Chrysler 300C Reviews

But the time has come to send two of our long-term garage residents back home. Kia's surprising Sorento and the polarising Subaru WRX are on their way after giving sterling service. Numerous shopping trips, commutes to work and longer drives down the coast gave the Sorento every chance to prove itself a reliable companion. And on the whole, it did just that.With the high equipment level, high passenger satisfaction in terms of comfort and high seating position, there was little to complain about. In appearance, it's not the most glamorous SUV around, with its no-frills looks, but it's not really trying to be. The Sorento diesel starts at an affordable $34,990, but our model was the range topper at $44,990.The only real problem encountered was the “wake up Jeff” cruise control, that would frequently decide to go to sleep on the job.Cargo room in the rear is good for those successful shopping trips, and packing the whole family on board doesn't turn into a back seat scrum, as there's enough room to ensure everyone rides in reasonable comfort.The noticeably diesel model averaged about 600km around town on one tank — meaning a fortnightly fuel bill of about $80.Equipment levels were good with an MP3-compatible CD player, leather trim, a sunroof, dual-control aircon and lots of good safety equipment, including stability control — which, curiously, only works in 2WD — and plenty of airbags. The 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine isn't the most exciting drive, but is adequate and is at its best when cruising.The biggest discovery from time spent with the WRX was that you could, indeed, spend time with the WRX. Subaru copped plenty of flak over the decision to “soften” its performance Impreza, but most of that would have to be from those who haven't driven the car and certainly don't use it as a daily drive. Comfortable, compliant, spacious for its class and a stylish interior are things you couldn't have said with a straight face about the previous WRX models.The little WRX served bravely as a family car, spending most of its time pottering around the shopping centres and schools of suburbia protesting not a whit at being utilised so far inside its performance capabilities. When asked to step up for a country run or a sprint to an appointment the WRX showed it is still an athlete at heart. Overall fuel consumption was a touch higher than the claimed 10.7litresper100km but not excessive and the only issue was a remote key fob that occasionally forgot its job description.There are no two ways about it, we are really going to miss the WRX.Staying with us for the while is Chrysler's 300C Touring — cruelly dubbed the Mafia staff car. Living with the 300C is like being in a fishbowl. As you move around you are under constant scrutiny. And, in this fish bowl you're the whale.The gangster-mobile wagon with its monstrous grille, 18-inch alloy wheels and small rear windows is not easily missed.Indeed, it's hardly missed at all given the number of heads turning as we have driven it around Sydney over the past few months on this long-term road test.At first, people usually ask if it is the high-performance SRT-8, a 6.1-litre V8 supercar. However, when they find out it is the V6 diesel with surprisingly good fuel economy their interest grows noticeably stronger.We've been filling the 71-litre tank about once a fortnight and it's proven good for about nine litres per 100km. The low-down pulling power of the diesel engine and its amazing 510Nm of torque is impressive.There's no sprightly spring away from traffic lights; instead there is a feeling of tremendous power, ever-increasing as it gradually pulls away. Living with the car has revealed a few problems, such as the awkward set up of driver controls around the steering wheel and dash, poor rear visibility, and the feeling that you are driving a really big car is fairly pronounced at shopping centre car parks.The leather interior is grey and plain and the rear loading space in the wagon is reduced by side intrusions. However, the second row seats fold down very easily creating much more room.And while the economic benefits of diesel engines are leading to an upsurge in sales across most market segments, many Sydney service stations haven't moved with the times.We have found that many diesel pumps are dirty with spilt diesel underfoot and diesel residue on the hoses and nozzles.All very well if you are in your work overalls refilling a truck, but not so great when you are dressed to the nines heading for a night out in a 300C Touring with its limousine looks. SNAPSHOTS CHRYSLER 300C TOURINGPRICE: $60,990ENGINE: 3.0L/V6 CRD turbo diesel, 160kW/510NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed autoECONOMY: 8.2L/100km combined claimed  SUBARU IMPREZA WRXPRICE: $39,990ENGINE: 2.5L/4-cyl turbo, 169kW/320NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed manualECONOMY: 10.7L/100km  KIA SORENTO CRDiPRICE: $44,490ENGINE: 2.5L/4-cyl turbo diesel, 125kW/392NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed autoECONOMY: 9.4L/100km 

