The All New 2012 Chrysler 200.  Excellent Exterior Styling.

Introduction

• Neat, balanced look inside and out
• Strong, smooth V-6
• Quiet interior, smooth highway ride
• Excellent in tech and entertainment features

The 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan and Convertible models are comfortable, stylish, and a great value.

The strong, smoother V-6 does make the Chrysler 200 a confident highway cruiser.

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on most trim levels, the new 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 is noticeably robust. Suspension and steering make the 200  satisfying to drive, high-quality materials and classy, if not especially interesting dash design.

The strong, smoother V-6 does make the Chrysler 200 a confident highway cruiser.

The 2012 Chrysler 200's makeover is impressive. There's value here, too, as you get a lot of features for the money.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Chrysler 200 is a midsize sedan that's offered in four trim levels. The LX model comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, a four-speed automatic transmission, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, 60/40-split-folding rear seatbacks, full power accessories, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with audio controls and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary audio jack.

The Touring model adds some desirable extras including 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-speed automatic, automatic headlights, a power driver seat, automatic climate control, a trip computer, upgraded interior lighting, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

Opting for the top-of-the-line Limited version will get you 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, remote ignition, Bluetooth and a premium sound system with a touchscreen interface, voice controls and digital music storage. Most of these items are available on the Touring. A sunroof and a Garmin-based navigation system with Sirius Travel Link data service are optional.

A sporty S trim level, which will be available later in the year, tacks on the V6 engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport front seats with suedelike inserts and Boston Acoustics speakers.

Powertrains and Performance

The front-wheel-drive 2012 Chrysler 200 offers a choice of two engines. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder comes standard on all trim levels except the S and puts out 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6-liter V6, which is standard on the S and available as an option on all but the entry-level LX, puts out a healthy 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

The LX gets a four-speed automatic transmission, while the rest of the lineup features a six-speed automatic. A new dual-clutch six-speed automatic, which promises better performance and fuel economy, will be available on four-cylinder models later in the model year.

Safety

The 2012 Chrysler 200 comes with a long list of standard safety features including stability and traction control, antilock brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, front side airbags and side curtain airbags.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Chrysler 200's design team did a remarkable job transforming the Chrysler 200, a 200 that can now hold its own against its midsize sedan competitors.  There are a number of invisible changes, including acoustic glass in the windshield and front doors and additional sound-deadening materials, which create a quiet atmosphere that adds to the upscale effect.

The actual dimensions of the passenger cabin get good marks for comfort, with supportive seats and great head- and legroom.

Driving Impressions

A number of suspension tweaks have made for great handling, while the hardware makes the steering feel precise.  Firm ride quality.

If you're looking for a mid-size sedan with a lavish interior, a powerful V6 engine and a decidedly European driving attitude, the 2011 Chrysler 200 deserves a nice, long test drive.  Click here to select your Chrysler 200 Driving Experience:  My Chrysler 200