New Chrysler 300C CRD SRT-Design review
Author: David Miles
Published: 28 February 2008
Like the all-American brash design, or hate it, the Chrysler 300C makes a huge visual impact on our UK roads. It is bought by ‘big’ people, big in business, or with a big social image and big egos and there is nothing wrong with that.
So from your professional footballer, who has an image to live up to, or the close-to-retirement businessman, who likes to have a nice car in the golf-club car-park, the 300C has a strong following.
The additional SRT Design models with the diesel engine should increase sales overall because for the price, the specification and the even more bold and glitzy looks, there is nothing like it on our roads.
With prices starting at £27,495 and rising to £33,245 for the main selling models the value for money in this executive segment cannot be beaten.
Engine and performance
Forget the £40,995 for the 6.1-litre V8 Hemi petrol Saloon, this will only account for a very small number of sales, step forward professional ‘mine’s bigger than yours’ footballers.
For the record the main selling 3.0-litre, V6, CRD, 215bhp (Saloon) 218bhp (Touring) diesel engined models, which both have a torque output of 376lb ft, the average fuel economy is 34.9mpg, 26.5mpg on my pre-launch test drive.
The all-important CO2 emissions are 215g/km which puts them in road tax band F which costs £205 a year. This level also falls well below the new London Congestion Charge of £25 a day from October this year.
Again for the record the 6.1-litre, V8 Hemi petrol engine produces 425bhp, 420lb ft, returns 20.2mpg and has CO2 emissions of 330g/km. This means a road tax bill of £400 a year from April and of course tops ups Ken Livingstone’s London coffers to the tune of £25 a day from next October.
Comfort and interior
As the CRD diesel engine and five-speed automatic transmission are sourced from Chrysler’s 20 per cent partners Daimler, better known as Mercedes Benz, there is nothing wrong with the power, engine refinement and smooth operation of the gearbox. It is just what executive car owners want, relaxed sophistication.
The ride quality is on the soft side and set up for comfort. On the open roads and motorways this is fine. Try to hustle the five metre long, 2.4 tonne car along winding roads and it is prone to ‘rocking and rolling’, but its fun.
The interior quality seems much improved. Gone are the garish light tone colours for the trim and in come darker more subtle tones preferred by us ‘Brits’. Outside with its huge and imposing stance, big wheels and lots of chrome the latest 300C makes quite an impact. Like it or not you will have to take notice of it.
MILESTONES
Chrysler 300C Saloon 3.0 V6 CRD SRT-Design
Price: £32,495
Engine/transmission: 3.0-litre, V6 turbodiesel, 215bhp, 376Nm of torque, 5-speed automatic
Performance: 143mph, 0-62mph 7.6 seconds, 34.9mpg (26.5mpg actual), CO2 215g/km, VED Band F £205
Insurance group: 17A
For: Roomy, executive specification, relaxed and comfortable driving, value for money, big image and striking good looks (for some)
Against: Spongy ride, vague handling.
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