Chrysler assumed true-believer status with the 300C; a big, brash, brute of a car styled with all the subtlety of an apartment block on wheels. Its success, however, has made the 300C a strong advocate for the argument that subtlety may be overrated.The car's in-your-face styling has struck a resonance not even Chrysler could have anticipated. Not only is the 300C selling like hot cakes at home, it is doing significant numbers in overseas markets better known for rejecting rather than embracing excess.With Europe, the home of subtlety, being the next frontier, Chrysler has taken the 300C out of its big-bore V8 petrol comfort zone and dropped a dinky little 3.0-litre diesel under the bonnet and already the buyers are voting with their wallets.Picking up the aluminium common rail V6 from Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler has presented a cogent argument as to why there is a place for oil-burners in large passenger cars.The figures are impressive: 160kW of power and 510Nm of torque allow the 300C CRD to hold its head high against the 5.7-litre Hemi V8, which boasts 525Nm.Where the CRD leaves its petrol stablemate red-faced is that peak push in the diesel is on tap from 1600rpm to 2800rpm. The V8 doesn't hit its straps until 4000rpm and doesn't hold it over such a sustained band.For highway overtaking that equates to almost instant acceleration, to almost always being in the right gear with the meat of the torque curve just a feather of the throttle away.The Benz-sourced five-speed automatic uses exceptionally well-sorted ratios to ensure the 300C's 1800kg mass is kept moving without undue stress.The early arrival of much of the car's maximum torque means that from a standing start only moderate throttle is required to whisk the big sedan away.The four-valve per cylinder engine runs double overhead cams, meets Euro 4 emissions standards and uses an integrated diesel particulate filter to keep the mood green and friendly.Variable-geometry technology on the turbo and precise Piezo injectors helped the 300C CRD maintain a credible 9.7L/100km average on a test drive slanted towards city use.It is not difficult to forget from behind the wheel that the CRD is a diesel. Vibration and noise isolation are at a level that, from inside the cabin, more than one passenger had no idea that the CRD was not a petrol car.Whether it is a toe in the water into subtlety or just a cost-saver, the CRD uses the same white-faced instrument panel as the petrol cars. With no redline marked on the tachometer (calibrated to 7000rpm) it is a little unnerving to see shift changes around the 4000rpm mark.For a big car the CRD has nice balance, something it shares with the petrol models, and you can fire it out of corners on a torque surge. The rest of the CRD experience is pretty much common with the remainder of the 300C family.The high-waisted cabin and low roofline give an impression of snugness but it never tumbles over into feeling cramped.Vision is reasonable out the front of the car, but not so great out of the rear, where the small window and substantial C-Pillars impede. Expansive wing mirrors are a plus.Rear parking sensors aid with keeping track of the car's rear and a set on the front wouldn't go astray.The seats are a capable compromise between comfort and support. They lean more towards the European than the historical American preference for armchairs.Among the standard safety features are dual front and full-length, side-curtain airbags, switchable stability control and anti-lock brakes.Comfort features include rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, six-speaker sound system, cruise control, trip computer and auto-dimming rear-vision mirror.Steering adjustment is tilt-only and the plastic tortoiseshell treatment at the top of the wheel is tacky. Stick with the leather.It's the subtle thing to do.

The Chrysler 300C is selling up a storm in Australia, often topping its class in the upmarket sales stakes, so it makes sense for it to offer a model with a turbo-diesel engine.

Let's talk about the styling first, because we’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t want to discuss it in detail as soon as they see this new Chrysler.

