Description

2011 Highlights The 2011 Chrysler 200 is a new nameplate, though technically it's a refreshed version of last year's Chrysler Sebring. The heavy makeover includes updated exterior styling, a vastly improved passenger cabin, a new 3.6-liter V6 engine and retuned suspension and steering. Performance and mpg The front-wheel-drive 2011 Chrysler 200 offers a choice of two engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder comes standard on all trim levels except the S and puts out 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6-liter V6, which is standard on the S and available as an option on all but the entry-level LX, puts out a healthy 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A key to performance is the six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard across the line aide from the entry-level LX, which has a four-speed automatic. A new dual-clutch six-speed automatic, which promises better performance and fuel economy, will be available on four-cylinder models later in the model year. In Edmunds testing, a 200 Limited sedan accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, an average time for this type of car. The V6 convertible takes a bit longer at 7.5 seconds. Current EPA fuel estimates are 20 mpg city-31 mpg highway and 24 combined for the four-cylinder with the six-speed automatic. The V6 earns a 19-29-22 mpg rating. Safety The 2011 Chrysler 200 comes with a long list of standard safety features including stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the 200 sedan scored the top rating of Good in all the agency's tests -- which include frontal offset, side impact and roof strength. The convertible also scored Good in the frontal-offset and side impact tests (no roof strength test was done). At the Edmunds test track, the 200 Limited came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet. Driving While not as immediately apparent as the appearance makeover, the mechanical changes made to the 2011 Chrysler 200 have also contributed greatly to the car's metamorphosis. A number of suspension tweaks have made a dramatic improvement in the 200's handling, and the steering provides a decent amount of feedback. The ride quality is now slightly firmer compared to the Sebring's super-cushy suspension tuning, but that's for the better. Performance with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is still unremarkable, but it should be adequate for most buyers, especially when it's mated to the six-speed automatic transmission. The new 3.6-liter V6 is quite energetic, delivering strong acceleration without a tremendous sacrifice in fuel economy. Interior The Chrysler 200's design team did a remarkable job transforming the Sebring's low-rent interior into something that can now hold its own against its midsize sedan competitors. The general dash design and control layout are pretty much the same as before, and because the materials are substantially better, the overall ambience is greatly improved. It ranks with competitors like the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata without apology. The actual dimensions of the passenger cabin haven't changed with the makeover, however, so the 200 is a bit smaller than its competition aside from the Suzuki Kizashi. The sedan's 13.6-cubic-foot trunk is also a little on the small side. If you're looking for a convertible with a comparatively roomy backseat, however, you should be pleased with the 200, as its midsize status provides more room than most. The 200 convertible is available with either a conventional soft top or a more expensive retractable hardtop; the hardtop promises better security and noise reduction. Either way, top operation is easy and takes about 30 seconds to lower. Wind noise is impressively subdued with the top up; we've found the convertible to be just a bit louder than the sedan. With the top down, trunk capacity drops to just 6.6 cubic feet.