Second-generation Chrysler 200

2015 Chrysler 200

The last 200 was in the form of a facelifted Chrysler Sebring that promises to be the start of the new Chrysler, hence the new logo, but no matter how hard they tried, the previous 200 didn't fare well against the competition so instead of consigning it to the history books, the newly formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles launched the new version of the 200 midsize sedan and by the looks of it, the new model is more of a mainstream rather than being a luxury midsize saloon.

So...is this all new?

Well, yes. This is an all-new model rather than just a facelift of the extinct Sebring. Like I told you, the previous 200 is just a lackluster facelift to the Sebring but for this new model, that's a departure from the old one and it's now a potent rival to the Chevrolet Malibu or Ford Fusion...although I'm not so sure about this...

What's it look like?

By the looks of it, the new 200 looks more like a posh Dart but both the Dart and the 200 are in a completely different league because the Dodge Dart is a compact sedan targeted at those who never liked Corollas, Galant Fortises, K3s, Avantes, or any other compact sedans of its class. The Chrysler 200 is made to target the likes of Peugeot's lackluster 508, Hyundai's Sonata, Kia's K5, Chevrolet's Malibu, or any other executive midsize saloon of this class and with this new model, Chrysler is now focused on being a mainstream brand rather than focused on luxury.

What about the interior?

2015 Chrysler 200

The old 200's interior looks more cheap and plasticky rather than being a luxury car on a budget and when I first examine the old one, it was like..."Hey! Why is this sat-nav looks like it came from cheap digicams that I bought from Fry's?" Oh dear... But now on the new 200, the new interior not only looks good as its big brother, the 300, but the new sat-nav system looks as modern as an Android smartphone. The gear lever from the old one is nowhere to be found and it's now replaced with some kind of stuff that you do with Jaguars, and by the looks of it, Chrysler wanted to give the new 200 some world-class inspiration but the only thing I find about the interior is some hint of wine and bread.

So, what's it like to drive?

2015 Chrysler 200

The old 200 is not what you called refined and it feels more like a 1990s American car that an average American family would drive to school, to the shops, to work, and anywhere else. Between you and me, the old 200's platform is a bit of a Far Eastern rubbishness even though that platform the old 200 used came from Mitsubishi themselves. This new one now uses the same chassis as found on the new Dodge Dart, and the crossover looks like the Bulborb from Pikmin, the Jeep Cherokee, and thanks to its multi-link geometry, it's rather good for a sports saloon. It doesn't feel like an American car at all and I'm starting to respect the fundamentals this new 200 had.

In the 200S model, it comes with a stiffened sport suspension so it feels as emotional as a pantomime drama theater without all the drama but for day-to-day use, being sporty isn't what you called comfortable.

Performance?

In the base model, the old 2.4L 4-cylinder engine from the old 200 has been thrown away and replaced by a Fiat-derived 2.4L Tigershark engine developing a modest 184 horsepower. Although the power output may be somewhat lacking against the competition, the fuel economy of 36MPG highway is really the best-in-class for the new 200. If power is your thing, there's also an available Pentastar V6 engine which delivers an impressive 295HP of power output. For the first time, the new 200 is equipped with the 9-speed 948TE automatic, making this the first midsize sedan to use this new gearbox.

Wow...9 gears!!!

Yes, nine gears is a bit too much for the 200 but this new gearbox is made to help this new model achieve such a good fuel economy.

Should I buy one?

2015 Chrysler 200

The MSRP for the new 200 starts at $21,700 for the base LX model and up to $30,195 for the 200C with the available 4WD drivetrain, making it one of the most affordable midsize saloons you can buy. Once more, the new 200 benefits from Chrysler's 60-month/100,000-mile warranty so you'll guarantee peace of mind with this one.

Will there be a...

No. Beginning with the new-generation 200, Chrysler told that there won't be a convertible model because even though the majority of these open-top models were rental cars, it is told that Chrysler will stop making an open-top version of the new 200. Even its Italian counterpart, the Flavia, is out of favor as well.

 Available colors: Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Crystal Blue Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Lunar White Tri-Coat Pearl, Velvet Red Pearl Coat, and Vivid Blue Pearl Coat.

