Softer and a bit more subtle, but all class and presence, the new Chrysler 300 is an updated pleasure to drive. Build quality for the new Chrysler 300 is excellent, and the magical, sumptuous 300 Luxury trim has been crafted to perfection.

You do notice the moment that you sidle up to a Chrysler 300 that it is a big car. Big wheel arches, a long nose, high waist, fat trunk – these all look great and blend perfectly to send a strong message that the new Chrysler 300 hasn’t lost any of that menacing attitude that the outgoing model had. The new looks are appealing and super stylish. With a newly fashioned grille, a more rounded front and elegant headlights that also boast C-shaped driving LED lights, the Chrysler 300 looks the real deal. A crease line mid-way up the doors provides a more filled out, bustier look that adds balance and muscle. Once again, the Chrysler 300 – in black – could easily play the role of the gangster’s escape car or the president’s limo. But for now, this one looks just fine parked up my driveway.

Slip into the leather interior, and you will be stunned with the level of high-end luxury. Softer edges and excellent ergonomics are tranquil to live with. Detailing in the Chrysler 300 is tops. Beautiful wood and touches of fine metal tantalise the senses, while a delightful analogue clock rimmed with chrome adds a lot of class. In the middle of the dash, is a central information screen that is the display for the audio, satellite navigation and hands-free communications system. The screen is sizeable and very clear to read with its excellent graphics software. As far as other luxury/comfort features go, the Chrysler 300 Limited and Luxury versions have all the best you would expect a top luxury brand to have.

If you prefer to buy the base 300 model, you’ll find that a nice set of cloth upholstered seats does the job nicely. Add to this a rear-park assist radar, hill-start control, stability control, all-round airbags, TC, ABS, cruise control, solar control glass, a U-Connect radio CD sound system, MP3 compatability, Bluetooth, a touch screen and six speakers for great acoustics and you’ve got yourself a very nice set of wheels, indeed! Go to the more luxurious models and heated leather seats, nine speakers, satellite navigation, cooled cup-holders and full streaming are some of items you’ll find you have in the mighty Chrysler 300. Of course, Chrysler 300 Luxury means what it says – so lavish is the cabin atmosphere.

On the road, the Chrysler 300 hunkers down nicely. Predictable handling is backed up by sharp steering and stacks of grip. Sitting on 20-inch rubber (SRT8), it takes a fair bit of courage to take this one beyond breaking point. However if the rear wheels do light up, correction is a heap of fun. 18-inch wheels kit out the other 300 versions, and they actually offer as much grip as the SRT8 in the real world.

Three engines are offered. If you want to go the diesel way, the VM Motori diesel is a joint Fiat/Chrysler masterpiece. It’s a 3.0-litre V6 Diesel motor that pushes out a creamy 550 Nm of torque. Top end power is 177 kW, and all this performance is put through a five-speed AutoStick transmission. Economy is excellent for such a big beast; expect around 7.2 litres/100 km. The Chrysler 300 C, Limited and Luxury models can come equipped with the diesel option. These same models offer a petrol version, too. This one is the 3.6-litre, V6 VVT engine that is matched to the wonderfully silky eight-speed transmission. Honestly, the V6, eight speed marriage is a honey and hard to better, anywhere.

It is nice to still be able to say that the Chrysler 300 still has a muscle car in its line-up. For those of you who love to heat up the rubber with an FPV, HSV or M5, the Chrysler 300 SRT8 has a HEMI V8 that packs a massive blow with 347 kW and 631 Nm. Very quick, the SRT8 can cut the 0-100 km/h dash in 5.0 seconds. While the 6.4-litre V8 sucks in the clean air at the front, the sonorous rumble that emanates from the car’s inner workings are glorious to pin your ears back with.

The Chrysler 300 sips wine with a Jaguar and Mercedes. It has more character than a BMW or Audi and similar muscle (Chrysler 300SRT8) to what an HSV or FPV has – only more refined. If you’re like me, the Chrysler 300 will have the just the right amount of appeal you’re after. And you’ll love any of the engines.

The current Chrysler 300 models include the:

• 300 C
• 300 Limited
• 300 Luxury
• 300 SRT8

For any more information on the new Chrysler 300 or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Chrysler dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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