2017 Chrysler 200S Road Test and Review

2017 Chrysler 200 S exterior front angle ・ Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

The 2017 Chrysler 200S is a stylish alternative to other mainstream midsize sedans, complete with a sportier approach to the segment than is found in the rest of the 200 lineup. That shows in its exclusive design details and more aggressive final-drive ratio, which combines with all the standard content of the uplevel Limited trim and more. As a result, the 2017 Chrysler 200S is able to deliver an affordable ownership experience with a surprisingly high level of premium touches. The 200S also stands out as one of a limited number of midsize sedans to offer all-wheel drive. This is a high-tech setup, which disconnects the rear wheels in normal driving conditions to improve fuel economy. But that's not the only

Pricing

The 2017 Chrysler 200S is the second-highest trim level for the car, behind only the 200C Platinum, but it’s still priced at a practical $25,690. For that amount, folks get all the basics plus standard premium-style touches like two-tone seating, a rearview camera, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, dual exhaust tips, and even acoustic glass for the windshield and front-door windows. A 9-speed automatic transmission is standard as well, and that compares to the 6-speed units found in rivals like the Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion. Shoppers also should know that the starting point for the 200, the 200 LX, gets a small price drop for the new model year, from $22,115 to $21,995. Filling out the lineup are 200 Touring, 200 Limited Platinum, and range-topping 200 C Platinum models.

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Power, Performance, Fuel Efficiency

Engineers have sharpened the handling and response of the 2017 Chrysler 200S by deploying a standard sport-tuned suspension and switching to a 3.251:1 final-drive ratio, which provides snappier acceleration. The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is good for 184 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque, which a is a little more than you'll find in the standard Toyota Camry. Aided by the 9-speed automatic transmission, the 200 gets EPA fuel ecomnomy of 23 MPG city/36 MPG hioghway/27 MPG combined. The available 3.6-liter V6 raises output to 295 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, while producing EPA ratings of 19/31/23, or 18/28/22 with all-wheel drive.

Exterior Design and Lighting

Chrysler’s midsize 200 has a streamlined exterior with a sharply creased hood and distinctive multi-element front fascia. The 2017 Chrysler 200S dresses up even further with gloss-black trim, a chrome grille, fog lamps, light-pipe headlamp accents, and 18-inch Satin Carbon wheels. LED taillamps are standard, as are bright exhaust tips integrated into the rear fascia for a modern, refined appearance. The side mirrors in the 200S also are heated. Popular exterior options for the 200S include a dual-pane sunroof, 19-inch Hyper Black wheels, and a premium lighting package.

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Interior Design and Capacities

Rear-seat passengers may find conditions a bit cramped, but the cabin of the 2017 Chrysler 200S is high on comfort and craftsmanship. The seating is particularly stylish, thanks to black sport-cloth surfaces that are trimmed in Ambassador Blue leather. Additional eye-catching details are supplied by standard LED lighting, black chrome interior accents, and satin-finish door handles. The leather-bolstered driver’s seat also has 8-way power adjustability, along with ergonomic positioning relative to the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. As you’d expect in a sporty model like the 200S, paddle shifters are standard. Versatility is improved via a rear-seat pass-through to complement the 16 cubic feet trunk, which is larger than those of its Toyota and Ford rivals.

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Infotainment and Audio Technology

The standard infotainment setup for the 2017 Chrysler 200S is a Uconnect 5.0 system, so named for its 5-inch touchscreen display. This has voice recognition, Bluetooth connectivity, and six audio speakers, but many owners will want to move up to the available Uconnect 8.4 technology. That system has an 8.4-inch touchscreen, a “drag and drop” menu bar for easy customization, support for Siri EyesFree for compatible iPhones, and a “do not disturb” function that can automatically respond to incoming text messages. That way, the driver can concentrate on driving. Bundle navigation and premium audio with Uconnect 8.4 and you get a comprehensive infotainment upgrade that’s backed by a 506-watt amplifier and nine speakers—including a subwoofer.

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Safety Technology and Ratings

The 2017 Chrysler 200S, like all 200 models, has a standard rearview camera and eight airbags. It's also worth noting that front-wheel-drive editions have earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Score from the NHTSA; all-wheel-drive 200s have not been rated. Also, though the 2017 version had yet to be tested by the IIHS, the 200 did received a Top Safety Pick+ recognition for 2016. To be clear, that latter rating is only for the 200 C Platinum with the available SafetyTec. With that package, the 200 has adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, full-speed forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, perpendicular and parallel parking assistance, and more.

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Available Equipment

The 2017 Chrysler 200S is available with three options packages. The Comfort Group has dual-zone temperature control, heating for the front-row occupants, climate ducts for the rear passengers, a heated steering wheel, and remote start. The Navigation and Sound Group gathers not just the premium Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system but also SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio, SiriusXM Traffic, SiriusXM Travel Link, and a high-tech 7-inch TFT instrument cluster. Finally, the Premium Lighting Group packages high-intensity discharge headlamps with LEDs for the daytime running lamps and front fog lamps.

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Other Cool Information

This year, there’s also a new variant: The Alloy Edition, which builds on a similar special model launched last year for the Chrysler 300. The look is industrial chic for both cars, with the 200S Alloy Edition specifically distinguished by 19-inch Dark Bronze aluminum wheels, dual exhaust tips with a Liquid Chrome finish, and an exclusive “Alloy Edition” grille treatment. Inside, a two-tone Black and Caramel color theme is standard and set off by Titanium and Piano Black interior accents. Moreover, to match the S model’s more aggressively tuned suspension and final-drive ratio, the new Chrysler 200 Alloy Edition has heavy-duty disc brakes.

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Final Thoughts

Although the 200 tends to be dismissed by customers (and evenb some Fiat-Chrysler executives), the  2017 Chrysler 200S deserves some attention. Especially when fitted with the V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and Uconnect 8.4, the 200S is attractive, entertaining to drive and able to provide top-notch infotainment resources. The Alloy Edition revs the 200 up even higher for 2017, with design and function updates that emphasize the S trim’s more aggressive style. And one last word of advice: Discounts are likely to get aggressive as well, as Chrysler has announced that this generation of the 200 will be the last.

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