Model tested: Chrysler 300C Tourer 3.0 V6 CRD Automatic
Price: £27,275 on-the-road.
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 136mph
Combined economy: 34.9mpg
Kerb weight: 1945kg
Relevant links:
All Chrysler road tests.
The SMMT day was a good opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Chrysler 300C Tourer. The well-endowed SRT8 version would be our choice, but only the diesel automatic version was available.
Putting the words 'diesel' and 'automatic' on an enthusiasts' car site would traditionally have scared the readers away, but not any more, and the Chrysler Tourer makes a lot of sense with the Mercedes-Benz derived 3-litre V6 installed behind the egg crate grille. Indeed, the 300C is closely related to the current E-Class Mercedes, though the bold styling is all-American Chrysler and that's no bad thing at all.
The gearbox works well in conjunction with the CRD engine. This unit has plenty of go, but the Tourer is a heavy car so performance is not exactly scintillating. Its ride and handling are commendably good and no doubt the 300C is a good long distance car. A glance inside will confirm that the 300C appeals to a different set of buyers than the equivalent Mercedes. The design is distinctive, there is plenty of space and it is comfortable. Despite the style-over-function slant of the rear hatch, the boot is still commodious.
Style alone is likely to attract buyers into Chrysler showrooms, but the 300C Tourer has another ace up its sleeve: price. A Mercedes-Benz E-Class with the same engine costs at least £7,000 more...
Shane O' Donoghue - 30 May 2006