Chrysler Viper Reviews

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.

AUDIThe much-anticipated second generation of the Audi TT Coupe made its public debut at this week's New York International Auto show. Audi Australia spokeswoman Anna Burgdorf says the new TT will be in showrooms here before the end of the year.The new TT features Audi's new magnetic ride-damper system, which uses metal particles suspended in the damper oil and electric current to provide variable damping. The car is also longer and wider than its predecessor while retaining the sleek lines pioneered in the original TT Coupe.DAIMLER CHRYSLERChrysler will unveil the stretched version of its popular 300C sedan. The extended wheelbase adds 150mm to the length while the rear seat environment has been enhanced with illuminated writing tables, more power outlets, footrests and custom-paint colours. Chrysler expects the 300C long wheelbase to attract interest from the limousine industry, as well as retail customers. Its arrival date in Australia is still uncertain.DaimlerChrysler has also showcased the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, claimed by Jeep to be the most spacious ever offered. Also on the stand is the compact Jeep Patriot.The Dodge Caliber will bring the Dodge badge back to Australia and will provide a second passenger stream for Chrysler. It will arrive in Australia for sale mid year. Dodge plans to release a new vehicle in Australia approximately every six months for the next three years.MERCEDESThe mildly face-lifted E-Class with engine revamps will make its way to Australia in September or October. Other vehicles on display include the R-Class, which had its Sydney launch this week and G-Class, due in Australia in November.HONDAThe next generation of the Honda MDX large four-wheel-drive, sold as Acura in the US, is on show as a concept car. It is expected to be a pointer to the production model that will go on sale in the US later this year.Honda is not giving away much about the second-generation MDX model, which it says is designed, developed and will be built in North America. The current MDX started as a left-hand-drive-only model, but after sufficient lobbying, Honda agreed to build right-hand-drive models for Japan and Australia. Honda Australia says it doesn't know if the second-generation MDX will be made in right-hand-drive but hopes it will be.It is keen to keep the prestige MDX in its line-up because the big crossover wagon, which is about the same size as a Ford Territory, added 829 sales to its tally last year.SUZUKIThe Suzuki SX-4 – a joint Suzuki-Fiat enterprise – is set to be released to markets outside Europe in the coming months. Suzuki Australia will not officially commit the car to Australia but privately is understood to be anxious to add it to the marque's limited garage.The latest generation of the large XL-7 will not make it to Australia with a decision having been taken last year to phase the model out of local sales.FERRARILaunched at the Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari's 599 GTB has embarked on its world tour. Described as the company's most powerful V12 production car, the innovative and technologically advanced performance star is expected to make its first appearance in Australia at the Sydney motor show in October.MAZDAMazda has unveiled the CX-9, a seven-seat crossover sport-utility vehicle. Its arrival in Australia is still uncertain, with Mazda assessing the possibility of making the vehicle available in right-hand drive and getting it to market at a competitive price. Also on the stand – and confirmed for Australia – are the mid-sized crossover CX-7 and MazdaSpeed3 (badged as the Mazda3 MPS for Australia).LEXUSThe LS600h, which Lexus claims will be the world's first vehicle to feature a full hybrid V8 engine, has been unveiled in New York.This new version of its flagship will be available in Australia only in long wheelbase, and is due to be launched in the first half of 2007. Lexus claims the car will be economical for such a large body, averaging 14 litres/100km.PONTIACOne highlight of the New York showcars not destined for Australia is the G6 GXP concept car. It features Pontiac's distinctive nose also seen on the US-version of the now-defunct Holden Monaro. This concept car has 19-inch wheels and boasts a 200kW, 3.9-litre V6 engine.Which of these cars excites you?

Car makers are following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz and Lexus by putting folding metal hard-tops within the reach of more car buyers than ever before.It's a case of Viva la France in this instance, as Renault and Peugeot have folding metal hardtops starting well under the $50,000 mark, with the Pug 307CC Sport the only transgressor at $55,000.The rest of the Peugeot drop-top range – the two 206CC models and the 307CC Dynamic – will feature on the Peugeot display at Wayville, giving wind in the hair motoring with French fl air for a $32,990 starting price.The base 206CC is powered by a 1.6-litre engine – there's a two-litre model as well – and it's only got decent room for two people, although it offi cially seats four. The 206 is nearing the end of its model life so stay tuned for a drop-top 207.The 307CC offers a little more room for the rearseat occupants, although it uses similar drivetrains. Holden might be sourcing its light and small car entrants from Korea, but its fashionable two-seater drop-top is still from Europe. The two-seater is keenly priced and, while only available in manual, will get plenty of attention from new car buyers. Holden's present Astra has a soft-top but expect the next one to follow in the Tigra's tyre tracks, although it's no sure thing for Australia.Mitsubishi will be showing something close to its drop-top contender, the Colt coupe-cabriolet, which has started production in Italy.The folding metal hardtop is built from the Colt fi ve-door platform and rather than the three-door, the 2+2 convertible will join a revamped Mitsubishi light car range.But don't think the rag-top has gone the way of the dodo – anything but.The reigning Wheels Car of the Year is Mazda's new MX-5, which retained its manual folding soft-top for the sake of saving weight.BMW's 6-Series drop-top might cost more than $200,000 but that pricetag buys a soft-top, albeit one that is well-insulated. The company's Z4 has retained a rag-top, as has the BMWowned Mini range.Chrysler's Crossfire – a feature of the brand's stand at this year's show – also has a rag-top.Volvo's new open-topped star, the C70, has ditched the cloth roof for a solid top, while the Lexus SC430 has offered buyers of the brand the security of a metal roof with wind-in-hair enjoyment since its inception.Bentley and Lamborghini will be wellrepresented in the megabuck drop-top realm with cloth lids, as will the all-new Jaguar XK convertible.

