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Roadtest: Sultan of bling
WHEN I first drove Chrysler's 300C I was convinced I was riding in the supreme King of Bling. I was wrong.
Chrysler has taken its big beast and draped it in yet more ostentatious jewellery.
If passers-by just about managed to ignore the standard model, they have no hope of disregarding this made-over monster.
Even if the Goodyear Eagle-shod 20-inch alloy wheels on the SRT-Design are insufficient to turn heads, then the wheelarch spats and vast chrome mesh grille should do the trick. This car mimics the styling of the hugely powerful, 6.1-litre V8 Hemi SRT-8 model that sits at the top of the 300C range. The SRT-Design delivers the same visual punch with the economy offered by a much more economical 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. This in itself is no slouch, pumping out 215 horsepower, which is more than enough to turn this colossal-looking car into a refined cruiser.
Get stuck into some twisting country roads and no, you will not get the precision and poise of a big Audi, but it copes pretty nimbly with our minor road network.
The SRT-Design is an entirely new model for the UK, with changes to the rear fascia and rear light clusters. The rear saloon boot lid is new and incorporates an integrated spoiler and high-mounted stop light.
Inside, the luxuriously leather-lined interior has been given a lift with an SRT-8 steering wheel, SRT-8 leather sports seats and carbon fibre interior details. A new instrument panel and centre console design is highlighted with satin silver bezels.
Soft-touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels add to the comfort, while the new dark interior colour adds to the mildly menacing feel. A new ignition key with one-touch start-up, a fully adjustable steering wheel as well as LED lighting in the front cup holders and front and rear door pockets all add to the classy feel.
Seat-mounted airbags have been added to the front and side-curtain air bags to the rear for increased driver and passenger safety.
The SRT-Design is fitted with a MyGIG infotainment system, that offers owners the latest integrated onboard systems. There is MP3 player compatibility, a touch-screen controlled navigation system featuring outstandingly clear graphical maps, as well as the ability to store up to about 1,600 songs on an integrated 20GB hard drive. A hands-free communication system uses Bluetooth technology to give voice-activated wireless communication.
If you thought the beefy US-styling of the 300C would put off British buyers, you would be wrong. Since the car first arrived three years ago, more than 6,000 have taken to the roads, with Chrysler struggling to keep up with demand.
Auto facts Chrysler 300C CRD SRT-Design
Price: £32,495
Ins group: 17
Fuel consumption (Combined): 34.9mpg
Top speed: 143mph
Length: 501.5cm/197.4in
Width: 188cm/74in
Luggage capacity: 17.8 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity: 19 gallons/71 litres
CO2 emissions: 215g/km
Warranty: 3 years/60,000 miles
6:54am Friday 16th May 2008
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