Chrysler 200
October- 18- 2011 - Text by
Giulianna Levin,
photos courtesy of Chrysler Media
Things
are looking good for the Chrysler company. In September, Chrysler
had their best sales month since August 2008. Much of the brand's
36% increase is due to the sales of the Chrysler 200, Chrysler
300, and the Town and Country. On another news note,
the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration states that Chrysler is recalling about 600, 2012
models, including the Chrysler 200. Chrysler dealerships will be
replacing the engine, without cost to the owner and if the owner
has already fixed the problem on their own, Chrysler will
reimburse the owner.
In a mid-size sedan market where
most cars are starting to look alike, the Chrysler 200 has a
distinct styling all its own, a great improvement from its
predecessor, the Chrysler Sebring. The Chrysler 200 offers very
good
handling, and an optional V6 engine on the Touring and Limited
models. While the 200 is not always mentioned when comparing
mid-size sedans, the recent increase in sales is perhaps an
indication that Chrysler's 2011 remodeling is making an impact.
Because the Chrysler
200 debuted for the 2011 model year, the changes for 2012 are
minimal. The Chrysler 200 sedan has two new exterior colors:
Crystal Blue Pearl Coat and Deep Auburn. The starting MSRP entry
level pricing is lower for the 2012 model, at $18,995, excluding
the $750 destination charge.
The exterior design
of the 200 has sleek lines that give the car a distinct, sharp
look. The grille, on all Chrysler products is also unique. The
projector fog lamps, LED tail lamps and LED accent light pipe
located above the headlamps, also give the sedan a polished look.
Those familiar with
the Chrysler Sebring would be impressed with the interior. The
test car we drove was equipped with black, leather interior,
wrapped around very comfortable seats, both for the driver and all
passengers.
The 2012 model is offered with a
2.4-liter engine and is available with a four-speed or six-speed
automatic transmission. The 2.4 liter I-4 engine produces 173
horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque. The EPS estimated fuel
economy for the I-4 is 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. The new
3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is mated to the 62TE six-speed
automatic transmission and produces 283 hp and 260 lb-ft. of
torque. The V-6 has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of 19 mpg
city and 29 mpg highway.
In the United
States, the 2012 Chrysler 200 is available in four different
trims: The Chrysler 200 LX, 200 Touring, 200 Limited and 200 S
models.
The 2012 Chrysler 200 LX model has
a starting MSRP of $18,995 (excluding $750 destination charge) and
is powered by the 2.4-liter I-4 engine/ four-speed automatic
transmission. Standard equipment includes five-year 100,000-mile
powertrain warranty (a plus), advanced multistage front driver and
passenger air bags, supplemental front-seat mounted air bags,
active head restraints, four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes,
electronic stability control, electronic traction control,
illuminated, keyless entry, security alarm, speed control, power
locks, power windows, rear window defroster, power trunk lid
release, bi-functional halogen projector headlamps, heated,
fold-away mirrors, 17-in. steel wheels, air conditioning, manual
driverⳠseat height/lumbar support, CD/MP3 radio, steering wheel
mounted audio controls, audio jack input for mobile devices (a big
plus), ambient LED lighting and 60/40 folding rear seat.
