Chrysler 300C 2008 Review

Not so much
>> Gaudy fake tortoise-shell trim
>> Prefer simple sat-nav over infotainment system
>> Where's the 'sporty' diesel model?

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0

About our ratings

Last year the Chrysler Group locally cracked the 10,000 mark, where according to managing director Gerry Jenkins "respectability starts". Of those sales, the 300C "has been the money maker" for Chrysler Australia.

The Touring model was introduced in June 2006, followed by a Mercedes-Benz-sourced turbodiesel option for both sedan and wagon models, and the range-topping SRT8 was added to the range in December that year. All models continue in the 300C line-up and receive the 2008 update.

The 300C is the first nameplate to arrive showing the benefits of Chrysler's quality upgrade programs (more here), involving the introduction of an interior styling studio in 2007. Those in the know decided on a few shades darker for interior tones, lending a classier, if masculine, effect for the updated version.

Aside from a more cohesive interior, some extra 'infotainment' and slight exterior mods, the 300C is as it was: good enough for the brand's sales efforts and therefore in no need of repair. As Jenkins reasons: "It's a case of 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'".

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

The darker-toned and now soft-form dash adds a more pleasant touch point for front occupants. The full-length centre console receives additional trim around the shift and the instrument panel has been updated with silver-centred gauges.

The sedan's armrests and door skins have been softened and the two-tone interior treatment used for the predecessor has been replaced by a more upmarket, monochrome dark slate grey scheme. Interior trim has been upgraded and now looks (and smells) like leather, rather than plastic. French twin-needle seams give the seats a Euro-look.

Standard equipment now includes the Chrysler Group's 'MyGig' 20GB hard disk-based DVD-audio system, incorporating touch screen and Bluetooth connectivity, across the model range. Among other features the system allows users to upload and display photos, and can interact with an iPod connection fitted in the glovebox for full interaction via the audio system.

The 300C now has 'supplemental' front seat-mounted side airbags in addition to 'Next Generation' (multistage) airbags front and rear, and two-row side curtain airbags -- totalling eight 'equivalent' airbags as standard. Seatbelts have pretensioners and force-limiting feature.

Stability control, ABS, brake assist and traction control also come standard, so too rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlights with wash function, tyre pressure monitor and the company's EARS feature, or Electronic Accident Response System, which switches off the 300C's fuel system, unlocks the doors, and lights the cabin in the event of an accident.

Engine options remain. The 3.5-litre V6-equipped 300C sedan starts at $53,990 and the 3.0-litre turbodiesel model is available for another $4400 ($58,390). The 5.7-litre HEMI V8-equipped 300C starts at $59,990 and the SRT-8 flagship with its 6.1-litre HEMI V8 powerhouse costs $73,990. Only the diesel (by $400) and SRT-8 ($2000) have changed in price -- the latter now gets sat-nav to compensate.

Add $3000 for the Touring versions.

The 5.7-litre HEMI uses cylinder displacement technology, switching from a V8 to a V4 in less than 80 milliseconds, or one piston stroke, according to Chrysler. Details of the 300C's 'fuel saver mode' now appear in the Electronic Vehicle Information Centre (EVIC) display.

The EVIC also shows navigation details for models fitted with sat-nav. The SRT-8's version features 128 programmable functions of which some are new for the 2008 models. The added track-oriented functions include the ability to record 0-100km times, quarter-mile times, g-force ratings and braking distances... "Not necessarily for the open road," the company was quick to point out during the launch.

Suspension is carried-over from the previous model "at this point", comprising double wishbone front and multilink independent rear set-up. Four-wheel disc brakes remain as standard fit, as does the Benz-sourced five-speed auto with self-shift.

The SRT-8 now comes standard with 'adaptive cruise control' which activates braking on approach to vehicles in front at a pre-determined distance.

The sporty range-topper also features new body side mouldings and carbon-fibre-style dash and console inserts, which we preferred to the V6 and CRD models' artificial tortoiseshell embellishments (the 5.7-litre V8 model gets walnut). We can also take or leave the LED-lit cupholders...

The range also features new exterior colours: Clearwater Blue Pearl and Modern Blue Pearl. Premium paint is optional, for an extra $300.

Options include sat-nav ($3070) and adaptive cruise control ($800) for models other than SRT-8, which features the additions as standard with the 2008 update.

ON THE ROAD
There's no change to the 300C's languid, loping stride. Even the 'smaller' HEMI feels like an indulgence, easily taking up road with impressive response. The SRT-8 remains one of the great drives if you're a V8 tragic -- no ifs no buts.

There were no V6 petrols on hand at the launch. We drove one back in March 2006 (more here) and found it offered performance not a long way short of the 5.7 HEMI at a reasonable saving. There's no reason the latest incarnation will be any different.

The V6 turbodiesel, meantime, is a gem hauling the big sedan with ease and decent efficiency. The official ADR combined figure is 8.3L/100km and even pushing on we were able to natch the same.

The 300C has the same supple ride as before, bordering on the too-soft side but composed through sweepers (less-so in the twisties) and absorptive over well-used roads. There's a good dose of road noise from the 18-inch wheels, however.

The ride is not significantly degraded by the SRT-8's 20-inch rims and low profile rubber.

Steering is heavier than we remember, though according to Chrysler Australia, they have no information that the set-up's been changed.

Overall, it's very much the same 300C on the road because the 2008 update, in all, is a slight makeover and re-equip. The aforementioned interior restyle enhances the 300C's spacious quarters and the addition of softer touch-points throughout brings cabin ambience closer to the likes of Holden Statesman and dearly departed Ford Fairlane.

The MyGig system is simple enough to use, though we're wondering how useful, and distracting, the availability of one's holiday snapshots might be. We'll grant Bluetooth connectivity and access to an extensive playlist are handy to some, however nicer would be the (cost-free) option of a good old-fashioned CD system and sat-nav instead.

The SRT-8's adaptive cruise control is easy to set and unobtrusive in action, and the three pre-set distances are at useful lengths. At $800 it's also a worthwhile addition to the other models in the range.

Slight rework as it is, there remains an issue with rearward vision for the Touring model. Still, that's the price of fashion. We'll watch closely how Holden's 300C-ish Sportswagon will fare in this regard...

At no, or little, price difference for the update and some decent additions now standard, the 300C remains a good value proposition among its rather select segment.

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