Now in its 2nd model year, Chrysler’s midsize fighter faces an uncertain future but for
now the 200 provides an interesting alternative to the segment’s stalwarts.
Here’s a look at the sporty 2016 200S.Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
recently had this to say about the company’s best-selling car: 1) they’ll stop producing
it within the next several years at which point they’ll look to outsource the car
to another manufacturer and secondly, that his designers screwed up when copying the
Hyundai Sonata’s roofline, making it difficult to get in and out of the backseat.
With that as the backdrop, there truly does live a very likeable car here.
When you’re shopping the 200, you have the choice of 4 trims: LX, Limited, 200S and 200C,
the latter two also offering all-wheel drive.
But it’s this 200S model that brings a touch of urban edginess into the fold with a distinctive
appearance and sportier drive.
Gloss black exterior treatments, optional 19” hyper black aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned
MacPherson strut suspension, sport seats and this optionally available, flamboyant Ambassador
Blue Leather interior make up the 200S persona.
Mine has the all-wheel drive setup with a fully disconnecting rear axle to better preserve
fuel economy and as such comes standard with the 3.6-liter version of Chrysler’s Pentastar
V6 teamed with the company’s much maligned 9-speed automatic.
With rotary control, sport mode and paddle shifters it helps this model achieve an estimated
22mpg in combined driving and it’ll also run on E85 if you desire.
No transmission gremlins to report here.200-sThe S’s performance tuned suspension, vociferous
exhaust note and all-wheel drive availability make it a compelling midsize choice for those
in search of a car with its own identity.
A strong V6 and blue leather interior further that narrative.If you’re willing to trade-in
on fuel economy, this V6 delivers on fun with its willingness to charge throughout the RPM
range with a snarky call you wouldn’t expect.
Ride quality remains midsize comfortable without the typical ‘sport’ harshness and the
steering works in concert with your sporting style; a delight to drive through a wide spectrum
while maintaining that everyday balance.There’s been a lot of discussion about the sloping
rear roofline of late, so watch your head as you’re getting in.And this leads to the
biggest knock against the 200 in general – a lack of spaciousness in a segment where midsize
can be defined as downright large.
The ebullient styling takes precedent over efficient packaging and creates a cabin that
feels a little cramped, especially in the rear seats.But I really like the look and
layout of the interior as a whole.
The big Uconnect screen expands its offerings for 2016 to include a Drag and Drop Menu Bar
for customization, Siri Eyes Free to more safely interact with your iPhone while driving
via voice commands and a Do Not Disturb button that keeps distractions out altogether.
But I’ve come to love the burgeoning Apple CarPlay and neither that nor Android Auto
is offered here.
It’s still a really great and easy to use infotainment system, however.
That simplicity translates to the rest of the car’s controls with a very likeable,
configurable center console with connection points, deep storage and a cubby carved out
down below.
The information display glows in an eye-catching blue and allows you to toggle through various
information.
The front buckets demonstrate the same balance as the 200’s drive with a blend of soft
leather and wrap around support.
Remote start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, blind spot and cross
path detection and a 506-Watt Alpine sound system with 9 speakers and sub fill out the
optional gear on my tester.
Pricing on the 200S AWD starts at $30,900 and this one tallies $35,675.It’s not the
best family car on the market but it is one of the most interesting with its S style,
unique AWD and individualized appearance.
If you’re looking for something a little different that creates some separation from
the field, the 200S fits the bill.