Chrysler 200: All-new car could be a market force

2015 CHRYSLER 200S AWD

The 2015 Chrysler 200 isn’t your father’s car. Of course, this is likely because your father’s car could still be a Buick LeSabre. Times are changing quickly for the 200, though, which has gone from nicely styled to an all-around market force.

The revamped 200 draws its chassis from the Alfa Romeo. Sounds intriguing. But can Chrysler make an exciting midsize sedan? Why, yes it can, as former Wheels editors Jimmy Dinsmore and Dave Mikesell recently found out.

DAVE: When I hear the Chrysler 200 described as all-new, I can't pretend to understand. There was a Chrysler 200 last year. And the year before. And … you get the idea. But the 2015 version, which is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, does come close to being, if not all-new, at least significantly changed. The sloping roofline suggests a coupe, which is always a good camouflage for a four-door car. An expansive grille and LED lights up front are inviting, and an incorporated rear spoiler highlights the back. Surely this will be enough to get shoppers interested in getting inside.

JIMMY: The interior is not like any modern Chrysler (excluding the excellent 300). Chrysler has in the past, cut corners with interiors, but that is not the case at all here with the really all-new 200. Soft touch points are pervasive. There's tons of storage options including a pass-through unit between the driver and passenger seat and a very clever hidden phone charging/media station underneath the cup holders. This is the most ingenious and efficient use of space I've seen.

DAVE: The base engine is a 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder that produces 184 horsepower. I'm sure it's fine. Both of our testers came with the 3.6-liter V6 engine that turns out 295 hp. Now we've got a party! OK, maybe it's more like a big, happy get-together, but when paired with the only transmission offered, a 9-speed automatic, there are some good times to be had. The transmission is manipulated by a rotary dial, which does take some getting used to for those traditionalists who want a stick to grab in the center console or, for the old-timers (hey, that might be me) on the steering column.

JIMMY: Let's not understate things here. This is my favorite Chrysler vehicle (outside of the 300) that I've driven. They made significant improvements all over the place on the 200 — none better than how much nicer this drives than the first-generation 200. The 9-speed transmission is incredibly efficient. Shifting is flawless and smooth. With nearly 300 hp, it's marvelously fun to drive. Smaller cars always feel fast anyway, but in this case, the 200 is fast, but does so in a refined way. And, there's all-wheel drive for the first time for even better handling.

DAVE: Opening price for a 200 is the LX at $21,700. There are also Limited ($23,255), 200S ($24,495) and 200C ($25,995) versions. All-wheel drive adds $4,200 to those totals. As winter gets ready to swing into full force, that could be a consideration. Jimmy and I each drove a 200S with all-wheel drive. The S ostensibly stands for sport and is represented with the front bucket seats with leather trim, paddle shifters, fog lamps, bright exhaust tips and 18-inch aluminum wheels in place of standard 17-inchers.

JIMMY: There are numerous options available for the 200. My tester came with the Comfort package which included heated front seats, a dehumidifier, remote start and dual climate control. Additionally a Technology Package comes with Chrysler's UConnect system. Of all the infotainment systems, UConnect is one of my favorites. It's easy to use and integrates nicely with your phone or mobile device.

DAVE: Maybe Chrysler should have called this a 400 or a 200.1. Doesn't matter — the right notes have been struck with the all-new 200. Hey, I guess I do get what Chrysler means.

David Mikesell is a freelance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis. Jimmy Dinsmore is a freelance automotive journalist.