Chrysler’s resurgence back into the UK market has so far seen a pair of new models launched that have little to do with the American company’s roots, and are in fact rebadged Italian Lancia Ypsilons and Deltas. Now, with the initial phase out of the way, Chrysler is reaffirming its status as a proud maker of American vehicles with the launch of the new Chrysler 300C. The previous model was famed for its strikingly bold looks, and the new car continues the theme with a similar silhouette, albeit in a toned down, much more rounded and luxurious package.
Created in the USA, and built in Canada, the 300C is at its best on the motorway, munching the miles as a long distance cruiser. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine is effortless in its power delivery, with plenty in reserve, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. On back roads, agility is much improved compared to the outgoing model, with steering that feels meaty and well weighted, and there’s plenty of grip through the bends. Comfort levels are exceptionally high thanks to a soft, nicely judged ride, even with the 20-inch alloy wheels fitted, and low levels of both road and engine noise. The only sound you’ll hear is from the large wing mirrors at cruising speeds when the wind rushes past and if you bury the accelerator pedal into the carpet, when you’ll get a lovely meaty growl that is quite intoxicating.
Prices have been lifted considerably compared to before, with our test car costing just shy of £40k before optional extras. But it goes some way to justifying that increase thanks to the more luxurious cabin and endless list of standard equipment. There are soft touch plastics for the cabin and nicely weighted controls, while the blue back-lit dials look attractive and distinctive. The chunky steering wheel is nice to hold, but the clock mounted above the large satellite navigation screen looks like an after thought, and although Chrysler says the wood is real, it looks synthetic in places. It’s easy to get comfortable thanks to large, multi-adjustable seats, and there’s more than enough legroom in the front. In the back, there’s plenty of knee space with only the tallest of passengers feeling short changed in the headroom department. At the rear, there’s a well shaped boot, with 481 litres of space available.
Available in a choice of two trim levels – Limited and Executive, there’s just one engine available – a 236bhp 3.0-litre V6 unit supplied by VM Motori, and fettled by Fiat Powertrain with the inclusion of its MultiJet 2 technology. The all important CO2 emissions of 191g/km are higher than the opposition, though Chrysler is bullish in that they believe there are buyers that are less concerned with running costs and more interested in equipment levels and aesthetics. We’re inclined to agree.
You can order a Test Drive now, or click here to find out more.
You can also check their Twitter and Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysleruk and www.twitter.com/chrysleruk pages.
Chrysler’s resurgence back into the UK market has so far seen a pair of new models launched that have little to do with the American company’s roots, and are in fact rebadged Italian Lancia Ypsilons and Deltas. Now, with the initial phase out of the way, Chrysler is reaffirming its status as a proud maker of American vehicles with the launch of the new Chrysler 300C. The previous model was famed for its strikingly bold looks, and the new car continues the theme with a similar silhouette, albeit in a toned down, much more rounded and luxurious package.
Created in the USA, and built in Canada, the 300C is at its best on the motorway, munching the miles as a long distance cruiser. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine is effortless in its power delivery, with plenty in reserve, and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. On back roads, agility is much improved compared to the outgoing model, with steering that feels meaty and well weighted, and there’s plenty of grip through the bends. Comfort levels are exceptionally high thanks to a soft, nicely judged ride, even with the 20-inch alloy wheels fitted, and low levels of both road and engine noise. The only sound you’ll hear is from the large wing mirrors at cruising speeds when the wind rushes past and if you bury the accelerator pedal into the carpet, when you’ll get a lovely meaty growl that is quite intoxicating.
Prices have been lifted considerably compared to before, with our test car costing just shy of £40k before optional extras. But it goes some way to justifying that increase thanks to the more luxurious cabin and endless list of standard equipment. There are soft touch plastics for the cabin and nicely weighted controls, while the blue back-lit dials look attractive and distinctive. The chunky steering wheel is nice to hold, but the clock mounted above the large satellite navigation screen looks like an after thought, and although Chrysler says the wood is real, it looks synthetic in places. It’s easy to get comfortable thanks to large, multi-adjustable seats, and there’s more than enough legroom in the front. In the back, there’s plenty of knee space with only the tallest of passengers feeling short changed in the headroom department. At the rear, there’s a well shaped boot, with 481 litres of space available.
Available in a choice of two trim levels – Limited and Executive, there’s just one engine available – a 236bhp 3.0-litre V6 unit supplied by VM Motori, and fettled by Fiat Powertrain with the inclusion of its MultiJet 2 technology. The all important CO2 emissions of 191g/km are higher than the opposition, though Chrysler is bullish in that they believe there are buyers that are less concerned with running costs and more interested in equipment levels and aesthetics. We’re inclined to agree.
You can order a Test Drive now, or click here to find out more.
You can also check their Twitter and Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysleruk and www.twitter.com/chrysleruk pages.
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