One of the headline acts will be the French star of recent independent crash tests - the Citroen C6 - which has been acclaimed as the safest car yet tested by the New Car Assessment program.The C6, set to go on sale in Australia by the middle of the year, is the fi rst car to earn the maximum four stars from Euro NCAP for its pedestrian safety rating, as well as a maximum fi ve stars for occupant protection.It's also won an award as the world's most beautiful large sedan.The C6 is offering two V6 engines - a 2.7-litre 150kW turbo diesel or a three-litre 155kW petrol engine; both drive the front wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox.Alfa Romeo's 156 range brought the Italian brand back to the fore in Australia with fl air and passion. It's replacement, the 159, continues in that tradition. It will offer more modern drivetrains - and even a V6 with Australian roots - when it hits the market mid year.Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and the Alfa Romeo Styling Centre, the new car will come in both front and all-wheel drive versions, with the Q4 permanent four-wheel drive system using three diffs to split drive.The Alfa Romeo 159 is the first of a whole family of new Alfas due over the next two years, including the Brera.Lexus will be the fi rst car maker to offer a luxury hybrid model, with its GS petrol-electric hybrid offering plenty of performance with the thirst and emissions of a two-litre.The Toyota-owned luxury brand also has a hybrid version of the RX SUV but the company's stand in Adelaide will feature the RX350 - which sees the looks get a nip and tuck, with a new more-powerful and more fuel-effi cient engine beneath its sculpted snout.When Volkswagen went back to the factoryowned subsidiary, they announced high hopes of surpassing 20,000 units by now. They haven't got there yet but with more than 15,000 sales last year the German car maker is on the right track.The prestige segment will see the Passat return with a vengeance this year, with direct-injection two-litre petrol and turbo-diesel engines, or a V6 petrol engine, on offer in either sedan or wagon body style.The sales have had a boost from the new Golf and the newly-introduced (and keenly-priced) Jetta, giving the German car maker plenty of ammunition to work with.Peugeot will give Adelaide show-goers a look at its new 407 Coupe, a sleek, powerful and attractive 2+2 that will be offered in petrol and diesel models on sale in Australia as the show opens.The coupe will be offered with a three-litre 155kW/290Nm V6 petrol engine with either a sixspeed manual gearbox or new six-speed automatic transmission for $65,990 and $68,190 respectively.The sleek Pug will also be offered with a 2.7-litre V6 HDi twin-turbo diesel offering 150Kw and 440Nm with a six-speed automatic gearbox as standard. It will be priced at $72,500.Porsche chose to introduce the Australian motoring media to the Cayman S in the countryside surrounding Adelaide and its fi tting the German brand returns to the motor show this year with the same model.The Cayman S is more than a Boxster with a roof, sharing inlet systems and some other nice bits with the 911.The bulk of the DNA traces back to the midengined Boxster, which gives the two-seater Cayman the same basic powerplant - although slightly larger - plus the superb road manners and balance that has made the convertible a popular option among Porsche buyers.Chrysler has returned to the Australian market with plenty of enthusiasm and some interesting product, the latest and most powerful example of that statement being the 300C sedan.Soon to be followed by diesel and wagon variants, the V8 300C has serious visual impact and packs plenty of equipment to take on the big locally-built luxury sedans.The Chrysler has the added attraction of displacement on demand, which drops fourcylinders from use to save fuel when light throttle loads are required.

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. 