Customisers love adding to it with even bigger wheels and outrageous interiors. Chrysler's 300C travels on its own moving catwalk, always on display and admired by other road users.This is no getaway car, nor one to blend into beige or grey traffic in dull, peak-hour motion.The 300C's retro design, with its high waistline and low-profile roof, may make for restricted view from the glasshouse, but the only real cause for concern is when using the sun visors — if they're left in the halfway-down position, there's absolutely no view of the road ahead.Accommodation is very pleasant, with armchair-comfortable seating all round. The driver and front passenger get electric items (with memory on the driver's side) that can be set to move backwards on entry and exit.On long hauls, there's nothing to complain about. Once the the road begins to bend, though, there's only a slight curve in the cushion to prevent you slipping and sliding across the front pews.But this car isn't really made for sharp corners; it's meant to go hard in a straight line, using its 250kW and 525Nm of torque.The 5.7 Hemi heads for the hills as fast as the local heroes from Holden and Ford, although its growl was a little too muted for my liking.The soft-tone exhaust is balanced by a concert-hall-quality sound system from Boston Acoustics. This seven-speaker, 368-watt (including subwoofer) set-up puts you right back in gangsta mode.There's enough thump and rumble from inside the cabin to make you forget you're driving a V8 Hemi.MDS technology bought open-road fuel economy down to 11litres/100km from 16.1 in stop-start city driving. This was on a sustained Sunday run along freeways and coastal roads — not bad from a car lugging 1810kg around.Equipment levels are high in the 300C. As well as leather trim and the aforementioned sound system, you get some nice-looking woodgrain decoration on the wheel and console, rain-sensing wipers and rear parking sensors that ... um, made no sound.There's your regular host of aids and co-pilots, in the shape of ESP, brake assist with ABS, an automatic headlamp levelling system and "arriving lights" that switch on when the car is unlocked.Strangely, though, there are no automatic headlights — although they do apparently have a wash function that I was unable to locate.The smooth, five-speed auto gearbox has an old Mercedes-style sideways manual-shift mode. It was unnecessary, as you never felt it register until you pushed or toggled back to second gear.With its outre styling and quality Germanic interior, you could feel a little confused driving this car.Looking at the 300C's high waistline and stubby glasshouse reminded me of that '80s one-hit wonder Vanilla Ice, with his flat-top haircut and high pants pulled way up past his waist.Let's hope the 300C doesn't go the way Vanilla Ice's career did. It's way too individual for that.And don't we all try to be individuals? After all, who wants to be seen in just another car?

The chopped-top Chevy, the product of an unprecedented yet short-lived time of post-war expressionism, looked mean and threatening.The 300C of today has the same attitude. It's just that once inside, this one is a pussycat. Ford, who went on to bigger things, would be right at home.The 300C marks Chrysler's return to a rear-wheel-drive large-car platform. It is yet another vehicle to benefit from the Mercedes-Benz-Chrysler merger. In fact, about 20 per cent of its parts are Mercedes-sourced, including the multi-link rear suspension, steering column, and the five-speed auto transmission from the E-Class.It's also the second model, after the Grand Cherokee, to arrive here with the big-bore 5.7-litre HEMI V8 engine. If that's too big and thirsty, there is a smaller 3.5-litre V6 engine that is cheaper. But, externally the car is the same.Clearly, the look of the 300C is the key to its success. In January, the 300C outsold (133 cars) its class rivals, the Holden Statesman (120) and Ford Fairlane (55).Forget the fuel crisis. The reason the Yank won this race is because it is distinctive. Nothing shares its styling and, as buyers seek to stamp their individuality on their possessions, wacky things like the 300C have become popular.Don't forget it's pretty good value for money, especially if you put a price on being different.The V8 costs $59,990, while the V6 is $6000 cheaper, at $53,990.Standard in the V8 are leather upholstery, electric front seats with memory, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, climate control, rear-park assist and six airbags.The more lavish V8 also has a premium seven-speaker Boston Acoustics sound system.The only options for the V8 are premium paint ($370), and electric sunroof ($2430), with possibly a satellite-navigation system added to that list in the future.The interior has strong overtones of the 1950s and 1960s, not necessarily in styling, though there are hints of yesteryear, but more in cabin space.The seats are thick and armchair-like, the side windows narrow to create an impression of intimacy, and chrome highlights reflect luxury.Comfort is first-class for the passengers, though the driver may have to battle to get comfortable behind a steering wheel that has no telescopic adjustment.It has an attractive instrument layout and, tilt the head slightly upwards and there's a broad bonnet. Seeing a bonnet from the driver's seat of a car built in the third millennium, is like a country lad seeing the ocean for the