The renewed Chrysler 200 debuted in 2015 with a total redesign and a fresh, new face and shape both sleek and elegant. Following on the dramatic reinvention, the 2016 Chrysler 200 offers further improvements to the interior of this affordable mid-size family sedan.
The 2016 Chrysler 200 four-door sedan is available in four trims: LX, Limited, S, and C. In my test drive of the 200C, I noticed that the absolute best features are found inside: large, easy-to-read gauges, plus-size control knobs, and a Uconnect multimedia center with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display. This screen is very friendly to use and has superb colors (the LX base model has a 3-inch screen instead). There is also a premium Driver Information Display cluster.
Each of the four Chrysler 200 trims are loaded with a set of operational and comfort features to target different price points.
The range-topping 200C is equipped with a 184 hp, 2.4 L Tigershark MultiAir inline 4-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. There is also a 3.6 L V6 engine delivering 295 hp. The 2.4 L engine achieves a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. I averaged over 30 mpg for my week of test driving.
The Chrysler 200C is quick off the mark, flowing easily into fast traffic, and never faulted when more speed was needed. Steering is strong, and the thick steering wheel enables the driver to feel a kinship with the road. The electronic stability control provides quality control on the curve, letting you appreciate the experience even more.
The premium leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and wide leather-trimmed, heated/vented seats make every physical contact pleasant, and the armrest is an added convenience. Standard as well is the 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar support.
The Chrysler 200C also has a 276-watt 6-speaker sound system. Two speakers are located in the instrument panel, two are in the front doors, and two more are found in the rear-shelf area.
Some manufacturers seem to have forgotten the importance of passengers being able to place their personal items somewhere and then being able to retrieve them quickly when needed.
Chrysler engineers have come up with a helpful solution—a bridge-like open area structure under the center console bin, large enough for things like tablets. There is also a smartly placed opening at the rear of this pass-through compartment for routing cables to power and media ports.
Outside, the Chrysler 200C has a well-defined back view with its trunk and taillamp lines. V6 models also feature dual exhausts integrated into the bumper. At the front, aerodynamic upper and lower grilles, supported from the sides by the headlights, draw the viewer’s attention.
Advanced LED technology is used in the “light pipe” daytime running lights, fog lights, and taillamps to provide a unique, uniform illumination. The taillights nicely illuminate the half-wing shape for the rear traffic to view.
In the front, standard halogen projector-beam headlights reduce glare. The HID headlamps with auto high- and low-beam capability produce three times the light output of traditional lamps.
Chrysler hasn’t forgotten about safety when it comes to the 200. Sensors and radars help prevent potential collision, while cruise control with stop-and-go and forward collision warning is also available.
A few other features that help to enhance safety and security include the 200’s optional backup camera, reactive front head restraints, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitor, and eight advanced airbags, All are available for the Chrysler 200C.
You can purchase a base LX for $21,995. The 200C carries an MSRP of $27,570.
For an additional $895, a Navigation and Sound Group package is available that comes with 506-watt Alpine 9-speaker audio, SiriusXM Travel, GPS Nav, HD Radio, and Uconnect 8.4.
Warranty
3-year/36,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
5-year/100,000-mile Roadside Assistance
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected]
