Chrysler 200 Launches New Era for Automaker

2015 Chrysler 200 (Credit: © Chrysler)

American automaker Chrysler has come out swinging with the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan, bringing to market a drastic new direction for the model. The midsize sedan market segment is known as one of the most competitive in the United States, which is why in the past the Chrysler 200 occupied more rental car lots than private driveways. The company is hoping that the second generation of the 200 fares much better than the first, spawning a new direction for the company that is in need of more runaway hit vehicles.

The most striking feature of the 2015 Chrysler 200 is the exterior, which features fresh and clean styling that promises to appeal more to consumers who are looking for some luxury without paying a luxury car price. The sedan not only looks good from the inside, but also offers an all-new interior that is a dramatic departure from the first generation. Gone is the sea of cheap plastic parts, which is replaced by higher-quality soft touch surfaces and an attention to detail that discerning car shoppers will surely notice. As can be expected, the quality of the interior materials increases as shoppers upgrade trim levels.

Chrysler has a few engineering tricks up its sleeve for the 200. The car features a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission. It is based on an Alfa Romeo-sourced chassis and can be had with either a four-cylinder engine with respectable performance or a highly capable V6 engine.

Whether the dramatic new design for the 200 becomes the hit Chrysler hopes for remains to be seen. So far the sedan has picked up a number of positive reviews, with critics remarking that the car is at least competitive with some of the biggest players in the midsize sedan segment.