My Ride
2015 Chrysler 200
“America’s Import” For Luxury

by Jean-Philippe Blanchard

In 2011, Chrysler turned heads with their “Imported From Detroit” campaign starring rapper/producer Eminem. The commercial was just as cool as the car it was advertising. It spotlighted the revamped lineup of Chrysler’s 200 sedan and convertible. During Super Bowl 2014, they took an even bigger marketing step from city to country pride with the tagline “America’s Import.” Their newest voice is the legendary Bob Dylan, who starred and narrated their latest 200 sedan ad. Chrysler is not only revolutionizing the way in which car brands advertise, but also the vehicles they are making.
With fuel economy being one of the most important factors for purchasing a car today, the 2015 Chrysler 200 is the only midsize sedan to have a standard 9-speed automatic transmission. This can add an extra four MPG on the highway. Compared to the 2014 200’s 31 MPG rating, the 2015 is expected to have a 35 MPG.
The new 2.4-liter Tigershark MulitAir2 engine uses the patented MultiAir combustion management technology. The technology reduces emissions while improving fuel economy and power compared with similar engines without the MultiAir technology. MultiAir technology delivers optimum combustion at any speed under all driving conditions by allowing direct and dynamic control of air intake and combustion. The result is up to a 15 percent increase in low engine rpm torque and a 7.5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency.
But before we introduce the all new features for the 200, let’s start with ‘the look.’ Chrysler calls it the new “face” of the brand with an exquisitely crafted interior. Kathy Graham, the Product PR Manager says, “The interior is phenomenal, and the centerpiece is the innovative center console with a pass-thru area accessible by both the driver and front-seat passenger. Cup holders that slide back with solid, furniture-like precision that reveal a power/charging center with a 12-volt power outlet, USB and auxiliary jack outlets. All of this is enabled because the new 200 has electronic shifting with a rotary dial (instead of the traditional mechanical gear shift/PRNDL that takes up so much of the center space).” Not too shabby.
The grille and headlamps are integrated for the first time and the updated Chrysler badge has an emphasis on the wing, which is more defined. The signature light pipe or available full-LED daytime running lamps (DRL), LED fog lamps and standard LED taillamps give the all-new Chrysler 200 a distinctive, recognizable look coming and going.
The style is darker and more sinister, giving off a sleek and luxurious look. The 2015 Chrysler 200S model features gloss black trim and accent pieces rather than the standard bright trim. The exclusive design of the daylight opening (DLO) trim, the area surrounding the side windows, is gloss black. Integrated dual exhausts are standard and the available 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels complete the look.
The new 200 has the choice of two world-class engines, an innovative all-wheel-drive system, available sport mode and paddle shifters for an engaged driving experience.
As far as safety is concerned, it offers the most available features in the mid-size sedan segment, and state-of-the-art, easy-to-use technology that keeps drivers and passengers connected. The 200 impresses with its Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia command center. Uconnect Access keeps drivers and passengers connected with helpful information such as fuel prices and movie listings. Voice-activated navigation, handsfree voice commands and voice-to-text are some of the available features that allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Other high-tech features include: 7-inch LED full-color instrument cluster, which allows drivers to receive information and feedback in the format they prefer, similar to an iPhone. A glowing bezel surrounding the instrument cluster gives off a distinctive, pleasing blue glow. The available screens show information such as real-time fuel economy, turn-by-turn navigation, compass, outside temperature, speed, time and other useful information. The display is easy to use and easy-to-read, which allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
Also discover the 200’s: Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, Full-speed Forward Collision and LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus.
If that wasn’t enough to convince you to test drive the 2015 Chrysler 200, then take a look at the Bob Dylan commercial on Youtube. It will make you feel cool just watching it.
The 200 comes in 11 different exterior color choices from Velvet Red Pearl Coat to Lunar White Pearl Tri-coat, Phantom Black Pearl Tri-coat (late availability), Vivid Blue Pearl Coat, Crystal Blue Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Luxury Brown Pearl Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat and Ceramic Blue Clear Coat (late availability).
MSRP: $21,700 (excluding $995 destination).
www.chrysler.com