The dictionary defines “metamorphosis” as a change of physical form, appearance or character, or a supposed supernatural transformation. Though not particularly supernatural, this aptly describes what Chrysler has done to its midsize 200 sedan, which for 2015 is radically recast in a manner that — literally — takes it a half a world away from the woeful rentalfleet favorite it replaces. The new 200 is a multinational model, with styling, engineering and features coming from both the U.S. and Italy, the latter courtesy of the brand’s corporate overseer Fiat. It’s based on the same Alfa Romeobased platform that underpins the Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee and will be the basis for other future models.
The 2015 edition has a more rounded, almost chunky look to it, with a sloping roofline and subtle curves leading rearward to a tall tail. The front-end treatment — the new “face” of the Chrysler brand — features narrow upper and lower grilles that flow sleekly into the car’s headlamps and fog lights.
The car’s interior is roomy, quiet and comfortable, with plenty of room for taller drivers to stretch their legs, and sufficient rear-seat space for two adult passengers, with a third able to squeeze in as necessary. Taller riders might find ingress and egress to be a bit difficult, however, given the shape of the doors.
The dashboard is driver focused, with the instrument panel combining analog gauges and a digital display, with both hard switches and an 8.4-inch color touchscreen at the center of the dashboard; the latter is used for what is one of the easiest to operate infotainment systems in the industry. The console between the front seats is open at the bottom to afford added storage and help create a spacious feel. Unfortunately we found the too-bright blue instrumentation lighting to be distracting, with an otherwise handsome cockpit hampered by an overabundance of “elephant hide” vinyl. A rotary knob replaces the traditional shift lever, though we found ourselves mistakenly reaching for the large climate control knob at the center of the console instead.
Fiat’s 2.4-liter “Tigershark” fourcylinder is the standard engine with 184 horsepower; we’ve tested that powerplant in the Dodge Dart and it delivers adequate acceleration, though perhaps not as smoothly as we’d prefer. Our tester included the automaker’s ubiquitous 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V6 that puts a much quicker 295 horsepower to the pavement. A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard and it works well enough, though it shifts a bit busily at times. Fuel economy with the base engine is estimated at a decent, though not class-leading, 26/36-mpg city/highway, and 18/29 with the V6.
The new 200’s ride and handling qualities are much improved thanks to a generous infusion of European chassis engineering. It takes the corners far quicker and more securely than most models in its class, with good feedback to the driver, though some motorists might find the steering to be too stiff for their tastes. While the car’s front-drive configuration should suit most buyers, allwheel drive is optional and recommended primarily for those living in the snowiest areas of the country.
Starting at an affordable $21,700 (not including a $995 destination charge), the 2015 Chrysler 200 comes nicely equipped with all the basics included. A long list of options includes many of the latest accident avoidance systems; a new self-parking feature can automatically steer the car into either parallel or perpendicular spaces. Our tester, a top-of-the-line 200C model with AWD and $2,800 in options bumped the price up to a considerably costlier $34,000.
While the Chrysler 200 might fall short of perfection, it gives the brand a credible product in one of the largest and most competitive product segments in the auto business, and is arguably the most improved vehicle for the 2015 model year. © CTW Features