On the road, however, the electronically controlled transmission is a pleasure, and it doesn’t busily make micro-shifts between its many gears as you might expect. And when going downhill, it will select and hold the lower gear, just as you would if you were driving a vehicle with manual transmission. Other than descending a steep grade, I was barely aware of its operation.
  2015 Chrysler 200. Click image to enlarge |
I found the V6 car more enjoyable and entertaining to drive than the four-cylinder model. Not just because there was more power available, but also because the engine, transmission and chassis seemed more integrated, better suited to each other. If the AWD system was decoupling as described, I didn’t notice it. The I4 in contrast seemed tentative to me, the transmission less sure of what gear it wanted, the engine almost at odds with it on occasion. At highway speeds, however, all was quiet and smooth, like the V6. Perhaps if I’d driven it before the 200C this behaviour wouldn’t have been so apparent.
Fuel economy from the I4 didn’t seem that much better than the V6 in our long driving loop, although we did little city driving, where the I4 should shine. Both engines, it’s worth noting, are rated for regular grade fuel.
As far as the “darker, more sinister” 200S is concerned, I’m not sure about that model’s appeal for the midsize sedan buyer. A Dodge Dart in similar livery would more easily find its niche, I would think. As far as I know, buyers of mid-size family sedans want more control from their stability systems, not less. We’ll have to see.
But overall the 2015 Chrysler 200 is a huge step forward from the outgoing model, now combining excellent road manners, appealing design, finely crafted interior and value pricing given its long list of standard and optional equipment.
This is the first of the really new Chryslers. It should be on the list of anyone looking to buy in this segment.
Pricing: 2015 Chrysler 200
Chrysler 200 LX: $22,495
Chrysler 200 Limited: $24,995
Chrysler 200S: $26,995
Chrysler 200C: $27,995
Options: All-wheel drive (on 200 S and 200C models only) – $2,500
Available: Second quarter, 2015
