2012 Chrysler 200

The 2012 Chrysler 200 convertible is an effective, spacious choice among midsize drop tops, however its 200 sedan sibling faces tougher competition and is particularly thus less appealing. After a complete overhaul a year ago plus a new name (it used to be the Sebring), the Chrysler 200 heads into 2012 without the need of significant changes.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 is also available like a convertible, and the drop top earns a stronger recommendation compared to sedan, since the convertible segment has a smaller footprint and fewer competitive. As compared to models such as Ford Mustang and Volkswagen Eos, the Sebring’s cabin and trunk are enormous, and yes it packs in many features your money can buy. You possibly will not have too the options among convertibles, but at the least the 200 is an excellent one.

For that 200 sedan, however, using a competitive rival would possibly become a better option. The 200 sedan carries a smaller cabin and trunk than its competitors, plus some of their in-car electronics certainly are a little behind the days. These aren’t huge drawbacks, however are enough that people think the Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Passat are better picks overall.

2012 Chrysler 200 Limited Sedan

The 2012 Chrysler 200 can be purchased in midsize sedan and convertible body styles. The sedan also comes in an entry-level LX trim, while both can be purchased in Touring, Limited and S trims.

The LX sedan comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, heated mirrors, cruise control, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping tire, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat along with a four-speaker sound system having a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and tyre controls. An eight-way power driver seat and heated front seats are optional.

2012 Chrysler 200 Touring

The Touring improves or supplants the LX’s amenities with 17-inch alloy wheels, a better transmission, automatic headlamps, automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped tyre and shifter and also a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio. The convertible carries a power cloth top and six-way power front seats. The Cold temperature package adds heated front seats and remote ignition. Optional on the LX along with the Touring could be the UConnect Voice Command package that contains Bluetooth, an iPod/USB audio interface plus an auto-dimming mirror. A touchscreen audio interface that includes DVD audio playback and digital music storage is optional.

The Limited improves or supplants the Touring’s amenities with 18-inch wheels, foglamps and leather upholstery. Options incorporate a navigation system with real-time traffic and also a six-speaker Boston Acoustics head unit. The Limited convertible might be furnished with a retractable hardtop.

2012 Chrysler 200 S Convertible

The 200 S is different from the otherwise identically equipped Limited using a standard V6 engine, dark exterior trim, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and the Boston Acoustics audio system. A sunroof is optional on all sedans nevertheless the LX.

Every 2012 Chrysler 200 except the S trim comes standard that has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine who makes 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic is standard within the LX; a six-speed automatic is optional within the LX and standard on everything. EPA-estimated gas mileage to the sedan is 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined with the four-speed automatic, and 20/31/24 using the six-speed. The convertible returns approximately 19/29/22.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, active head restraints and front side airbags. The sedan gets side curtain airbags, even though the convertible gets front-seat-mounted side airbags with head protection.

The Chrysler 200′s design team did an extraordinary job a year ago of transforming the previous Sebring’s low-rent interior into something that’s now fully competitive for your midsize sedan segment. The final dash design and control layout are just about similar to before, but as the materials are substantially better, the complete ambience is greatly improved. The 200 still lags behind its competitors (and in some cases several of its Chrysler cousins) with regard to in-car electronics — the older Chrysler touchscreen interface was unintuitive if this was new and hasn’t grown better as we age.

The 2012 Chrysler 200 drives as time goes on with poise. The suspension offers a supple yet well-controlled ride, and handling is superior to that relating to a number of other midsize sedans. The steering provides decent feedback, but isn’t as responsive as the Accord’s or even the Fusion’s. Performance with all the 2.4-liter four-cylinder is unremarkable, however it ought to be adequate for the majority of buyers when it’s mated to your six-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6-liter V6 is very energetic and is also the most robust engines inside the segment, delivering strong acceleration without having a tremendous sacrifice in gas mileage.