CHRYSLER 300 RANGE PRICED FOR THE U.S.

Chrysler of North America will be unveiling the all-new 300 sedan at the 2011 North American International Auto Show this week. The car replaces the unique 300C which was quite well-received in the Mzansi market. Of course the new vehicle is different in a number of ways, mainly styling but according to its makers, in quality too.

Four models are being introduced in the US. Bottom of the pile is the 300, then the 300 Limited, then 300C and finally 300C AWD. All four come with different specs and of course pricing. The baseline 300 is priced at US$27 995 (R190 800) and features things like Uconnect Touch and dual-zone climate control. The US$31 995 (R218 000) 300 Limited adds things like leather seats, an Alpine sound system and 18-inch chrome wheels. The 300C, at US$38 995 (R265 700) gets Nappa leather among others, while the AWD gets, well, you know, an all-wheel-drive system worth an extra US$2 150 (R14 600) over the 300C’s listed price.

Engines at launch will be the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with 218kW (292 hp) and the usual 5.7-litre HEMI making 271kW (363hp). The latter has a 0 – 100km/h sprint time of around 6 seconds.

Chrysler South Africa hasn’t indicated that it would not bring the new 300 here, so we live in hope. It certainly looks good and if priced right, should sell competitively.