The second-generation Chrysler 200->ke3341 was unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show->ke222, when the company known as FCA unveiled not only the new compact->ke140 sedan->ke142, but also its new design direction. According to the brand, some of the design features you see in the new 200, like the new grille and headlamps, will also be featured in all future models. Penned by Jeff Hammoud, the new 200 features a more streamlined design that changes everything about the traditional Chrysler->ke21 design of the last decade.

When Chrysler replaced the Sebring with the 200, the world rejoiced at the elimination of the outdated and never truly impressive drop top. Unfortunately, the 200 was not a full redesign of its predecessor, rather just a nip here, a tuck there, some new headlights and basic interior changes. So, essentially, the 200’s body style was in its sixth production year, making it a year overdue for a revision.

The new Chrysler 200 feels fresh and modern, and even though some say that the Detroit-based brand used the Tesla Model S->ke3329 as inspiration, the sedan sports plenty of original styling cues. The four-door compact was put on sale in the second quarter of 2014.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Chrysler 200.

2015 Chrysler 200

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Chrysler 200
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 184
  • Torque: 173
  • Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Rendering Vs.Reality

Well, you win some and then you lose some, and we definitely lost in this rendering. It's rather obvious that the new 200 is based on the Dart platform, which we got right, but the rest of it we were wrong on. Overall, though, we think the finished product looks better than the rendering we created.

Exterior

The new Chrysler 200 is the first model to feature this new design language from Chrysler. It gets a completely new grille and headlights, plus an updated Chrysler badge. The model will be offered with standard full-LED daytime running lamps (DRL), LED fog lamps and LED taillamps.

The new 200S will be distinguished by a darker look, thanks to its gloss-black trim and accents not offered on the standard version. The model will also be offered with optional 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels and integrated dual exhausts.

If it's not too overly obvious, the 2015 Chrysler 200 is based on the same platform as the 2014 Dodge Dart, albeit stretched to accommodate the 200's midsize body. That's not a bad this though, as the Dart's chassis actually receives pretty high marks -- the performance, on the other hand, not so much. Fortunately, the 200 does not share its entire engine lineup with its smaller cousin.

Customers can choose between eleven exterior colors:

- Velvet Red Pearl Coat

- 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

- Ceramic Blue Clear Coat (late availability).

Interior

The interior combines the highest-quality materials, with all the latest technologies from Chrysler. The new 200 features a "clever" center console that houses a rotary shift knob and a rotary-dial electronic shifting -- a first in its class. Also available is a seven-inch LED full-color instrument cluster that offers details on fuel economy, turn-by-turn navigation, compass, outside temperature, speed, time and other useful information.

Also available on the new 200 is a Uconnect system that makes use of an 8.4-inch touchscreen command center. It is attractive, intuitive and easy to use. This system keeps you up to date on all of the latest things, like fuel prices and movie listings, plus it decreases driver distraction by delivering voice-activated navigation, handsfree voice commands and voice-to-text. Additionally, No American car would not be complete without innovative cup holders, and the 200 delivers with its sliding cup holder system that always keeps you Big Gulp within reach. Actually, this feature is more to maximize storage space, but our explanation sounded cooler...

Drivetrain

The base 200 will be offered with a new Tigershark 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a total of 184 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. This engine mates to a standard -- yes, we said "standard" -- nine-speed automatic transmission. The extra few cogs help return up to 35 mpg highway. on the highway with this four-pot engine.

Optional on the 2015 200 is a 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6 that generates a total of 295 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This engine also mates to the new nine-speed transmission, but Chrysler did not release any mpg estimates yet.

Buyers can also opt for an all-wheel-drive system that features a segment-first fully disconnecting rear axle. This allows the 200 to function just like a front wheel-drive car until the wheels start slipping, maximizing fuel economy in the process.

Also new for 2015 is "Sport" mode, which adjusts throttle response, shifting points and steering quickness to offer up a racier feel from this midsize family hauler. Add to that the available paddle shifters, and you start bordering on the sports sedan realm.

Pricing

Pricing for the 200 starts from $21,700, for which you get the base LX trim. Upgrade to the 200 Limited version and the sticker increases to the $23,255. Next in line is the 200S priced from $24,495, while the range-topping 200C retails from $25,795 before options.

Chrysler 200 LX

$21,700

Chrysler 200 Limited

$23,255

Chrysler 200S

$24,495

Chrysler 200C

$25,795


Competitors

Ford Fusion

The Fusion's been an up and comer since undergoing its overwhelming redesign. Everything from its sexy -- almost Aston Martin-like -- body to its range of engines that go from a 2.5-liter with 168 horsepower to a to a turbocharged 2.0-liter with 240 horsepower have made it a homerun. And at a starting price of $21,970, the Fusion is right in the Chrysler 200's wheelhouse.

Read more about the Ford Fusion here.

Honda Accord

The old and trusty steed known as the Honda Accord just keeps on trotting along almost effortlessly, regardless of how big or small Honda makes it, buyers still roll in by the dozens to snag them up from dealers. It's hard to blame them either, with an optional 3.0-liter V-6 that throws down 278 horsepower and a standard four pot that is no slouch at 185 horsepower, who wouldn't want one. Additionally, the Accord is available with all the bells and whistles you could ever want, if you feel like cresting $35k, or you can slip into a base model for just under $22k.

Find out more about the Honda Accord here.

Conclusion

The new Chrysler 200 brings lots of cool new features that makes it a little bit more attractive than the model it replaces. The new nine-speed transmission will certainly make its mark in the sales numbers, but is a new transmission, upgraded chassis and redesigned exterior enough to overcome the flooded midsize sedan market?

Update History

Updated 03/24/2014: Chrysler announced prices for the all new 2015 200 sedan set to go on sale later in the summer. Prices for the base model will start from $21,700, excluding $995 destination charge.

Updated 01/20/2014: Chrysler revealed a new video in which it reveals how the new generation 200 is being developed at the company's Sterling Heights Assembly Plant (SHAP) in Michigan. Enjoy!

Updated 01/13/2014: The new Chrysler 200 made its world debut today at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. With this occasion we've updated our review with the official details, images and specs.

Updated 01/08/2014: The 2015 Chrysler 200 will be officially unveiled at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show and will be put on sale this spring at a price of $21,700. With just a few days before the cars official debut, the first leaked details confirm that the 2015 200 will be offered with a 2.4-liter TigerShark engine with 184 horsepower or an optional 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivering 295 horsepower. Both engines can be combined with a new, nine-speed automatic gearbox. Full details on the new 200 will be revealed next week. Stay tuned! (Jalopnik)