Entry Price: $21,800
Price as Tested: $35,390
This week, we again drive the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200, this time delivered with all-wheel-drive (AWD) mechanicals. Consumers will find four front drive models to choose from, starting with the LX at $21,800, Limited at $23,585 and then moving up to the “letter” 200’s with “S” at $24,825 and top line “C” at $26,325. (Notable is a current $1,500 buyer incentive, so subtract this amount from your model choice).
Chrysler 200 AWD starts at $28,925 in “S” classification, a nomenclature that indicates a sportier version. The very top line “C” models stand for comfort and dates all the way back to the luxurious Chrysler Imperials that were so popular five decades ago, These four specific 200 front drives and two AWDs allow Chrysler to attract specific consumer demographics, from the economy conscious college student ($21,700 for the LX entry) to as well off retired baby boomer ($30,195) for the “C” opulence inspired AWD model.
Our initial drive was the 200 “C” that came in front drive format and relied on four cylinder power. The AWD 200s only come with one engine choice, that being a powerful 3.6-liter V6 that produces acceptable city and exceptional highway EPA numbers of 18 and 29, respectively. The highway number comes thanks to Chrysler’s new nine-speed automatic, which is standard across the line regardless of engine and drive wheel combination. Notable is the automatic transmission uses a dial on the console to engage gears as there is no shift lever to be found.
With its beautiful new exterior and impressive interior, coupled with the outstanding entry price, Chrysler design and mechanical engineers in Sterling Heights, Michigan, can take a bow. Specifically, “all-new” truly is “all-new” as the 2015 Chrysler 200’s only similarity to the 2014 is its midsize EPA class.
2015 Chrysler 200 is going to be a major player in the midsize wars, and may actually offer more value for dollar spent than the competitors. Amongst the new interior features standard are rear safety camera, black chrome enhancements, all the powers, power front seats, advanced multi-stage air bags and much, much more. Your Chrysler dealer will gladly explain when you visit.
Built on a new platform and somewhat similar to the new Dart from the Dodge line, Chrysler 200 receives the added comfort and luxury amenities that have always differentiated Dodge from Chrysler for decades. Important is Chrysler 200’s longer wheelbase, AWD availability and overall luxury appointments.
Under the hood sits the prior mentioned V6, which puts out 295 horses and really peps up the 200 versus the 184 horsepower 2.4-liter four cylinder. If you want the V6 in a front drive 200, it will cost an additional $1,950 and deliver EPA numbers of 23 city and 36 highway, both good. The AWD steals just a bit of fuel economy, but the tradeoff is secure driving in foul weather conditions.
There’s ample room in the trunk and a 60/40 rear split seat that allows cargo expansion and/or access. Options our tester featured were a $595 Blind Spot and Cross Path detector (recommended), $795 Premium Lighting Group, $745 19-inch tires on “Hyper Black” chrome aluminum wheels (very nice) and a $1,495 Nav and Sound group that upgrades to a Harman built Uconnect nine speaker Alpine HD SiriusXM stereo with 8.4-inch touch screen and premium driver gauge cluster (sounds great). The final option is a recommended $845 Comfort Group, with “Parkview” rear backup enhancement, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control and remote start.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 108 inches, 3,795 lb. curb weight, 16 cu. ft. of cargo space, 15.8 gallon fuel tank and 39.5 inch turn radius.
In summary, the 2015 Chrysler 200 will compete well against all competition and has already received a Five Star safety rating from NHTSA. Initial reviews from the motoring press have been outstanding, as Consumers Digest also gives the new 2015 200 a “Best Buy” rating (as we did five months ago).
It’s definitely worthy of a visit to your Chrysler dealer.
Likes: Really new, AWD fuel mileage, great value for dollar spent.
Dislikes: Some options on top line “C” should be standard, not much else.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist)
