Description

How It Drives Two engines are available, and I drove the V-6 first. That engine is a version of last years 3.6-liter but tuned to make 295 horsepower this year, up from 283 hp. Power is ample from a stop and builds steadily, but the big story is the nine-speed automatic transmission, which is controlled via a rotary dial instead of a traditional shifter; its new this year and standard across the lineup. Overall, it ticked off smooth, timely shifts, with little hunting. On occasion, however, I noticed an abrupt, rough shift upon deceleration at around-town speeds. I was less enthused by the nine-speeds performance with the four-cylinder. Power wasnt an issue; the new 2.4-liter four-cylinder mustered enough gusto off the line and managed to handle merges and hill climbs without seeming overly taxed. Its a big improvement over the outgoing four-cylinder quicker, quieter and more refined. Shifts, however, often felt more erratic and harsher than they did with the V-6, especially at lower speeds. Chrysler said we tested pre-production models and that another transmission calibration is in the works. Thanks to the new nine-speed, fuel economy will be up for 2015, but just how much is the question. EPA numbers arent in yet, but Chrysler expects the four-cylinder to get a 35 mpg highway rating; the equivalent 2014 model got 20-31 mpg city-highway. A 35 mpg highway rating would finally make the 200 competitive with the Accord (26-34 mpg), Fusion (22-34 mpg) and Camry (25-35 mpg). Behind the wheel, the Chrysler 200 is a comfortable long-trip sedan with muted-sounding engines and impressive isolation from road and wind noise. Both V-6 and four-cylinder versions had nicely weighted, natural-feeling steering. The ride was compliant, and models with the 18-inch alloy wheels felt composed over road imperfections. Bumps were heard and felt more keenly with the available 19-inch wheels, however. The 200 remained tight in corners with little body lean, easily slicing through an onslaught of northern Californias coastal switchbacks.