first time.As you would expect, the ride comfort is first-rate, with the big chairs and compliant suspension providing a smooth journey.Surprisingly, this big US lump actually handles well through bends. What could have rivalled jelly for cornering, is more like a fruity, firm Christmas cake.There is understeer, but that's found at relatively higher speeds.Its handling is helped by a good list of safety gear, including Electronic Stability Program, Emergency Brake Assist, Traction Control System and ABS brakes.Throw the 300C into a corner and the ESP shows it is working by some noisy clunks under the body and noticeable retardation of the engine.It's a nice, safety feature that goes with features such as the six airbags, side mirrors that dip when reversing and the ultra-bright xenon headlights.Yes, the V8 is pretty much out of the dark ages, but it performs as good as a more modern engine.It is helped by some electronic aids and the silky five-speed auto gearbox.It's quick off the mark, responsive for overtaking, and quiet when treated gently, but sounds magnificent when on song. It is also thirsty.A combination of city, suburbs and country saw the test car clock 13.9 litres/100km. After a track session it was in the 16s.Apparently you can save fuel by taking it easy and the ability to cut fuel to four cylinders when idling or coasting also helps.It didn't help me much, though I'd be prepared to pay the fuel bill just to enjoy the car.I like this car — a lot! But why the hell is there a space-saving tyre in a car competing against big Aussie saloons? Simply ridiculous.Without a proper spare, I'd be reluctant to take it too far into the country, which is a pity because this would make a superb cruiser. Maybe it's best suited just to city cruising, with Harrison Ford at the wheel . . .

The big, hot rod-looking limo ticks all the right boxes and is set to put the Chrysler brand back on the map in this country.In fact, almost overnight, it has become the biggest selling model in the Chrysler range – and it's not hard to see why?We covered the international launch of the 300C almost two years ago and predicted then that the car was likely to give the likes of Ford and Holden a real "shake up", provided the price was right.Chrysler is targeting the car at the prestige Ford Fairlane/LTD and Holden Statesman/ Caprice and at just $59,990 for the V8 model, the price is more than just right.Not only does it undercut the competition, it's also staggeringly good value for money, considering its gorgeous lines and long, luxury equipment list.Given the choice, which would you buy?We renewed our acquaintance with the 300C over the holiday break, clocking up 10 days and more than 800km behind the wheel.We're can report that it's not just us who thinks this is a stunning looking car.Wherever we ventured the big, slab-sided V8 caused a stir, with plenty of pointing and questions.Dealers we are told have already sold out of stocks of the V8 with sales of the cheaper V6 model starting to pick up.A diesel and touring wagon are due mid year, with a high performance SRT version slated for April-May.However, at a time when the price of fuel is on the way up, the 300C's 5.7-litre HEMI V8 employs clever technology that shuts down half the engine when full power is not required, so you can have your V8 cake and eat it too.The Multi-Displacement System (MDS) transforms the engine temporarily from a V8 to a V4, shutting down two cylinders on either side and reaping the benefits of reduced fuel consumption in the process.Hit the go fast pedal and it takes just 40 milliseconds for V8 power to kick back in again.Does it work?Well, out on the freeway, the 300C returned as little as 12.0 litres per 100km and probably would have done even better had out trip taken us further.Others have reported even better figures than this.Dashing to and fro about our south coast retreat over a week, consumption hit a high of 14.5 litres per 100km, before finishing up on 13.2L/100km.That's a fraction more than the six-speed auto Ford Territory in which we started the break.With 250kW of power and 525Nm of torque on tap, the 300C certainly gets mobile quickly for a big car, at just under 5 metres in length and close to two tonnes.The HEMI V8 is hooked up to a five-speed sequential auto and dispatches the dash from 0-100km/h in just 6.4 seconds.After extolling the virtues of the 300C, we asked a group what they thought the car might cost?With six airbags and electronic stabily and traction control, the car has a five-star safety rating.Standard equipment includes leather up- holstery, twin zone climate airconditioning, power operated and heated front seats, six airbags, electronic stability control and high powered xenon headlights – to name a few.Some members of the group put the figure well in excess of $100,000 which is testament to the fine job that Chrysler has done. The car is put together in Austria and although it is a little rough around the edges, there's not much to dislike.You only get a space saver spare wheel and some felt a bit claustrophobic in the rear seat because of the narrow windows and high waisted sides, but that's part of the appeal.The steering wanders off centre and the suspension is harsh at times (too soft at others) and could do with some local tuning.The felt lining of the huge boot is also easily dislodged as is the scuff trim on the door, but for the most part these are minor misgivings. 

