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic-off headlights, floormats, theft-deterrent system, 225/55R17 tires and wheel covers.
The Touring sedan lists for $21,245 and adds to the LX automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, trip computer, compass, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights and alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-line Limited sedan starts at $23,745 and adds to the Touring leather upholstery, heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, music hard drive, USB port, Bluetooth cell-phone link, voice recognition, automatic day/night rearview mirror, remote engine start, fog lights, 225/50R18 tires and polished alloy wheels.
Options include sunroof and navigation system with real-time traffic information. Standard on the Limited and optional on Touring is Chrysler's Uconnect multimedia system that includes a music and photo hard drive, Bluetooth cell-phone connection and voice recognition.
The 200 sedan is built in Detroit, Michigan and has a destination charge of $750.
Get Up and Go Chrysler's 2.4-liter four isn't the most powerful engine around, but it does an adequate job of motivating the 3500 pound sedan. Though no official 0-60 mph time is offered by Chrysler, it's likely in the nine second range and that's with the six-speed automatic that's found in the Touring and Limited models.
Those wanting more power can opt for the optional 3.6-liter V6. This engine is a new offering and is one of the most powerful in the class. Most peg the 0-60 mph time of the V6-powered 200 at about 6.5 seconds, that's plenty fast and amongst the quickest in the midsize class.
The four-speed automatic in the base LX is adequate, but a better choice is the smooth-shifting six-speed that standard in the Touring and Limited. It provides better fuel economy and does a better job of keeping up with constantly changing speeds in rush-hour commuting.
The four-cylinder is EPA rated at 20 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. Trailing only slightly are the numbers for the V6, which are 19 and 29. Both engines will run fine on regular-grade gasoline, but Chrysler recommends mid-grade fuel for the V6 for best performance and economy.
In routine driving the four proves to be fairly economical, netting about 25-27 mpg overall in an even mix of commuting and suburban driving. If you spend a lot of time on the highway, you'll likely average close to 30 mpg.
On the Road The 200 has a surprisingly comfortable and controlled ride. Regardless of model, the suspension does a good job of quelling large bumps and reducing unwanted body motions. Occasionally, a pothole or expansion joint will bypass the suspension and jolt passengers, though this is the exception rather than the norm.
Changes to the suspension and body structure yield big dividends in the handling department, though that's not saying much as the outgoing Sebring was a less-than-inspiring performer. Still, the new 200 corners flat and has good body control. The steering, though light, is direct and accurate and the brakes have good stopping power.
Both engines roar in hard acceleration, though the V6 emits a throaty burble and the four a raspy howl. When cruising there's hardly any engine or wind noise, which is nice. On rough concrete roads the tires thrum, but that's the case with most cars in this class.
All told, the 200 can't match the overall composure of a Chevrolet Malibu, Mazda 6 or Nissan Altima--arguably the best-handling models in the segment. Nor does it match the smoothness or Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. Still, 200 is more than up to the task of daily commuting and comfortable highway cruising.
Behind the Wheel Though the 200 doesn't look all that different than its predecessor on the outside, the interior is completely revamped. Materials and fit and finish are very good and nearly every surface is nicely padded. The design, though straightforward, is contemporary and functional.
The instrument panel houses three rich-looking, deep-set dials that are easy to read day or night. Window, mirror and lock switches are conveniently place on the driver-door armrest. Radio controls are placed high on the center stack and are easy to use. Climate controls consist of three simple dials and are placed somewhat low, but are also very easy to operate. Models with the optional navigation system combine audio and navi functions into a large and brilliantly lit touch screen.
The front seats are supportive, if a bit soft. Head and leg room are good and it's easy to find a comfortable driving position. Visibility in all directions is excellent, though Chrysler should be offering blind-spot warning and a rear-view camera.
Rear seats are nicely cushioned and provide adequate room for two adults, though moving the front seat all the way back compromises rear-seat knee space. Given the 200's narrow-for-class dimensions, seating three adults across in the back seat isn't comfortable
The trunk's 13.6 cubic feet of storage space is slightly below average for the class but still more than adequate for most needs. A larger opening would make loading bulky items easier. Interior storage is good with a large glovebox, decent-sized map pockets and open and covered center console bins.
Bottom Line Chrysler is making a conscious effort to take its brand upmarket--trying to become an American Acura and play in that middle ground between mainstream and overt luxury. It's a great idea given that Dodge now competes against Chevy and Ford in the same showroom as Chrysler.
The new 200 is a solid update of the existing Sebring. Prices are quite reasonable given the amount of standard equipment. Given its size, it plays on the compact side of the class and can't match the room of the Honda Accord or Nissan Altima. Still, four adults have enough room and there's always that powerful V6.
Is the new Chrysler 200 the best car in its class? In a word no. It is, however, a quantum leap better than the model it replaces and now worthy of consideration, especially considering its attractive pricing.
Specifications 2011 Chrysler 200 Touring
| Dimensions
| 4-door sedan
| Engine
| DOHC I4
| Wheelbase, in.
| 108.9
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 2.4 / 144
| Length, in.
| 191.7 | Horsepower @ rpm
| 173 @ 6000
| Width, in.
| 72.5
| Torque (lb.-ft.) @ rpm
| 166 @ 4400
| Height, in.
| 58.4
| Transmission
| 6-Speed Automatic
| Weight, lbs.
| 3398
| EPA Estimates, mpg
| 20 city / 31 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 13.6 |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 16.9
| Manufacturer's Warranty
| Seating
Capacity
| 5
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Front Head Room, in.
| 37.9
| Powertrain
| 5 years / 100,000 miles
| Front Leg Room, in.
| 42.4
| Corrosion
| 5 years / 100,000 miles
| Second-Row Head Room, in.
| 38.4
| Free Roadside Assistance
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Second-Row Leg Room, in.
| 36.2
| Free Scheduled Maintenance
| None
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