Photo: Chrysler Group LLC

Lancia Flavia

2012 Lancia Flavia

The Flavia name has been resurrected as the Italian cousin of the Chrysler 200 Convertible. If you were wandering what is the difference between those two, I'm afraid that both of them are the same thing when you look at these two, except the fact that it has Chrysler badges thrown away and replaced with Lancia badges. That's not all because the Pentastar V6 engine is not offered on the Lancia Flavia as well because...well, nobody knows why they didn't fit it in.

You still have the class-exclusive retractable roof, most ample rear legroom of its class, some black and chrome accents, dramatic LED lighting on the cluster, Uconnect, Bluetooth connectivity, and that's about it. Even it its convertible body, it still looks sexy on the outside and a bit more premium on the inside but don't get so easy on this one.

The only engine available on the Lancia Flavia is the 2.4L 16v engine that produces 170PS of power and it is mated with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. It's not made to be focused on performance but it was made for some cruising through the world's best driving roads. Yep, with the roof off, you'll enjoy the wind hurling you around while driving the Flavia.

Two colors are available; Bright White (Bianco Pastello) and Mineral Gray.

My comment;
Those Lancias imported from Chrysler such as the Lancia Voyager and the Lancia Thema were became a minor flop because sales couldn't achieve its target but with the Flavia, do you think it would work? I'm afraid not because in today's economy, this car doesn't work at all and wait, this car is not made for English-speaking Lancia fans because it was only sold for European markets only where they don't speak English. Sadly, this car won't make it to the UK market because both the Chrysler 200 Convertible and the Lancia Flavia will always be left-hand drive and it would be highly impossible to make it right hand drive. Yep, the Lancia Flavia is not made for English speaking drivers but if you're speaking English, get yourselves a Chrysler 200 Convertible...in the USA.

Photo: Lancia

All about 200S and 300S

2012 Chrysler 200S

2012 Chrysler 300S

The Chrysler 200S and 300S are the most stylish variants of the critically acclaimed Chrysler 200 and the new generation Chrysler 300. Although the 200S has some of its minor cosmetic treatments for the sedan and convertible variants, inside and out, the Chrysler 300S is the next big thing to call it "VIP STYLE" not only because of its "bling bling" looks but also the "Beats by Dr. Dre" audio system.

I always think about these models are far out to be "VIP STYLE" and these models can be a pretty good choice if you were a famous, wealthy person who is looking for cars that has elegance in the "sea of sameness".

The Chrysler 200S sedan and 200S convertible are equipped with exclusive exterior goodies such as a special grille, a unique Chrysler badge where the middle color is black instead of blue, body color mirrors, door handles, black bezel headlamps, 18-inch rims, and "S" badging.

On the interior, you'll see the letter "S" mounted on the front seats for some unique exclusivity and to top it all, a standard Boston Acoustic sound system with 276-watt CD/DVD/MP3/30 gigabyte hard drive media center with Uconnect® voice command.

On the Chrysler 300S, it has it all; matte carbon fiber finishes, a unique grille, 20-inch rims, a choice of black or red interior with "S" lettering on the front seats, and the first to be equipped with "Beats by Dr. Dre" audio system.

Remember the tagline..."GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WORK"

I bet the 300S was my good pick because it brings somewhat of a "gangster-look" rather than being luxurious and with the Beats by Dr. Dre audio, playing your favorite hip-hop music never been this good! Thanks, Dr. Dre!

The Lancia Flavia lives...in Convertible form

2012 Lancia Flavia

Back in the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, both the Chrysler 200 and the 200 Convertible debuted under the Lancia Flavia name. The new Lancia Flavia is the European version of the Chrysler 200 however, there are rumors that Fiat will not bring the Lancia Flavia to Europe because the company's diesel engine is too expensive to fit in.

However, Fiat gave a green light for the production-form Lancia Flavia...in convertible form. Why convertible? Despite a gasoline-only offer, the convertible is much more attractive than the sedan version.

Which means, the Chrysler 200 sedan will stay stateside while the 200 Convertible will be exported to the Europe as the Lancia Flavia.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2011/08/lancia-flavia-cabrio-coming-to.html

Chrysler 200 Convertible

2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible

The Chrysler 200, the Sebring's successor model, made Chrysler born again from the ashes of bankruptcy and with Chrysler's Imported from Detroit tagline (thanks to the Super Bowl XLV ad starring Eminem), it shows true Detroit blood running in the veins of Chrysler, bringing true American color for customers here and around the world. Now, let's see how Eminem meets up with the 2-door convertible model based on the "Imported from Detroit" Chrysler 200.

