2008 Chrysler 300C Reviews

Mainstream sedans are traditionally on the sedate side in style and are aimed at sensible souls who don't want to stand out from the crowd. Not so the Chrysler 300C, this big American machine is aimed at grabbing attention from any angle and it comes as no surprise it's been labelled 'gangsta car'. Now approaching its

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the used Chrysler 300C.

Chrysler 300C is a big, bold, very American machine with aggressive styling that explains its nickname of ‘the gangster car’.

Its bold presence and striking looks have given it a real chance in our big car market. Drivetrains and performanceThe 300C is available as a sedan or wagon – 300C Touring – and comes with a choice of four engines: 3.5 litre V6, 3.0 litre CRD V6, 5.7 litre HEMI V8, and the stonking 6.1 litre HEMI V8 SRT we tested, with its 317kW of power and a chunky 569Nm of torque at our disposal.With that under the bonnet you can expect to reach 265km/h, getting to the first hundred in just over five seconds.At just under two tonnes and just over five meters long, the big SRT8 gets power to the wheels via a five speed automatic with AutoStick for manual shifting.For a superior driving experience the 300C has a near 50/50 weight distribution, rear-wheel drive, ESP and five-link rear suspension.As was to be expected, fuel consumption is on the high side at 14 litres/100kms. ExteriorStanding at over five meters long and nearly two meters wide, the 300C has a bold presence on the road.But more than just its sheer size; the high belt line, huge proportion of side glass, chrome exterior mirrors and door handles and the classic, stately grille design come together to create a vehicle that commands respect.The SRT version also has massive 20 inch wheels and an integrated spoiler with high mounted stop light. InteriorThe 300C’s cavernous interior is lined with soft touch surfaces and luxury leather-trimmed seats. The front bucket seats are heated.Tortoise shell and California Walnut trim is available for the bigger V6 and the lesser V8 respectively, with the SRT8 dominated inside by dark leather trim and aluminium panelling.Dual Zone Automatic Temperature Control, a five feature memory system for the driver, rain sensing wipers and a Multimedia Infotainment Systemwith Navigation are all standard on the SRT8.Cargo capacity is flexible thanks to 60/40 split-folding rear seats and large boot. Two front and two rear cup holders make long distance driving easier. SafetyAlong with Electronic Stability Program which includes Electronic throttle control, all speed traction control and Yaw-Control sensor/Steering Control sensor, the 300C range has a Rear park assist System, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, brake assist and big Brembo brakes.A comprehensive airbag package rounds out the 300C’s impressive safety features. PricingPricing for the 300C range starts at $53,990 for the 3.5 litre V6 auto sedan.The 6.1 litre, Hemi SRT8 auto that we tested starts at $71,990 for the sedan and $74,990 for the Touring – the most expensive car. DRIVINGOur first thought after seeing the 300C in the flesh was how the hell we were going to get it in and out of our miniscule car park without scraping it on one of the many — largely unnecessary – cement pylons. At over five meters long and a coat of paint under two meters wide, its no little shopping trolley.But seeing it in person also revealed its impressive, muscular presence. The huge grille, splashes of chrome and enormous 20” wheels gave it an attitude we reckoned would have attracted those of us who love a good gangster flick and want to bling their way round in a big mean car and count the stares.The 300C’s interior is cavernous. There’s a fine line between the luxury of a lot of space, and feeling you could get lost just in the centre console bin — it really doesn’t need to be that big. Just a fraction smaller and you wouldn’t need a two-way to speak to your passengers. But negatives aside, the seats are comfortable and supportive and the aluminium dash and thumping stereo give a prestigious feel.The sheer power of the big V8 doesn’t disappoint and is surprising given the car’s size. A short squirt on the throttle produces instant thrust and that 'thump in the back of your seat’ punch. Ride and handling — thanks to the 50/50 weight distribution and five-link rear suspension — is firm and smooth and it corners as well as a lot of cars half its size. All in all, it’s probably a little on the large side for out modest needs but it definitely shook off a lot of initial criticisms after a few days behind the wheel. 

