300C notches up, but Cabrio needs attention

Chrysler launched two new models this week -- models that in their differences highlight the fact the brand is still playing catch-up in key areas such as interior quality.

The 300C, the car that effectively reinvigorated the brand Down Under, and the choice of rappers and Underbelly 'stars' alike, was updated with the arrival of a midlife makeover. Meantime, the new Sebring Cabrio four-place convertible was released to the Australian market for the first time, to take on the likes of Volkswagen's Eos and lower-spec Saab soft-tops.

But while the 300C is the first model to arrive showing the benefits of Chrysler's quality upgrade programs (more here) and therefore a step forward, the Sebring Cabrio was all hard plastic and less-than-perfect panel fit... Dare we say, two steps back!

As previewed at Detroit motor show, the 'new' 300C has been tweaked, rather than introducing wholesale changes. There's a new aluminium boot lid with integrated spoiler and brake light that's common across the range, as well as new taillights and alloy wheel designs.

The exterior changes give the car a fresh look (from the rear, at least) but the key changes are in specification and, in particular, interior quality.

Now featuring MyGig hard-disk based DVD-audio system (incorporating Bluetooth connectivity) across the model range, the 300C's changes 'lift' the cabin substantially but require more than a quick glance to fully appreciate.

There's a new soft-form dash and instrument binnacle, and a revised, reprofiled full-length centre console. The sedan's armrests and door skins have been softened and gone is the two-tone interior treatment -- replaced by a somber but classy dark slate grey scheme. The leather has been upgraded and now looks (and smells) like leather -- not lino! French twin-needle seams give the seats a Euro-look.

We preferred the latest SRT-8 model's carbon-fibre-style dash and console inserts to the rest of the range's artificial tortoise shell effect, but progress is progress.

In contrast, the Sebring's interior, though better executed than some Chrysler offerings from the past, is too fussy and simply still too hard.

The Carsales Network attended the international launch of the Sebring Cabrio in the USA in June 2007 (more here) and wrote: "Sebring sedan owners will be at home in the Cabrio. Up front it's pure sedan -- same dash layout, same hard surfaces and (alas) same shiny silver plastic. The whole cabin is too 'hard' for our liking, but at least the Sebring models have raised the bar for Chrysler as far as the quality of internal finishes."

We're happy that our initial impressions hold true, save for the fact the 300C has moved the maker's game on. The Cabrio's cabin may still be better than the likes of the PT Cruiser and Dodge Caliber, but the improved large car's cabin starkly contrasts the Cabrio's as now less than Chrysler's best.

Two versions of the Cabrio will go on sale Down Under next month: the cloth-topped, cloth-seated Touring priced from $43,990; and the folding hardtop, leather-pewed Limited version at $51,490.

Both are powered by a 137kW/256Nm 2.7-litre V6 coupled to a sweet-shifting six-speed auto gearbox.

While the Cabrios are well-equipped with high levels of convenience and safety equipment, and deliver space for four, we expect them to have a hard time taking sales from the likes of Holden's Astra TwinTop and Ford's Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, let alone the abovementioned VW and Saab models.

The arrival of the new cabrio range has also seen Chrysler offer the 2.7-litre V6/six-speed auto combination in the Sebring sedan for the first time. Effective immediately, the US marque will offer a 2.7L version of the Sebring Limited sedan priced from $40,690.

Look out for our launch/update reviews of the new Chrysler 300C range and Sebring Cabrio soon.

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