Chrysler 300C CRD 2006 review

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?

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.