But the time has come to send two of our long-term garage residents back home. Kia's surprising Sorento and the polarising Subaru WRX are on their way after giving sterling service. Numerous shopping trips, commutes to work and longer drives down the coast gave the Sorento every chance to prove itself a reliable companion. And on the whole, it did just that.With the high equipment level, high passenger satisfaction in terms of comfort and high seating position, there was little to complain about. In appearance, it's not the most glamorous SUV around, with its no-frills looks, but it's not really trying to be. The Sorento diesel starts at an affordable $34,990, but our model was the range topper at $44,990.The only real problem encountered was the “wake up Jeff” cruise control, that would frequently decide to go to sleep on the job.Cargo room in the rear is good for those successful shopping trips, and packing the whole family on board doesn't turn into a back seat scrum, as there's enough room to ensure everyone rides in reasonable comfort.The noticeably diesel model averaged about 600km around town on one tank — meaning a fortnightly fuel bill of about $80.Equipment levels were good with an MP3-compatible CD player, leather trim, a sunroof, dual-control aircon and lots of good safety equipment, including stability control — which, curiously, only works in 2WD — and plenty of airbags. The 2.5-litre, four-cylinder engine isn't the most exciting drive, but is adequate and is at its best when cruising.The biggest discovery from time spent with the WRX was that you could, indeed, spend time with the WRX. Subaru copped plenty of flak over the decision to “soften” its performance Impreza, but most of that would have to be from those who haven't driven the car and certainly don't use it as a daily drive. Comfortable, compliant, spacious for its class and a stylish interior are things you couldn't have said with a straight face about the previous WRX models.The little WRX served bravely as a family car, spending most of its time pottering around the shopping centres and schools of suburbia protesting not a whit at being utilised so far inside its performance capabilities. When asked to step up for a country run or a sprint to an appointment the WRX showed it is still an athlete at heart. Overall fuel consumption was a touch higher than the claimed 10.7litresper100km but not excessive and the only issue was a remote key fob that occasionally forgot its job description.There are no two ways about it, we are really going to miss the WRX.Staying with us for the while is Chrysler's 300C Touring — cruelly dubbed the Mafia staff car. Living with the 300C is like being in a fishbowl. As you move around you are under constant scrutiny. And, in this fish bowl you're the whale.The gangster-mobile wagon with its monstrous grille, 18-inch alloy wheels and small rear windows is not easily missed.Indeed, it's hardly missed at all given the number of heads turning as we have driven it around Sydney over the past few months on this long-term road test.At first, people usually ask if it is the high-performance SRT-8, a 6.1-litre V8 supercar. However, when they find out it is the V6 diesel with surprisingly good fuel economy their interest grows noticeably stronger.We've been filling the 71-litre tank about once a fortnight and it's proven good for about nine litres per 100km. The low-down pulling power of the diesel engine and its amazing 510Nm of torque is impressive.There's no sprightly spring away from traffic lights; instead there is a feeling of tremendous power, ever-increasing as it gradually pulls away. Living with the car has revealed a few problems, such as the awkward set up of driver controls around the steering wheel and dash, poor rear visibility, and the feeling that you are driving a really big car is fairly pronounced at shopping centre car parks.The leather interior is grey and plain and the rear loading space in the wagon is reduced by side intrusions. However, the second row seats fold down very easily creating much more room.And while the economic benefits of diesel engines are leading to an upsurge in sales across most market segments, many Sydney service stations haven't moved with the times.We have found that many diesel pumps are dirty with spilt diesel underfoot and diesel residue on the hoses and nozzles.All very well if you are in your work overalls refilling a truck, but not so great when you are dressed to the nines heading for a night out in a 300C Touring with its limousine looks. SNAPSHOTS CHRYSLER 300C TOURINGPRICE: $60,990ENGINE: 3.0L/V6 CRD turbo diesel, 160kW/510NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed autoECONOMY: 8.2L/100km combined claimed  SUBARU IMPREZA WRXPRICE: $39,990ENGINE: 2.5L/4-cyl turbo, 169kW/320NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed manualECONOMY: 10.7L/100km  KIA SORENTO CRDiPRICE: $44,490ENGINE: 2.5L/4-cyl turbo diesel, 125kW/392NmTRANSMISSION: 5-speed autoECONOMY: 9.4L/100km