Even since its marriage to Mercedes-Benz as part of the DaimlerChrysler group, the big American struggles with the concept of anything remotely close to automotive excellence.However, there are signs that this perception is turning around, albeit with the pace of an ocean liner doing an about face in the Brisbane River.Enter the imposing 300C saloon.A few flaws here and there take it a tad south of being perfect, but by gee, it's one heck of a car.And whoever said that for anything to sell by the truckloads it has to be absolute perfection?You only have to think about mobile phones, many of which are tired and some buggered after a few years' work.The 300C is the beacon that Chrysler desperately needs to gain a strong sales footing locally.For $59,990 the 5.7-litre HEMI V8, which shuts down two cylinders on either bank when it doesn't need the power, presents a compelling case in the local prestige saloon market against Holden's Statesman and the Ford Fairlane. There is much more to like about the return of Chrysler's iconic letter series nameplate from the '50s than not.There are some fit and finish issues inside but heck, who cares when you're coasting around town in a hunk of metal this loud?The tough, gangster-style looks which from certain angles can be mistaken for a Bentley Arnage, have an on-road presence that even the confronting PT Cruiser couldn't match.On this test across about 400km of about 70 per cent highway work and the rest comprised of short/sharp bursts in built-up zones, fuel use came in at 11.5-litres/100km, which was under the claimed 12.1litres/100km in combined conditions.Fully adjustable leather-clad seats with two-position memory provide a comfortable ride, and the distinctive HEMI gruff infiltrates the cabin to remind occupants of its Detroit origins.A Statesman or Fairlane would destroy the 300C in ride and handling stakes but they are a little on the starchy side.Where the Chrysler is overdosing on fun and thrill pills, the locals are falling asleep at the wheel.The 300C is an enigmatic saloon. It is long and bold, brash and brazen.There is nothing available in its market segment which stirs the senses as much as the big yankee job.With so many positives to its credit, the heavy HEMI can get away with features such as a ride which is far too busy and damping control which tends to be out to lunch.For $6000 less there is a 3.5-litre V6.But that's like going for the junior meal at McDonald's instead of the jumbo deal.In the end the big HEMI is irresistible.A bit like a mobile phone really . . . you've gotta get one.

Drive the 300C and people are going to talk to you ... at the lights, in the carpark, at the service station ... and they are going to stare.Boy, do they stare. Stare and point, that is.But, remember: everyone is entitled to their own opinion.You will find plenty of people like your choice in cars; others will tell you in no uncertain terms why your parents should have been far more careful with birth control.Love the look or hate the look. That's what Chrysler wanted in designing the 300C and that is just what they have achieved.Personally, I love it.But I also think the big-butt look of the Renault Megane is pretty neat.The 300C is an imposing car. It has road presence far above its $59,990 price tag for the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 model.At just on 5m long, weighing in at 1873kg and designed to celebrate straight lines and corners, the 300C also gives the impression that it will handle almost as well as the large box it imitates.Wrong, on so many levels. The upside of the 300C's brick-like shape is the amount of room in the cabin. It is one of the least cramped large cars in existence.Shoulder, leg, head and knee-room front and rear, is expansive but without reaching limousine levels.The downside of the shape, however, is serious difficulty in judging just where the extremities of the car might be when parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces.Standard equipment in the 300C Hemi is generous, with the only options the premium paint package ($370) — for which you'll have to fork out unless your favourite colour is white — and a $2430 power sunroof.The Boston Acoustics sound system is simply superb. It is the latest in a range of car systems from various manufacturers that would not be out of place in the lounge room.The eight-way adjustable leather electric seats are comfortable without being particularly outstanding but again, they are well suited to the car.Apart from the rather tacky part-wood part-leather steering wheel, the interior is quite stylish for an American car. It is reasonable to assume that, in no small part, this is down to the huge input in styling and design from Mercedes-Benz. And in the getting-down-to-business department, the 250kW 5.7-litre Hemi V8 is a bit of a brute.None of your namby-pamby, take it gently and build up slowly to conserve fuel attitude on show here. It wants — demands — that you stomp the accelerator and get into that huge 525Nm of torque as soon as possible.The torque peaks at 4000rpm but the majority arrives not long after 2000rpm and keeps on urging well past the optimum. Chryslerclaims a sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds, which is very acceptable for a luxo-cruiser of this size. The down side of giving in to the Hemi's demands is that you will probably have paid the car off before the fuel bills.Economy figures range from mid-13 litre/100km on long, lazy highway drives, to 24-plus litre/100km readings punching from roundabout to roundabout in the city.Despite this, the 300C does exactly what it was designed to do for Chrysler Jeep in Australia — it provides an obvious presence.That it is a neat — if thirsty — drive and competitively priced is a bonus.