Little wonder, then, that Kia's Carnival, at $29,990, has proved to be such a hit: it offers considerable value for money for anyone willing to make a few sacrifices to save$10,000.Kia is now taking aim at a slightly more affluent sector of the market with its new, more powerful and larger Grand Carnival, priced from $36,990.The Korean giant plans to sell both the old, sub-$30,000 Carnival and the new model side by side for the foreseeable future as it attempts to increase its market share.The people-mover segment is fast becoming one of the most competitive in the vehicle industry, and makers have even tried to sex up their image.Most successful has been Honda's new-generation Odyssey, which is far more car-like in both appearance and dynamics than its predecessor.Ford has come up with a winner by offering soft-roaders such as the Territory with an optional third row of seats.With a bewildering array of choices in the market, Sunday CARSguide looks at five vehicles for the masses. Chrysler VoyagerPRICE: $55,990 to $71,990GOOD: Space, and lots of it. The 3.3-litre V6 offers a handy 128kW of power. The Stow 'n' Go option allows you a wide variety of seating and cargo options, and sliding rear doors make for easy access.BAD: All that interior space makes for a very big exterior. The Voyager feels a lot like a delivery van, and has an interior reminiscent of the early 1990s. When behind the wheel, you can't help feeling you're heading off to the local Dunkin' Donuts shop somewhere in middle America.VERDICT: This is one for the "size really matters" crowd. Extra size and power can't prevent the Voyager feeling distinctly old-school. It's also expensive. Speaking of old school, did I mention the column shift? Mitsubishi GrandisPrice: From $39,990GOOD: The Grandis has excellent interior space. functionality and style. Its tip-and-tilt seating system is one of the easiest and most useful around. Priced from $39,990, it also offers reasonable value for money.BAD: The somewhat aggressive exterior styling may not be to everyone's liking. Its height means it can't quite match the Honda Odyssey for on-road dynamics and feel.The 2.4-litre four puts out 121kW and has to work hard with a full load. Some dashboard controls are fiddly and set too far away.VERDICT: If you don't mind the looks, you should definitely test-drive the Grandis; it's a genuine rival to the Odyssey, and at a competitive price. Honda OdysseyPrice: $38,790 to $45,290GOOD: The most car-like MPV, the Odyssey has great on-road dynamics. Its interior and exterior build quality is superb.BAD: The Honda is not alone among modern cars in having the emergency brake on the floor, but it's an annoyance — even if it does allow extra space for the centre console. The test Odyssey had an acute case of reflected glare on the dashboard.VERDICT: A quality product that is quite rightly considered the leader in the people-mover stakes. The Odyssey's 2.4-litre, in-line four makes the most of its 118kW and is reasonably frugal, but fitting the 140kW engine from the outstanding Accord Euro would make things even better. The rear seats are best suited to pre-teens. Ford TerritoryPrice: $39,490 to $56,320GOOD: The new ZF six-speed transmission fitted in the AWD version of the Territory is a huge leap forward for Ford. Its AWD system is one of the best, and the Territory proved sure-footed during a three-hour trip along the freeway from Sydney to Newcastle in a torrential downpour.The Territory can go places the other four in this comparison can't,, but it's not a fair dinkum off-roader.BAD: The six-speed tranny and AWD are expensive options, as is the third row of seats.The four-litre, six-cylinder motor delivers a healthy 190kW, but driven with enthusiasm, it gulps down considerably more juice than Ford's claimed 12.2 litres per 100km for the RWD and 12.8 for the AWD.Again, the third row of seats is strictly for pre-teens. Interior fit and finish are good by local standards, but can't match the Japanese.VERDICT: Most versatile of the five, but you pay handsomely for AWD anda six-speed gearbox. Though not the best vehicle for transporting seven people, the Territory wins points for its across-the-board potential and would suit a family of four or five who need two extra seats on occasion. Kia Grand CarnivalPrice: From $36,990GOOD: It's obvious why the base-model Kia, at $29,000, is Australia's best-selling people mover. For $7000 more, you can now get what is effectively a completely different vehicle.Interior and exterior remain bland, although the Grand Carnival wins points for the functionality of its eight seats. An enormous rear luggage space is achieved by placing the spare wheel under the centre of the vehicle. The sliding rear doors are generally easier to access than those on the Odyssey, the Grandis or the Territory.A big improvement is the new 3.8-litre V6, which increases power from 132kW to 184 and torque from 220Nm to 343.BAD: Engine problems with the earlier base model dented the Kia's reputation and hurt re-sale values. This will have flow-on effects to the Grand Carnival, despite it being a different vehicle.It's still clearly built to a price, with dynamics and general feel below that of the other vehicles in this test; in particular, the steering felt indirect. The new engine has loads more power, but you pay at the bowser, with Kia claiming a best-scenario fuel consumption of 12.8 litres/100km. Like the Odyssey, the Kia has a foot emergency brake.VERDICT: Money talks, and the Grand Carnival is a bargain buy that will garner healthy sales. The Odyssey and Grandis are better vehicles overall, but the Kia scores points for size and power. The winner ...HONDA'S Odyssey remains the one to beat. Although the Grandis runs a close second, the Odyssey outsells it by almost six to one. The Territory is a genuine option if you want to get a little way off the beaten track. The Grand Carnival is good value despite the price increase, and the Voyager is for those who really value their personal space.Most prices quoted in this story exclude dealer delivery and statutory prices

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.