Chrysler 300C Car Review

Facts At A Glance
Car: Chrysler 300C range
Prices: £23,995-£41,795 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-20
Emissions: 215-330g/km
Performance: [3.0 CRD] Max Speed 143mph / 0-60mph 7.6s
Fuel Consumption: [3.0 CRD] (urban) 26.2mpg / (extra urban) 42.8mpg / (combined) 34.9mpg
Safety: Twin front and side airbags, ABS, stability control
Dimensions: Length/Width/Height 5015/1880/1475mm

The Exclusive Chrysler

Our Rating: No Rating Available

Big, relatively inexpensive and extremely endearing, the Chrysler 300C has a sheer value that entices a significant number of buyers.

At 5015mm long, this substantial hunk of automotive real estate, lies one of the most eminently sensible diesel engines around. Generating 215bhp, it'll haul the big Chrysler to 60mph in 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 143mph, plus there's a rear wheel drive set-up that will please enthusiasts.

With a torque of 1,928kg, the engine never sounds strained or harsh. The direct injection unit is very linear in its power delivery and the turbocharger gets going from very low engine speeds. This means that even while trickling about town, letting the engine and gearbox do all the work for you, you'll still return reasonable fuel consumption figures.

Outside, there are changes to the rear fascia and rear light clusters. The rear saloon boot lid is also restyled and now incorporates an integrated spoiler and high-mounted stop light. Inside, there's a fresh instrument panel and centre console design, highlighted with satin silver bezels.

Changes in the model includes soft touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels and a darker interior colour, an ignition key with one-touch start-up, a fully adjustable steering wheel and LED lighting that extends to the front cup holders and front and rear door pockets. In addition, seat-mounted airbags have been added to the front and side-curtain airbags to the rear.

Most 300C models retail in the £24,000 to £34,000 bracket but you'll need just over £40,000 if you want the SRT-8 version. The mainstream 300C range is based around the 3.0 V6 CRD diesel engine but with this unit, you can get the look and feel of the top SRT-8 variant if you opt for the SRT-Design model, available at a premium of around £5,000, you'll need to stump up another £1,000 if you want the Touring estate version.

Equipment levels are very competitive across the range. Even the entry level cars get ESP stability control, Bluetooth phone integration, automatic gearboxes and metallic paint at no extra cost. There's also heated leather seats with eight-way power adjustment, a power tilt telescoping steering wheel, dual zone climate control, plus a memory feature to remember the pre-set positions of the seats and mirrors. As you'd expect, there's a high-tech engine immobilizer and a security alarm, plus ESP stability control, ABS with brake assist and enough airbags to create a bouncy castle, including curtain 'bags for front and rear passengers.

The top SRT-8 300C of course gets even more standard equipment thrown in. Stretch out in that generously proportioned cabin and crank up the excellent Boston Acoustics stereo while ticking off the standard satellite navigation, sports seats, adjustable pedal set and a technical finish to the dashboard with added leather.

In diesel form, the 300C models offer good economy, sparkling performance and very reasonable running costs, with both saloon and Touring versions more than making a case for them, especially taking into consideration Chrysler's very competitive pricing policy.

Parked next to a BMW or Audi that costs this much, the Chrysler will draw more admiring glances.