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CITYSunTimes Web Exclusives September 2011 | Read the full SECTION
CITYLife CAR CORNER
2011 Chrysler 300
By Bill Zervakos and Cathy Droz tworfortheroadusa.com
The 2011 Chrysler 300 has been redesigned with a stylish look that includes a new grille, Chrysler’s new winged badge, key slot headlights with a sculpted lower edge and LED daytime running lights that form a C shape. Inside, the new 300 is upgraded with soft touch materials, premium trim, available heated and cooled Nappa leather seats and real wood trim. The suspension has been upgraded and a new 292-horsepower Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine is offered along with the 363-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. New active safety features include adaptive-forward lighting, Forward Collision Warning and Blind-spot Monitoring. The new 3.6-liter V6 is much smoother and more powerful than the engine it replaces and I was very pleased with the performance on the trip my family and I made to California; more on that later.
The test car was the base model and the only options were Deep Cherry Red Chrystal pearl paint for $295.00, the Customer Preferred Package with Uconnect Voice Command and Bluetooth for $295.00, which brought the total, including destination charges, to $28,585. Not bad for what you get in this big sedan.
We had a trip to California planned and when I found out that I’d have the 300 I was very pleased. but then I saw that it was the V6 Base Model and, well let’s just say I wasn’t thrilled. I’ve never made any bones about the fact that I’m not a fan of V6 engines, especially in big sedans. However, that said, with 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the new Pentastar 3.6-liter is much smoother and more powerful than the engine it replaces and I was very pleased with the performance on the trip my wife and I made to California, and I didn’t get killed at the pump.
Inside, the 300 is extremely comfortable, something my wife commented on after our 125 mile forced detour due to an accident on I-10. I completely agreed and after spending seven-and-a-half hours behind the wheel, I was very happy that I had this big sedan to do it in. The interior is definitely sharper than earlier models with a waterfall-style dashboard that flows into a nicely-arranged center console. Unlike the Charger, the mood instead aims for a more plush luxury car feel for under $30,000.
The ride in the base model is soft and to me borders on being too soft. You almost feel as though you’re floating down the road and while gentle curves are no issue, the 300 has a bit of body roll on corners which was a bit surprising to me. But then again, that’s why the car is so good for road trips.
All in all, it’s hard to find a better value for your money as far as a full size sedan goes. You still get a hint of in-your-face styling albeit a bit softer, lots of room and comfort with better than average economy and very decent performance. If you haven’t driven one lately, try one on for size.
Photos courtesy of www.chrysler.com
Listen for Two for the Road Vignettes with Bill Z. and Cathy D. Monday thru Friday on KXXT1010AM. To read more in-depth reviews, go to www.twofortheroadusa.com.