For the first time since the death of the Valiant, Chrysler plans to go head-to-head with Ford and Holden in Australia.The Chrysler 300c will arrive here towards the end of next year, with a price around the $60,000 mark.And it will be aimed straight at our homegrown luxury stars, the Ford Fairlane and Holden Statesman.It will join the Crossfire coupe and convertible in Australia, and could finally provide the much-needed breakthrough for the American brand.The 300c is bold and beautiful. It is also an American car in the truest sense, with a big engine, a big body and traditional rear-wheel drive.Even more important, the 300c will be gunning for a global role as Chrysler's new flagship model."The introduction of the Chrysler 300c marks an important chapter in the evolving history of our brand internationally and is one of the most important episodes of our continuing product offensive," Chrysler executive director international sales and marketing Thomas Hausche says.Chrysler has gone back to its roots to push the brand forward.The 300c is a modern interpretation of the company's historic letter-series models that began with the renowned C-300 in 1955.This contemporary styling, including an in-your-face grille, will put the 300c in a class of its own and provide a point of difference against the Statesman, Fairlane and other contenders in the $60,000 price range.The 300c also heralds the return of Chrysler's legendary 5.7-litre HEMI V8 – which got its name from its hemispherical combustion chambers – after almost 50 years.As fitted to the 300c, the latest HEMI development is the first modern volume-production powerplant produced in North America with cylinder deactivation.Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System turns off the fuel supply to four cylinders when V8 power is not needed, boosting efficiency and resulting in fuel consumption as low as 12-litres/100km.Even so, the 300c – which also comes with a 3.5-litre V6 engine – is no slouch, sprinting to 100km/h in just 6.4 seconds and reaching an electronically regulated top speed of 250km/h. Not bad for a car that weighs 1840kg.On the roadThe 300c is a long way down the road from a 1980s Australian-made Chrysler Valiant.From the moment you sit in the 300c you are greeted with luxuries. An eight-way powered seat combined with electronically adjustable pedals adds new meaning to finding a comfortable driving position.The seat is also heated, together with the passenger's side, and there are walnut accents on the steering wheel (which has power tilt and telescoping with a memory).The centre console is sized for a suitcase and the Boston Acoustic stereo pumps out the tunes.The cabin space is similar to its likely rivals, though the Statesman has an additional 38mm of rear legroom. The Statesman and Fairlane both have bigger boots.Once you get going, the 300c is basically a big cruiser. It's a luxury long-wheelbase limousine that, though measuring a freckle under 5m, manoeuvres surprisingly easily.Acceleration is responsive and the 300c, helped in part by the 18-inch wheels and tyres, feels like it is nailed to the road at high speeds.The five-speed automatic gearbox (on the V8) is a step ahead of the 300c's competition and greatly improves drive comfort, even when not utilising the Autostick driver-operated manual control.The MDS was not noticeable, despite attempts to try to catch it out.The smooth, luxurious ride compromises the handling – as you would expect from a luxury sedan – and some body roll was encountered when cornering hard.And, just as you'd expect with a Hemi under the hood, the 300c allows you to enjoy the traditional thump of a big V8.