Review: 2015 Chrysler 200s AWD – Part 2
Meet the 3.6L 295-hp, 262 lb-ft of torque Pentastar V-6 that’s under the hood of the 2015 Chrysler 200s. Now you’ve seen this engine elsewhere in other Chrysler products that I’ve reviewed. But this has got to be the best version that I’ve driven. I say that because you have a lot of power on tap. You have two choices in terms of driving this car. Put the transmission into “D” and it’s quick enough and interesting to drive and its far more interesting than the V6 Honda Accord or V6 Toyota Camry. But if you put the transmission into “S” makes this car a bit of a rocket that people won’t see coming. The exhaust has more of a snarl to it and each gear is held longer to leverage all 295-hp. It’s intoxicating I must admit. So is the 0-60 time which according to Dynolicious was 6 seconds flat. That will leave most other things in the mid-sized class in its dust. One thing I should note. When I put the transmission into “S”, it disables traction control. I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. But that’s just me.
The Chrysler 200s AWD has two features that set it apart from other cars in mid-sized class. First is all-wheel drive. This system runs in front-drive mode most of the time, with the rear axle disconnected to minimize fuel consumption. But when needed up to 60 percent of torque can be directed rearward. It’s more of a bad-weather system than an enthusiast-oriented means of putting down power. Having said that, it does seem to be transparent in terms of operation and I could not detect any torque steer and the car always felt sure footed. The other feature is a 9 speed transmission. Programmed for efficiency, unless it is in “S” mode it favors the fuel-sipping rather than the power-generating part of the rev band. Having said that, it shifts smoothly for the most part and works quite well.
In terms of noise, there’s only minimal tire noise and minimal wind noise, and the engine has a pleasing and inoffensive growl to it. Handling is excellent as the suspension which is on the firm side without being punishing. I can switch lanes and it will stay stable without any meaningful body roll. You feel the road and only severe bumps will be felt by the driver. In terms of the steering, while it is quick to react and it allows the 200s to have a very tight turning radius, there’s zero road feel coming from the wheel. Thus you have to rely on your seat of the pants to figure out what the car is doing. Fortunately, you do get enough feedback from the suspension to make that work. As a result, you can have fun on some back roads if you so choose. One item that I think that people will like are the pedals. The accelerator doesn’t have a hair trigger to it and it makes it very easy to apply the exact amount of power that you want. Ditto for the brakes which are very progressive and easy to modulate. When it comes to gas consumption, I’m currently getting an average of 10 L/100 KM and I’m not exactly driving in a way that encourages fuel economy.
So far, I like the Chrysler 200s AWD, and when you tune in tomorrow you’ll see the interior which is for the most part an absolute winner.
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