2015 Chrysler 200 Aims to Take on Midsize Car Leaders

One of the most talked-about launches at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week is the redesigned 2015 Chrysler 200. It sports a completely new look outside and inside, as well as class-exclusive features like a nine-speed automatic transmission and a rotary dial gear shifter.
CNET calls the new Chrysler 200 the “most improved” car at the Detroit auto show, saying that it has “a more coupe-like silhouette that is, at the very least, 1,000 percent better looking than the doughy, outgoing model.”

(Chrysler Group LLC)

Jalopnik also likes the look of the new 200, writing, “It seems like this might be a fresh start and a car that you won't be embarrassed to be seen in.” Jalopnik also thinks, “... it looks quite striking in real life. The photos don't do it justice.”
Autoblog thinks the redesigned Chrysler 200 could be a hit with buyers, saying, “The new 200's exterior may look a bit like a greatest hits compendium of other high-style cars (see also: Audi A7, Tesla Model S, etc.), but it doesn't come off as a pastiche, it's all well-integrated and organic all the same.”

(Chrysler Group LLC)

The 2015 Chrysler 200 will have a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, or an available 3.6-liter V6. All-wheel drive will also be available. Chrysler expects the 200 to get 35 mpg on the highway on models with the four-cylinder engine.
The new 200 will be available with features like Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus and Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning-Plus (which Chrysler says can bring the car to a stop under certain driving conditions), as well as LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, which can help steer the car back into its lane if it starts to drift out. The 200 will also have ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, which Chrysler says “uses ultrasonic sensors to guide the driver into parking spaces.” Additional features include backup sensors, a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring and rear cross path detection.

(Chrysler Group LLC)

Initial impressions of the new 200 are positive, but will it translate to sales for Chrysler? “Resurgent Chrysler could use a hit car, and the 2015 200 may just be it,” Autoblog writes.
Kelley Blue Book Senior Analyst Karl Brauer says, “A capable midsize sedan remains the biggest hole in Chrysler’s line-up, putting pressure on the sleek new 200 to succeed in that high-volume, highly-competitive segment. Styling plays an increasingly critical role in the market success of modern family sedans, and Chrysler has clearly addressed that aspect with the new 200. It needs to follow-up with efficient drivetrains and strong feature content, as well as a clean launch of the vehicle.”

(Chrysler Group LLC)

The 2015 Chrysler 200 will start at $21,700 when it goes on sale in the second quarter of this year and will be available in four different trim levels: LX, Limited, 200S and 200C.