CHRYSLER 300C LINE-UP REVISED FOR 2008
03 March 2008 - Chrysler

Interior quality seems much improved.

One model more than any other has done more to raise the profile of the Chrysler brand in the UK is the 300C which was launched in saloon form in October 2005.

The 300C Touring estate was launched in April 2006, the 168mph SRT-8 Saloon in August 2006 and the SRT-8 Touring in January 2007. Two-thirds of all 300C models sold in the UK are Saloons.

More than 6,000 Saloon and Touring estate 300C vehicles have been sold in the UK since October 2005. Simon Elliott managing director of Chrysler UK admits the boldly styled model range has been a huge success for them and they are in the enviable position of sales outstripping supply. It has been generally praised by the motoring media as one of the most striking executive class vehicles on the road with bargain prices starting at £27,495.

The next chapter in the 300C story now starts with the introduction in March of the 2008 model year vehicles.

The 300C line-up has been revised for 2008. The 3.0 V6 CRD turbodiesel Saloon and Touring continue as does the 6.1-litre, Hemi, V8, 425bhp, petrol SRT-8 Saloon, but the SRT-8 Touring has been dropped from the range.

However for some customers the exciting news is that two additional variants are added, the 3.0 V6 CRD SRT Design Saloon and Touring. All models in the revised 300C range have an automatic transmission.

By mixing the fuel efficient 3.0-litre, 215bhp (Saloon) or 218bhp (Touring) diesel engines with SRT styling, customers get the best of both worlds, fuel efficiency and bold in-your-face sports styling. Prices for the revised range start at £27,495 and rise to £40,995 for the V8 Hemi SRT-8 Saloon. The two new additions, the SRT-Design Saloon costs £32,494 and the SRT-Design Touring £33,245.

SRT-Design models take the range-standard 3.0-litre, V6, 215/218bhp, 376lb ft diesel engine but feature 20-inch alloy wheels, wheel-arch spats, a Bentley style chrome mesh grille, MyGIG satellite navigation system, SRT sports steering wheel, SRT sports leather seats and carbon fibre interior details.

All 300C models for 2008 receive changes in the form of new rear light cluster, the Saloons have an integrated boot spoiler and high mounted rear stoplight. Inside the changes include a new instrument panel and centre console design, soft touch trim surfaces and the former light interior trim colours are replaced with more up-market darker tones. Other changes include a one touch start button, fully adjustable steering wheel and LED lighting in the front cup holders and front and rear door pockets. Safety features are improved with seat-mounted airbags which have been added to the front and side curtain airbags.

The bottom of the range 300C has as standard leather trimmed seats, self-levelling suspension, 18-inch ally wheels, Xenon headlights, metallic paint and rear park assist.

Steve Mirfin, Chrysler’s product executive said this week that as before the 300C leads the executive sector for style and value for money. Against such saloon and estate competitor models as the BMW 530 D SE, Audi A6 2.7 TDI SE, Mercedes E280 CDI Elegance, Volvo S80 D5 SE and Saab 9-5 1.9 TiD Vector Sport, the 300C with price adjustment for specification represents from 10 to 30.9 per cent better value for money.

Steve Mirfin said he expects the new SRT Design variants to account for 40 per cent of all 300C Saloon sales and around 25 per cent of Touring registrations. He added that traditionally 60 per cent of UK 300C customers are retail buyers and 40 per cent are professional people who own their own businesses and there are also some chauffeur operators and fleet users as well.

Views
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. 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.

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.

Miles Better News Agency

http://www.chrysler.com

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