2015 Chrysler 200 Sedan Preview

Exterior Features

According to Chrysler, the new 2015 200 Sedan represents the new face of the brand, a design that the company characterizes as sensual, fluid, and restrained. Whether or not you agree with those assertions, there's no denying that the new Chrysler 200 is aerodynamic, thanks to its 0.27 coefficient of drag.

Highlights of the new car's design include a new Chrysler badge, light-pipe running lights, and available LED lighting for the running lights, fog lights, and taillights. All versions of the car except for the base 200 LX model feature standard aluminum wheels. For what Chrysler says is "a more sinister appearance," the 200S Sedan gets plenty of Gloss Black exterior trim, dual exhaust outlets, and available 19-inch Hyper Black wheels.

Interior Features

Claiming that the 200 Sedan's interior is "unequaled in the segment," Chrysler says its new midsize sedan's cabin is inspired by "classic, thoughtful American design." The automaker promises quality materials and attention to detail combined with state-of-the-art technology and clever storage solutions. For example, a new center console design offers access to storage space and hidden charging ports for both front-seat occupants to use.

Front legroom measures 42.2 in., rear legroom amounts to 37.6 in., and the trunk carries 14.5 cu. ft. of cargo. That cargo volume number is on the small side of the spectrum for the midsize sedan class.

Optional Features

Aside from a Uconnect 5.0 system with Bluetooth and a 5-inch touch-screen display, Chrysler offers few options for the base 200 LX Sedan. The 200 Limited trim level adds a wider array of paint colors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a better sound system, and a handful of other upgrades, combined with greater access to optional equipment.

The 2015 Chrysler 200S is the sporty version, adding "sinister" styling details, fog lights, dual exhaust outlets, and 18-inch Satin Carbon aluminum wheels. This trim level also includes acoustic windshield and front door glass for a quieter interior, upgraded interior lighting and trim, heated side mirrors, and satellite radio. Transmission paddle shifters and sport suspension tuning are also included for the 200S.

The luxury variant is the Chrysler 200C. Building from the Limited, it adds chrome exterior trim, fog lights, a different wheel design and finish, and integrated turn signal indicators embedded into the side mirror housings. Acoustic glass, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an 8-way power driver's seat, and an automatic dual-zone climate control system with a humidity sensor are also standard for the 200C, along with upgraded interior lighting and trim. This version also includes a reversing camera, remote engine starting, universal garage door opener, rear heat and air conditioning vents, and more.

Additional options, primarily limited to the 200S and 200C trim levels, include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, premium leather, and real wood interior trim. The 200 can also be upgraded with a premium audio system with HD Radio, a navigation system, Uconnect Access, Thin Film Transistor instrumentation display, and 19-inch aluminum wheels. A SafetyTec Group adds several safety features to the new 2015 Chrysler 200.

Under the Hood

The new Chrysler 200 is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 184 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque. A 3.6-liter V-6 is optional, making 295 horsepower--plenty for a sedan weighing about 3,600 lbs. Chrysler predicts that the standard 4-cylinder engine will return up to 35 mpg on the highway when EPA estimates are finalized.

A 9-speed automatic transmission with an electronic rotary dial shifter is standard equipment, and paddle shifters are available for the 200S and 200C. The Chrysler 200's optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is equipped with a fully disconnecting rear axle in order to conserve fuel, and the system includes a Sport mode that adjusts steering, throttle response, shifting, and stability control settings for a more engaging driving character.

The new 2015 Chrysler 200 is based on an Alfa Romeo chassis and features a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension layout. Engineers aimed to deliver European handling dynamics and steering response combined with ride comfort tuned for North American drivers.

Safety

Chrysler offers a long list of safety features for the new 200 Sedan. Highlights include a reversing camera, rear park-assist sensors, and a Safe Hold system that automatically activates the electronic parking brake if the driver unlatches the seat belt and opens the door while the car's transmission is in Reverse or Drive.

A SafetyTec Group is optional, but only for the Chrysler 200C. It adds adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go capability, an advanced brake assist function, rain-sensing wipers, SmartBeam headlights, and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-path detection.

Additionally, the SafetyTec Group includes a Forward Collision Warning Plus system with an autonomous braking feature that brings the car to a full stop if a collision appears to be unavoidable, as well as a LaneSense Lane Departure Warning Plus system that provides automatic steering assist to help prevent the driver from inadvertently drifting from the intended lane of travel.

Technology

The optional SafetyTec Group is also equipped with a ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist system, which steers the 200 Sedan into a parking space while the driver operates the pedals and transmission. A Uconnect 8.4 touch-screen infotainment system is also available for the new 2015 Chrysler 200, along with Uconnect Access services, which includes voice text-messaging capability.