Chrysler 300

When it was first released almost ten years ago, the Chrysler 300C as it was then called, was a sensation. The low roofline and chunky gangsta styling with large 18 inch wheels took the large car market by storm, for a time eclipsing the local long wheelbase home grown Statesman and Caprice.

It was the product of Chrysler's now concluded joint venture with Daimler.

That partnership saw the E class Mercedes platform and ( one engine,) the Mercedes diesel, form the basis of the 300c. 

While it looks to be larger than a Commodore or Falcon, when parked side by side there's not a lot of difference in length or width. The 300c has moved on from the first iteration and is now just the 300.

It's one of very few modern cars that you can actually see the bonnet from the driver's seat and it's an impressive sight. 

The model on test here is the 3.6 litre petrol V6 and a very smooth and refined motor it is, surpassing the current Commodore for quiet smooth running.

Doors that open almost 90 degrees are a rarity on many modern cars. On the 300 they allow easy access and exit from both front and rear. I like the electric blue instrument display and the art deco analogue fascia clock is a nice touch.

Not so nice however is the foot operated park brake . It's awkward to use especially when many manufacturers are adopting electric parking brakes, even on cars much cheaper than this.

A potential safety issue is the position of the foot pedals.

The accelerator is substantially lower than the brake. and in an emergency the driver has to lift his foot some four centimetres to the brake pedal.

I believe they should both be the same height . It would save a fraction of a second in reaction time, perhaps enough to avoid a collision.

For such a large car, rear legroom is not ideal and the old fashioned gooseneck hinges for the boot intrude into the space severely .. a couple of gas struts would free up more space.. as it is the boot is not overly large, smaller than a falcon or Commodore.

Ride comfort is excellent,,, the heavy 300 absorbing all but the worst bumps with ease.. and it's silence on the move is among best in class.Despite its bulk the 300 can be pushed hard into corners without drama or fuss.. Handling is essentially neutral.

A new central screen allows for the rear vision camera, navigation and all other functions such as climate and audio.  

Fuel economy on the V6 petrol averaged around 10 .5 litres per 100 kilometres during my week with the car in mainly suburban driving.

Having a low roof turret is not an issue as the smaller glass area is compensated for by having seats that give an eyeline right in the middle of the glass so there's no feeling of claustrophobia.

 The three litre turbo diesel model I drove previously was quiet and powerful, with an ocean of torque to handle any hills or passing situations with ease.

The 5.7 litre hemi V8 with cylinder de activation is a marvellous if not thirsty beast as is the SRT performance version ,. There are not a lot of yankee V eight s that better it for sound and performance.  

Initially to market around 60 thousand dollars, the base petrol model here retails at 46 thousand.. Chrysler has a winner here in this class and for a stunning head turning car it still can't be beaten,
Peter Sellen