Chrysler 300C improving on success

The Chrysler 300C has undergone subtle changes. Photo / Supplied

The Chrysler 300C range has received its first facelift since it muscled into the New Zealand market three years ago.

The prominent nose and the classic long-bonnet, short-deck styling remain the same, but get closer and revisions to the rear fascia and tail-lights show up. So do the SRT-inspired spoiler and high-mounted stop light on the rear of the sedan. Jump inside and the extent of the update reveals itself. The new-look cabin includes dark slate leather upholstery, LED lighting in the front cup holders and front- and rear-door map pockets, along with soft-touch surfaces on arm rests and door panels. Also new are the instrument panel and centre-console design, highlighted with satin silver bezels.

New entertainment and communications options on the Chrysler 300C sedan and touring wagon include a Boston Acoustics surround sound system and multimedia unit, which talks to an iPod.

"Most of the changes are subtle, because you don't want to radically alter what is already such a successful formula," says David Smith, general manager of Chrysler New Zealand.

"So what we have aimed to do is enhance the ownership experience and value. The 300C has become a benchmark for Chrysler in terms of its styling, performance and quality of craftsmanship and the new model lifts the bar even higher."

Under that bonnet the 300C continues to offer four power options, but with some minor changes.

Revisions to the manifold and engine control unit of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine boosts power and torque, now at 183kW at 6500 and 340Nm at 3800rpm.

The 5.7-litre V8 HEMI unit gets a new display showing drivers when they are in "fuel-saver mode", or when the V8 switches to four cylinders when power is not needed.

Chrysler says its Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can improve fuel economy by up to 11 per cent, depending on driving style and vehicle usage.

The 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel unit remains unchanged, putting out 160kW and 510Nm from just 1600rpm.

The prominent visual changes have been reserved for the performance model, the 300C SRT8. It gets an all-new deck lid with an integrated spoiler, new tail-lights and black mesh front grille.

Other exterior revisions include new body side mouldings, body-colour front and rear bumper inserts, body-colour mirrors and door handles, along with SRT badging.

Inside, the refreshed 300C SRT8 picks up new upholstery along with carbon-fibre touches and LED lighting. Under the bonnet is a 6.1-litre V8 HEMI, its 317kW/569Nm output unchanged.

Chassis setup for the Chrysler 300C SRT8 is aimed at performance and includes SRT-tuned dampers, special spring rates and suspension bushings, and large-diameter anti-sway bars.

Revised front and rear suspension knuckles contribute to a ride height that is lowered 13mm from the 300C. In addition, the electronic stability programme (ESP) has been tuned for the 300C SRT8's adaptive cruise control.

The stopping performance results from a four-wheel disc-brake system featuring performance callipers developed by Brembo.

From a safety viewpoint, all 300C models offer electronic stability, featuring ABS anti-skid brakes and traction control, along with six airbags. The 300C starts in price from $60,990.