The 300C has been regarded as somewhat of
an underappreciated oddity, a spirited product of the long-defunct
DaimlerChrysler era and a guilty indulgence (as a Hemi-powered model). Those
descriptions are more attributable to the predecessor of this vehicle, it has to
be said; the fact that the 3.0 CRD test unit racked up its 20,000 km mileage
two months before it was due to depart our fleet speaks volumes for the big
Chrysler’s popularity with the team.
Thanks to the eye-grabbing distinctiveness
of the 300’s shape, especially clad in this pearlescent finish that high-lights
the expansive horizontal planes and boxy extremities, the Chrysler ranks as one
of the most photographed long-term test units that this author’s had the
privilege of testing in his long career.
The
300C offers great value, oodles of kerb appeal and kilometre-eating
long-distance leisure
The LED-adorned headlamps, brushed-chrome
garnishing (in the grille, below the headlamps, along the flanks and round the
tail lamp clusters), let alone the handsome 20-inch alloys, ramp up the 300C’s
kerb appeal so appreciably that the test unit made star appearances at a clutch
of weddings, matric farewells and other social events. Needless to say, it drew
envious looks wherever it was seen.
The cabin’s awash with retro two-tone dark
and light frost-beige nappa leather, as well as wood trim. If you are
accustomed to dark cabins that are studies in Teutonic minimalism, the 300C’s
veritable deluge of brown materials and chunky switchgear are acquired tastes.
Although
the finish of the matte wood veneer was not universally liked, the interior
integrity and fit impressed
Nevertheless, every test team member who
drove the car was positive about the Chrysler’s extensive list of
specifications. A heatable steering
wheel rim, warming and cooling facilities for the driver and front
passenger’s cupholders, an electrically operated rear sunblind and an expansive
panoramic sunroof are usually extra-cost options in the 300C's segment. The U-Connect
8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which offers sat-nav, Bluetooth
connectivity and audio streaming, as well as voice-command recognition, was a
particular highlight.
By virtue of the nine-speaker Alpine 7.1
channel surround-sound audio system, which is equipped with an eight-inch
subwoofer, testers could select and play music tracks via Bluetooth streaming,
an SD card or USB to their hearts' content. Changing audio sources was as easy
as pushing the remote toggles on the back of the steering wheel, although we'd
prefer not to scroll through all the radio bands (FM, SW, MW and LW) to select
Bluetooth, for example. Selecting folders on the external drives also requires
scrolling via arrows on the touchscreen, rather than swiping up or down the
screen, as you would on a smartphone.
The
300C’s 3.0 V6 is made by Italian diesel specialist VM Motori
The fair-coloured upholstery proved durable
during the test and the rubber boot of the pedal that operates the parking
brake, which mysteriously tore loose, was the only item to wear. The comfort of
the front seats, which afford myriad options for electric adjustment, heating
and ventilation, are large, but don't offer much lateral support and drew mixed
reviews from test-team members. Furthermore, the levels of rear-leg and
headroom are merely adequate, which is curious for a vehicle that is five
metres long, near-two metres wide and rides on a 3,052 mm wheelbase. The
luggage capacity, however, is cavernous and accommodated the abundant
luggage/gear of four editorial and production team members on their return from
the 2014 Performance Shootout road trip. When the 300C undergoes a facelift, an
electric closing function for the boot lid would be welcome, as it would befit
the all-luxury packaging.
