Vehicle safety data is provided by IIHS, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing deaths and injuries on the nation's highways.
For 2011, Chrysler is proud to introduce the new 200 to its model lineup. It is a replacement for the outgoing Sebring, which had become the butt of so many automotive jokes that Chrysler felt the 200 deserved a fresh start and a new name. Have they succeeded? Let’s find out.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the 200’s look is a departure from the outgoing car and that’s a good thing. Everything forward of the A-pillar (the beam in front of the first set of doors) is all-new, including the grille, headlights, and hood. The headlights are especially attractive, with curvy lines and LED light pipes which give the front of the sedan a distinguished, high-tech appearance. Out back, the 200 gets LED tail lamps, and a pair of shiny trim pieces that again add to its classier appearance. For those who want to let the sun in, a convertible edition of the 200 will be going on sale in Spring 2011.
Under the hood, the base engine is a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which depending on trim level is mated to a four- or six-speed automatic. Optional is a version of Chrysler’s new Pentastar V-6, which outputs 283-horsepower. The new engine comes exclusively with the six-speed automatic. This new power plant represents a 50-horsepower increase over the old engine, and is also more fuel efficient. Speaking of fuel, the 200 checks in at 19-21 mpg in the city and 29-31 mpg on the highway, depending on engine/transmission choices. The 200 competes with other midsize sedans like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, and Chevrolet Malibu.
Moving to the inside of the 2011 Chrysler 200, you’ll also find a brand new look and feel to it with better materials all over and a simple, yet refined design. At the top of the center console, you still get Chrysler’s analog clock which adds a small touch of class to the cabin. Standard features on the 200 include air conditioning, auxiliary audio input jack, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and a 60/40-split folding backseat which helps to store longer cargo. Additional features are spread across the three trim levels (LX, Touring, and Limited) and include leather upholstery, automatic climate control, heated front seats, a touch-screen audio system with 28 gigabytes of music storage, and a navigation system.
The 2011 200 keeps you safe with standard safety features like antilock brakes, electronic stability system, traction control, a full complement of airbags, and active front head restraints.
So does the 2011 Chrysler 200 do the job? We think so. Fresh styling, an updated interior, along with new and improved engine options make the 200 the car the Sebring should have been all along.