2012 Chrysler 200 Has No Significant Changes
After a complete overhaul last year and a new name, the 2012 Chrysler 200 heads into 2012 with no significant changes. An uphill battle is generally not a recipe for victory, and the 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan has one on its hands, since it competes with some excellent midsize four-doors.
Chrysler’s thorough overhaul last year brought major improvements, particularly in regard to handling, interior quality, power and even image (the name change from Sebring Convertible 2012 to 2012 Chrysler 200). But while the 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan is better equipped for battle, it’s still ultimately outgunned.
The 2012 Chrysler 200 is also available as a convertible which earns a stronger recommendation than the sedan, since the convertible segment is smaller and less competitive. The 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan comes in an entry-level LX trim, while both can be had in Touring, Limited and S trims. Every 2012 Chrysler 200 except the S trim comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque.
A four-speed automatic is standard on the 2012 Chrysler 200 LX; a six-speed automatic is optional on the LX and standard on everything else. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the four-speed automatic, and 20/31/24 with the six-speed while the Chrysler 200 Convertible S returns an estimated 19/29/22.
One of the most important parts of the 200‘s emergency transplant was its interior; Chrysler gave the 2012 Chrysler 200 an all-new, beautifully sculpted interior that feels up to Volkswagen standards and includes materials and finishes that are a world better than the old hard plastics.
Likewise, Chrysler has doubled up on insulation to make the 2012 Chrysler 200 interior a very quiet place (except for the coarse four-cylinder engine’s note), and softened the ride. Factor in the newly available 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and six-speed automatic transmission, and the 2012 Chrysler 200 specifications no longer feels a step behind.
2012 Chrysler 200 Conclusion
While the 2012 Chrysler 200 specifications is mostly up to the standards of comfort, space, and safety that you’d find in models like the Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry, it’s still missing some of the standard features, like Bluetooth connectivity, that all shoppers are expecting. Although there is an optional package on both the LX and the Touring which is the Chrysler 200 UCONNECT Voice Command package that contains Bluetooth, an iPod/USB audio interface and an auto-dimming mirror.
Likewise, look past the sheen of the bright work and consider that the base 2012 Chrysler 200 still only has a four-speed automatic–and fuel economy is still lackluster–and it’s fair to say that this model isn’t quite in the top tier…but almost.
The new 2012 Chrysler 200 improves on the sloppy driving dynamics and crummy interior of its bland predecessor; it’s pleasant to drive and features strong interior materials that few in the class can better. The available 283-horsepower V6 engine also boasts the most power in the class while returning respectable fuel economy. Another plus in the 2012 Chrysler 200 is sheet metal that’s more stylish than that of the previous generation.
2012 Chrysler 200 Why Buys
Tags:2012 Chrysler 200, Chrsysler 200, sedan
