First Drive: 2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

Rental redo

Can a new name and look reform one of Chrysler's worst-ever products? By John LeBlanc SAN DIEGO, California – The past few years have been crazy busy over at Fiat’s Chrysler Group. After its bankruptcy filing that left the Italian automaker in charge in 2009, the Chrysler’s been working hard to play catch-up with many of its products. Its full-line makeover strategy for 2011—including most of its models from all four of its Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat and Jeep brands—has been a mix of all-new products (see the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee), a whole new-to-North America brand (starting with the new Fiat 500), and thoroughly refreshed cars, like this here 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible. Like the four-door, five-passenger 200 sedan version that debuted last fall, the two-door, four-passenger 200 Convertible is essentially a refresh of the 2007 to 2010 Sebring, a car that seemed to be a backward step from its predecessor in overall quality when it debuted. Although it gets new front and rear exterior styling, a much needed interior redo, and Chrysler’s new 3.6-litre V6 engine, the 200 Convertible keeps the old Sebring Convertible’s front-wheel-drive platform, door skins, roofline, and convertible parts. The Sebring—in both sedan and convertible iterations—was considered one of the least competitive products in its class, the majority of its sales derived from rental fleets. Is a new name and these updates enough to consider it against rivals such as the also-new-for-2011 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, and existing 2+2 convertibles like the venerable Ford Mustang or Volkswagen’s New Beetle and Eos convertible pair? One of the most off-putting aspects of the Sebring’s full complement of weaknesses was its odd styling, a strange mix of awkward proportions and heavy-handed details. While the convertible version shares many of the same design elements as the 200 sedan—both inspired by the Chrysler 200C plug-in hybrid electric concept car from 2009—the drop-top benefits from a lower roofline and longer trunk lid. At the very least, the 200 Convertible now blends into the scenery, instead of blotting it out as the Sebring did. Like many of the refurbished products coming from Chrysler these days, the 200 Convertible’s interior is its most dramatic improvement. Out are the Sebring’s ill-fitting, hard plastics. In are soft-touch plastics, all-black or black and cream colour themes, brushed aluminum, chrome, and stitched upholstery. One positive carryover from the Sebring is a roomy rear seat and trunk space that shames some larger rivals (Chrysler swears that two golf bags will fit), like the new Camaro. Even with a $10,000 premium over the base 2011 200 sedan, Chrysler brags that the $29,995 base 200 Convertible LX is “Canada’s most affordable convertible with an automatic”. True, that. But the LX seems like the runt of the litter. Saddled with the Sebring’s anemic, 173 hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder, hooked up to a decrepit four-speed automatic, features like a new six-speed automatic, new V6, and desirable retractable hardtop, aren’t included. Even electronic stability control, a feature that’s standard on the new $15,995 2012 Fiat 500 city car, is an option. Easier to recommend is the midlevel 200 Convertible Touring. It starts at $36,495, comes with the new, 283 hp six-cylinder that’s popping up in another Chrysler Group products, the more fuel efficient six-speed automatic, a powered soft-top, heated seats, and ESC, among other upgrades.If you do want the metal convertible roof, it’s an option on the topline, $38,495 200 Convertible Touring, which also adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, remote start, Bluetooth connectivity, and an upgraded sound system. A third variant, the 200 Convertible S, will be priced when it arrives later in the model year. At the 200 Convertible’s media launch, only a Limited model was available for a test drive. Its smooth six-cylinder and modern transmission better reflect the upscale move parent Fiat is attempting with the new Chrysler products. In fact, the V6/six-speed combo gets slightly better fuel economy in the city (11.0L/100 km versus 11.5L) than the less powerful four-banger, and matches its 6.8L highway rating (hint, hint: avoid the 2.4 four!) Out on the dessert and mountain roads southeast of San Diego, the 200 Convertible Limited shone as a relaxed cruiser. The revised front suspension makes the 200 feel more connected to the road than the old Sebring. Top down, with its optional rear seat wind blocker in place, little air intrudes upon the front passengers, while top up, the car is much quieter with less noise, vibration and harshness than the outgoing Sebring. Just don’t expect the 200 to drive like a sports car. Unlike every one of its rivals, the Chrysler convertible doesn’t like to be driven hard. Dreaded torque-steer rears it ugly head when you engage all of the new six’s generous power and grunt. Its steering is relatively accurate and quick, but offers little knowledge as to what’s happening at pavement level. And while the 200 is much less of a boat-n-choppy-waters than the Sebring, cornering in the Chrysler Convertible only results in squealing tires and passengers. No doubt, the new 2012 200 is better overall than its Sebring convertible predecessor. From its styling, interior quality, and overall improvements in driving refinement, Chrysler’s new convertible is a definite improvement than the model its replaces. Its roomy rear seat and trunk alone make it a good choice compared to some of its more cramped competition, while its optional retractable hardtop is a feature not found in its domestic rivals. If you end up renting one, it's an improvement. But if you are more interested in how your convertible drives, a Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Volkswagen Eos and Beetle are better choices. First Drive: 2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible LX/Touring/Limited WHAT I LIKED: Roomy, and well-made interior.; golf club friendly trunk; powerful and fuel efficient V6. WHAT I DIDN’T: Four-cylinder and four-speed automatic to be avoided; torque steer when equipped with the V6; rivals behave better when driven with élan. Base prices: $29,995/$23,995/$27,995 Type of vehicle: FWD, five-passenger midsize convertible Engines: 2.4-litre I4/3.6-litre V6 Power: 173/283 hp Torque: 166/394 lb-ft Fuel Economy L/100 km: City 11.7/13.5/14.4, Highway 7.3/8.0/8.8 Transmissions: Four- and six-speed automatics Competition: Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Volkswagen New Beetle/Eos

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