The Chrysler 200 Convertible carries the same features from the 200 Sedan while sporting its 2-door convertible finesse. With the convertible shape, the Chrysler 200 Convertible can be a fun to drive vehicle designed to appeal people looking for stylish convertibles. Well, it might seem to be claimed as the replacement of the Sebring Convertible, the 200 Convertible is classified as the minor model change of the Sebring Convertible despite its debutante naming.

Even with the convertible look, the new 200 Convertible still retains two engine types; a 2.4L GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance) engine and the all-new Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine. The 2.4L GEMA engine provides 175PS/6000 rpm of power output, torque output of 166 lb·ft/4400 rpm, and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 29mpg highway. The new Pentastar V6 engine, on the other hand, releases about 287PS/6400 rpm of power output, 260lb·ft/4250 rpm of torque output, and has the same mpg as the 2.4L variant. Most are equipped with the 62TE six-speed transmission for enhanced driving and fuel efficiency unlike any other.

The 200 Convertible is available in exterior colors: Blackberry Pearl Coat, Bright Silver Metallic, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Bright White Pearl Coat, Black, Sapphire Crystal Metallic Clear Coat and Tungsten Silver Metallic Clear Coat.

My Comment:
"This is the Motor City. And this is what we do." These words truly describes the "Imported from Detroit" tagline from Chrysler and with that new slogan, it will surely expand Chrysler's American presence to the world market.

Looks like Eminem's ride got itself a soft-top haircut! The new 200 Convertible can be a decent rival to the likes of the Lexus IS250C and the Renault Megane Coupe-Convertible. With the new V6 mated, it will surely be a blast with this new age premium convertible built from Sterling Heights, Michigan, not far from Detroit, Michigan. Think this will work?

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.

Chrysler 200

2011 Chrysler 200

The name "200" from Chrysler comes from the Chrysler 200C concept car that was once cancelled by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne because it was unfit for the company. Although Fiat cancels the production of the 200C hybrid, the name "200" lives on as the new Chrysler 200, a new medium sedan that replaces the awkward-looking Chrysler Sebring.

In contrast of being Chrysler's new model, the 200 is just a revision of the Sebring, henceforth that this is the Sebring's minor change model. The Chrysler 200 is the first to wear the new Chrysler logo and the new trademark grille that provides a sense of style. The side view of the 200 remains its Sebring look, meaning to say that this is a minor change, the 200 is actually a new model in general. In the rear view, the Chrysler 200 looks more like a Buick Regal, so in chemistry; the Chrysler 200 is like a mixture of the Kia K7/Cadenza, the outdated Sebring, and the Opel Insignia/Buick Regal. Wasn't that obvious to see how the Chrysler 200 looks like? On the interior, this is somewhat more of an updated version of the Chrysler Sebring, keeping this medium sedan updated to be more premium than being a blah-only medium sedan.

The only engine available for the Chrysler 200 as of press time is the 2.4-Liter I4 DOHC 16-Valve Dual VVT Engine that produces a power output of 175 PS. Depending on the variant, the 2.4L variant comes with either a 4-speed AT or a 6-speed AT. A 4-speed AT can be enough but for those looking for more fun-to-drive, a 6-speed AT is necessary. The new Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine that produces 287 PS may soon follow.

My thoughts about the 200:
Despite being branded as the minor change model of the Sebring, the new Chrysler 200 is the debutante in the new Chrysler brand, following with the new 300, the Town and Country/Grand Voyager minor change, It will also come to Europe under the Lancia badge. I strongly believe that the new Chrysler 200 will regain Chrysler's strength and most people would go for it. Word from it that there will be a 200 Convertible coming soon and serve as the replacement for the Sebring Convertible. The Chrysler 200 choses the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord Inspire and Accord Euro, Subaru Legacy B4, Volkswagen Passat, Kia K5/Optima, and the Hyundai YF Sonata as the main opponents.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.