2005 300 TOURING

With its new designed to replace the Chrysler Concorde and 300M, DaimlerChrysler (DCX) has taken a 180-degree turn, replacing front-wheel by rear-wheel drive (and making all-wheel drive available, too). The big sedan is available in Base, Touring, Limited, and 300C models. The 300C boasts a 5.7-litre, 340-horsepower Hemi V8, while the other versions feature a 3.5-litre, 250-horsepower V6 engine. The new 300 is shorter, slightly narrower, and higher than the old models, and its is 17.8 cm longer.

The shares about 20% of its parts, by value, with the Mercedes C and E- Classes, including the steering column and front seat frames. The rear suspension has been adapted from the E-Class, but the spring and shock absorber adjustments are by Chrysler.

Interior and trunk

Getting in and out of the 300 model is a breeze, and the front seats boast superior comfort with good lateral and lumbar support. The driver’s seat offers very good comfort and control. Finding just the right position is easy with the tilt and telescopic steering column and power adjustable pedals. Unfortunately, the pedals can be adjusted while the vehicle is moving, which is not very safe. With the sunroof, there’s only just enough headroom for taller people.

Despite the size of the 300, the rear seat can only comfortably accommodate two adults. And while there is plenty of legroom, taller passengers may complain that headroom is a little tight. The rear seat is 60/40 split folding.

The trunk is roomy, but unfortunately, the opening is narrow, and liftover is a bit high. It also lacks a handhold. So, when the trunk is covered in ice or the opening mechanism fails to lift the lid, it is not easy to open. The outside-mounted trunk hinges are a nice feature as they can’t damage objects inside.

Features and safety

The interior is well appointed and the soundproofing is good. While the front seatbacks have no pockets, the 300 boasts plenty of storage space.

Photos : Daimler Chrysler et CAA-Québec The controls and instruments are well displayed, with one exception, the wiper control. It is on the end of the turn indicator lever, and you have to apply just the right amount of pressure for the MIST position. Too much pressure activates the windshield washers (and they should be more powerful). What’s more, the positioning of the lever means taking your left hand off the wheel to activate the other functions. The heating system works well, but the fan gets a bit noisy when turned up to third speed or higher.

The safety features on the 300 include two front , two locking front headrests (that don’t go up high enough for taller people), two rear headrests (that are too low for average-height to tall people), and electronic stability and traction control. Curtain airbags are available as an option. Visibility is hampered in a number of ways: The rear window is quite narrow, the rearview mirror creates an oblique blind spot on the right side, the sun visor blocks visibility considerably when lowered, and it is difficult to judge distances accurately when backing up. The headlights are also somewhat lacking in power.

Engine and

With the exception of the 300C, all the versions of the 300 are powered by a high- performance, 3.5-litre V6 engine that generates 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. In-gear and through-gear acceleration are respectable and well suited to the vehicle. Those looking for more performance should opt for the 300C, with its celebrated 340 horsepower HEMI V8 engine.

The four-speed automatic transmission is smooth at all speeds and offers good gear ratios. The electronic stability and traction control systems work very well but have to engage often, even with snow tires on the vehicle. Performance is better than earlier rear-wheel drive models, but not as good as front-wheel drive on snow or ice. For a car better suited to our winters, opt for all-wheel drive, which sends 62% of torque to the back wheels and 38% to the front wheels.

On the road

The fully independent suspension is very well calibrated. And while it is firm, it rides comfortably, with no harsh reactions on poor pavement. The car has a tenacious grip in turns, and leans just as this kind of vehicle should.

The power steering is very heavy in cold weather and although it gradually lightens up, it remains on the heavy side. It is stable, precise, and relatively quick, with an average turning radius. Like the Mercedes power steering, the 300 series does not straighten the front wheels after turning at very low speeds. The brakes are powerful and offer good endurance.

Photos : Daimler Chrysler et CAA-Québec At a CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre, we observed that, on the whole, the 300 is well assembled with a sturdy chassis. However, we noted a lack of rustproofing, and the front discs could benefit from a complete backing plate. In addition, the front wiring for the ABS system could be more firmly attached.

Conclusion

This new 300 features a good mix of Chrysler and Mercedes components, resulting in a car that is comfortable and enjoyable to drive, and that exudes a feeling of sturdiness. Of course, the rear-wheel drive will scare off buyers who don’t want the added expense of all-wheel drive. And sadly, this is yet another Chrysler product that has sacrificed visibility on the altar of design.

PROS: Roominess, comfortable seats, smooth transmission, spacious trunk, storage space, road handling

CONS: Impaired visibility, poor headlight performance, small trunk opening, blind spot created by rearview mirror, poorly designed headrests, insufficient windshield washer pressure

2005 CHRYSLER 300

Engine: 3.5-litre, 24-valve V6; 16-valve, 5.7-litre V8 Horsepower: 250 hp at 6,400 rpm; 340 hp at 5,000 rpm Torque: 250 lb-ft at 3,800 rpm; 390 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm, Transmission: 4- or 5-speed automatic Suspension: fully independent Brakes: 4-wheel disc Length: 499.9 cm Width: 188.2 cm Height: 148.3 cm Wheelbase: 304.8 cm Weight: 1,683 to 1,844 kg Tires: P215/65R17, P225/60R18 Towing capacity: 907 kg Air bags: Standard. Curtain air bags optional

Fuel consumption (V6): -- Transport Canada rating: city: 12.2 L/100 km (23 mpg); highway: 8.1 L/100 km (35 mpg) -- Test results: 12 L/100 km (24 mpg)

Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 8.4 seconds 60-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds

Photos : Daimler Chrysler et CAA-Québec Competition: Buick Allure and Le Sabre, Chevrolet Impala, Ford Five Hundred and Grand Marquis, Pontiac Bonneville, Toyota Avalon

Warranty: − Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km − Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km − Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000 km − Perforation damage: 5 years/160,000 km − Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage), 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter and electronic control module)

Factory replacement parts: Rear bumper: $747 Front brake disk: $86 Brake pads: $174 Muffler: $573 Front fender: $129

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim- free insurance record, male or female driver 30 to 40 years old): $946 to $1,408

Price according to trim line: Base: $29,995 Touring: $32,095 Limited: $36,095 300C: $43,095

Main options: All-wheel drive: $2,255 to $4,095 Sunroof: $1,050 Navigation system: $2,895 Adjustable pedals: $225 Protection package: $655

Price as tested: $34,075

Freight and preparation: $1,200

Dealers: Quebec: 156 Canada: 594

© December 2004. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec.

Photos : Daimler Chrysler et CAA-Québec