Chrysler 300 delivers big boot to segment

Chrysler's new 300 and 300C models have finally arrived in Australia, with range pricing set to shake up the local Large Car segment.

Pricing starts at $43,000 for the 300 'Limited' model with 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol engine and new eight-speed automatic transmission. Add $5000 for the 3.0-litre turbodiesel version (with five-speed). Both entry V6 models come standard with 18-inch alloys.

Stepping up to the 300C model brings features such as heated leather front seats with memory function, auto adjusting side mirrors to assist reversing, heated steering wheel and heating/cooling for the cupholders. New 300C with the 3.6-litre V6 petrol starts at $46,500 or $51,500 for the 3.0-litre V6 diesel.

The Luxury specification, for another $4500, includes paddle shift control, 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior trim embellishments and 10-speaker stereo system. A 19-speaker, 900-watt version is also available among the options list.

Topping the range is the 300C SRT8 with 6.4-litre Hemi V8, for $66,000. The 6.4-litre engine replaces the 6.1-litre version powering the outgoing model, and incorporates cylinder deactivation system and 'fuel shut-off' for savings and increased efficiency. The 3.6-litre petrol engine also uses the fuel shut-off function, which is activated under deceleration.

Power and torque figures for the three engines are: 210kW/340Nm (3.6), 176kW/550Nm (turbodiesel) and 347kW/631Nm for the V8. Fuel consumption figures, based on combined-cycle testing, are: 9.4L/100km (3.6), 7.1L/100km (turbodiesel) and 13.0L/100km (V8).

New model upgrades include a super-sized touchscreen for trip/infotainment/vehicle settings information, proximity key entry and push button start/stop across the range, blue-lit restyled instrumentation and the abovementioned eight-speed which is lighter than the five-speed used previously. Chrysler says the diesel engine's high torque output means the five-speed remains a worthy combination.

The new Chrysler 300 model has been available in North America since last year and the local outfit, now Fiat Chrysler Group, has not had cars to sell for over six months. This is the first time the large sedan has been marketed in Australia in both 300 and 300C variants. The long-awaited arrival of the large sedan coincides with the opening of the group's new headquarters in Port Melbourne.

"For too long Australians wanting a large, powerful rear-wheel drive sedan priced below $70,000 had little to choose from other than Commodore or Falcon," said Fiat Chrysler Group Australia's CEO Clyde Campbell.

"With the arrival of the highly featured and excellent value new Chrysler 300 range, Australian drivers have the opportunity to choose one of the world's finest luxury sedans at an amazing value for money price."

Visit motoring.com.au again for our upcoming launch review of the new Chrysler 300 and 300C models.

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