2016 Chrysler 200S VIDEO REVIEW

2016 Chrysler 200S VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

Now in its 2nd model year, Chrysler’s midsize fighter faces an uncertain future but for now the 200 provides an interesting alternative to the segment’s stalwarts. Here’s a look at the sporty 2016 200S.

Sergio Marchionne, the CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently had this to say about the company’s best-selling car: 1) they’ll stop producing it within the next several years at which point they’ll look to outsource the car to another manufacturer and secondly, that his designers screwed up when copying the Hyundai Sonata’s roofline, making it difficult to get in and out of the backseat. With that as the backdrop, there truly does live a very likeable car here. When you’re shopping the 200, you have the choice of 4 trims: LX, Limited, 200S and 200C, the latter two also offering all-wheel drive. But it’s this 200S model that brings a touch of urban edginess into the fold with a distinctive appearance and sportier drive. Gloss black exterior treatments, optional 19” hyper black aluminum wheels, a sport-tuned MacPherson strut suspension, sport seats and this optionally available, flamboyant Ambassador Blue Leather interior make up the 200S persona. Mine has the all-wheel drive setup with a fully disconnecting rear axle to better preserve fuel economy and as such comes standard with the 3.6-liter version of Chrysler’s Pentastar V6 teamed with the company’s much maligned 9-speed automatic. With rotary control, sport mode and paddle shifters it helps this model achieve an estimated 22mpg in combined driving and it’ll also run on E85 if you desire. No transmission gremlins to report here.

The S’s performance tuned suspension, vociferous exhaust note and all-wheel drive availability make it a compelling midsize choice for those in search of a car with its own identity. A strong V6 and blue leather interior further that narrative.

If you’re willing to trade-in on fuel economy, this V6 delivers on fun with its willingness to charge throughout the RPM range with a snarky call you wouldn’t expect. Ride quality remains midsize comfortable without the typical ‘sport’ harshness and the steering works in concert with your sporting style; a delight to drive through a wide spectrum while maintaining that everyday balance.

There’s been a lot of discussion about the sloping rear roofline of late, so watch your head as you’re getting in.

And this leads to the biggest knock against the 200 in general – a lack of spaciousness in a segment where midsize can be defined as downright large. The ebullient styling takes precedent over efficient packaging and creates a cabin that feels a little cramped, especially in the rear seats.

But I really like the look and layout of the interior as a whole. The big Uconnect screen expands its offerings for 2016 to include a Drag and Drop Menu Bar for customization, Siri Eyes Free to more safely interact with your iPhone while driving via voice commands and a Do Not Disturb button that keeps distractions out altogether. But I’ve come to love the burgeoning Apple CarPlay and neither that nor Android Auto is offered here. It’s still a really great and easy to use infotainment system, however. That simplicity translates to the rest of the car’s controls with a very likeable, configurable center console with connection points, deep storage and a cubby carved out down below. The information display glows in an eye-catching blue and allows you to toggle through various information. The front buckets demonstrate the same balance as the 200’s drive with a blend of soft leather and wrap around support. Remote start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, blind spot and cross path detection and a 506-Watt Alpine sound system with 9 speakers and sub fill out the optional gear on my tester. Pricing on the 200S AWD starts at $30,900 and this one tallies $35,675.

It’s not the best family car on the market but it is one of the most interesting with its S style, unique AWD and individualized appearance. If you’re looking for something a little different that creates some separation from the field, the 200S fits the bill.