Chrysler

300C

Outstanding power, performance, comfort and great looks all under one banner – quite an achievement. The 300C boasts all the luxury you could dream of and top notch specifications galore. Just a shame about the less-than-inspired name.

Test Drive

Chrysler 300C 3.0 CRD V6 Executive

Chrysler may not be the first name that springs to mind when discussing luxury and premium-style motoring, but the arrival of the new 300C model has certainly catapulted the company into that category.

And that’s because the larger-than-life model oozes class and elegant styling from top to bottom and is packed to bursting with quality techno treats.

Guaranteed to bring out the green-eyed monster in onlookers, the 300C looks fabulous from all angles thanks to its beautifully crafted streamlining, dual pane sunroof, 20-inch polished alloys, platinum chrome door handles, mirrors and grille surround, tinted windows and smart light clusters.

And once you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel – leather and heated, of course – it’s impossible not to be wowed by the array of first class specifications at your disposal.

All dials, controls and read-outs are perfectly positioned for driver usability and there are creature comforts galore.

These include front and rear Nappa leather seats that can be heated, an 8.4-inch colour touchscreen, a brilliant infotainment system with nine speakers and sat nav, dual zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and lots more.

Comfort levels are incredibly good for all occupants and back seat passengers benefit from ample leg, head and shoulder space.

There will never be any restrictions on luggage either as the 300C boasts a generously-sized boot that can be increased further thanks to split-folding rear seats.

Elsewhere, there are plenty of smaller storage options scattered throughout the cabin plus a double drinks holder facility that can be heated or cooled.

So, the 300C looks great and is packed with quality throughout, but what about performance?

Once again, Chrysler has come up trumps. For this 3.0-litre diesel-driven model packs quite a punch as it moves gracefully but responsively through the five-speed automatic transmission.

Gears can also be changed manually via the steering wheel-mounted paddles if selected.

Despite its size, the car was nice and agile and the addition of front and rear park assist, along with a rear view camera, makes parking a lot easier.

Cabin noise was fairly quiet and the road-holding excellent even on tighter bends at higher speeds.

In fact, the 300C coped admirably both in and around town and out on the faster roads too.

Chrysler has kitted out the 300C with a comprehensive range of safety specifications, including anti-lock brakes, numerous airbags, forward collision warning system, blind spot monitoring system and plenty more besides.

There is also a top-of-the-range Thatcham alarm system to keep away any uninvited visitors.

All in all, the Chrysler 300C which is priced at £40.6k, has moved the brand right up the scale and it can hold its head high as it confidently and capably sits alongside many more established premium models.

Test Drive

Chrysler 300C 3.5 V6

Never afraid to make a statement, Chrysler has certainly come up trumps again with its 300C.

The company is renowned for producing what can only be described as unusual cars at times. For example, just look at the PT Cruiser which, despite its mafiosa-style looks, still had would-be buyers queuing out the door.

Well, now it’s the turn of the 300C, which – after a week-long test drive – has to be one of the most comfortable vehicles I have had the pleasure to drive. Admittedly, it’s not the fastest kid on the block and it won’t scoop that many prizes in a beauty contest, but when it comes down to all-round packages, the 300C is definitely a forerunner in the field.

Fitted with a mighty V6 3.5-litre engine, it delivers an excellent ride both in and around town and out on the more open road.

Boasting heated seats that compete with your favourite armchair on the comfort stakes and a host of quality specifications, there are touches of luxury everywhere, and most importantly they all seem to come as standard.

There are memory settings for the driver’s seat and steering wheel, air con with infrared sensing, rain-sensing wipers, ultrasonic rear parking sensors plus a whole lot more.

And the safety package is also very comprehensive and includes anti-lock brakes, electronic stability programme, traction control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, emergency brake assist, numerous airbags and the list just goes on and on.

I found the not-so-small 300C deceptively agile to handle and very easy to manoeuvre into tight spaces.

Then out on the more open road, it glided through its automatic gearbox and delivered a powerful, comfortable and very safe ride.

All in all, the 300C has the typical all-American big and brash looks and feel about it, but that’s not a bad thing at all. In fact, it’s kind of comforting to be inside such a spacious and luxurious saloon.

And when you add the attraction of a very reasonable price tag, you can see why I say the 300C is one to watch.