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Chrysler 300C 3.0 V6 CRD road test report

3.0 V6 CRD

The 300C has proved a big success for Chrysler since first going on sale in 2005. Its striking good looks and attractive pricing made it a tempting proposition for execs wanting an imposing luxury car without having to re-mortgage. Then, in early ’08, some wise revisions made it even more tempting.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Chrysler 300C 3.0 V6 CRD

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TOM SAYS

Performance Performance - 4 stars

First thing to note is that the 300C CRD provides a very relaxing drive. Its smooth auto transmission, fluid power delivery and unflappable demeanour make it pleasant to waft along sedately while using a fraction of the 3-litre V6 turbodiesel’s generous 376lb/ft of torque. At normal motorway speeds the Mercedes-engined CRD is quiet and barely draws breath, but should you be in a big hurry then its 215bhp is good for 0-62mph in 7.6secs with a top speed of 143mph. And for serious petrolheads there’s the 425bhp, 168mph SRT-8 model which I’ve also driven and it’s a proper hoot.

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

Being a big Yank tank you might expect the 300C to have a very floaty, roly-poly ride, but this isn’t the case. It’s certainly comfortable, but Chrysler hasn’t gone for a supremely plush ride at the expense of good handling stability or decent cornering composure. And just as you’re rarely tempted to use all the engine’s power, the 300C isn’t a car that goads you into screeching ‘round corners on two wheels. That said, if you do need to get a move on then the 300C will happily oblige. In fact, for its size and weight, it’s surprisingly responsive and nimble.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 4 stars

As you will know, Chrysler is one of the big three US auto makers, and the 300C looks very American too, but all is not what it seems. Right-hand drive 300Cs are actually built to a very high standard in Austria and many of the 300C’s major components are sourced from Mercedes-Benz including its E-Class engine, transmission and much of the electrics. Additionally, I had a really thorough poke around my 300C test car and couldn’t fault it from a build perspective, while the ’08 model’s dash and interior fittings are now significantly improved in quality and feel than in earlier 300Cs.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

The 300C hasn’t been crash-tested by EuroNCAP, but it has been subjected to similar tests in the States where it scored top marks. Its not short of standard equipment either with anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic stability with traction control, front seat belt pretensioners, multi-stage driver and passenger front airbags, side curtain airbags, side-impact protection bars, remote keyless entry, a Thatcham category 1 alarm, tyre pressure monitoring and xenon headlamps.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 5 stars

Despite its low-line roof there’s space aplenty in all directions for all passengers, big or small, front and rear. I’d also add that all seats are particularly well shaped and very comfortable. While on test I cruised the entire length of the M11, M3, M27, M23 and M20, as well as a big chunk of the M25 and never felt anything other than cosy, relaxed and contented. There’s a capacious 504-litre boot, the rear seatback splits and folds forward to accommodate still more and there’s no shortage of cup-holders and useful oddment stowage. (Need more bootspace? The 300C Touring has up to 1,602-litres in the rear.)

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 5 stars

At the time of writing, prices for the 300C saloon starts at £26,925. This price includes satnav, dual-zone climate control, 8-way powered front seats, load-levelling rear suspension and loads more. Adding a multimedia infotainment system, electric sunroof, walnut trim and a 380 watt Boston sound system hikes it to £31,325, but even then the 300C remains a bargain. The combined mpg figure of 34.9 was backed up by the actual 34mpg I obtained, so buying diesel won’t hurt too much either. There may be technically superior luxury cars available, but few that are so likeable, and none so affordable.

Submitted: 30/12/2008 08:50:57

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