Chrysler has been the go-to automaker for years when it comes to answering the needs of drivers wanting a refined-looking convertible for an affordable price. It raised the bar for the 2011 model year, replacing the venerable Sebring Convertible with the new midsized 200 Convertible, available with a cloth top or retractable hardtop.
An extended test-drive, which includes a 1,700-plus-mile Houston-Nashville round trip, in Chrysler’s 2012 two-door drop-top sends a positive message. The tester is the Limited model, base priced at $31,950, which is positioned in the lineup between the base Touring (cloth top only) and top-line sporty S, base priced at $26,955 and $32,450, respectively. The hardtop adds $1,995 to the test-car’s price.
Committed to driving a large portion of the trip with the top down, the cargo shield in the trunk has to be positioned to accommodate the folded top. This reduces luggage space from 13.3 to 7 cubic feet. Enough room remains to slip in a stuffed medium-sized suitcase and a large overnight bag. The remaining luggage rides on the two-place rear seat.
The trunk lid, which unlocks remotely with a tap on the key fob, is a tad heavy to lift. As expected of a two-door, the doors are large and may take extra effort to open.
Preparation for top-down cruising also includes slipping the wind stop out of a bag located under the cargo shield. This fold-away unit’s portions easily piece together to provide a vertical wind screen and horizontal 50/50-split flip-up screens that cover the rear compartment. The wind stop, which helps reduce wind buffeting and noise, can remain in place with the top up.
Operation of the three-piece power hardtop is via a console-mounted switch, and takes just under 30 seconds to lower or raise. The lowered top hides neatly beneath a hard lid.
With the top up, the 200 has a sleek, coupe-like look. Dropping the top shows off a profile similar to the Sebring’s, but with cleaner, more-sophisticated lines and a refined front end featuring larger headlamps, “premium” fog lamps, and a grille with horizontal chrome louvers. The Limited’s split-spoke, polished-aluminum, 18-inch wheels add to the upscale look.
Driving the car in a hard rain, no leaks occur, and while strong crosswinds produce some noise, it’s minimal. The top is lined and the interior is quiet.
The front bucket seats are supportive and padded just right for comfort. When seats aren’t comfortable it doesn’t take my back long to feel it, but, despite the long hours of driving, I never experienced back fatigue. Seats on Limited models are upholstered in premium leather, and the tester’s seats are clad in an eye-grabbing pearl color with black trim.
Ride quality is superb. Driving the convertible over a variety of pavement types, including grooved under-construction highways, the suspension efficiently soaks up pavement irregularities. Steering is responsive and handling on twisty roads inspires confidence.
Another part of the performance package that fits in the just-right category is the front-wheel-drive Limited’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Generating 283 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 260 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm, the beefy six motivates the 2-ton car at a respectable clip.
Paired with a six-speed, adaptive electronic control automatic transmission with Auto Stick manual, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 miles per gallon city and 29 mpg highway. My highway driving generally produces 27.5 mpg. Chrysler suggests the 16.9-gallon fuel tank be filled with regular unleaded gasoline.
Keeping occupants entertained and informed is a standard Media Center that includes: 6.5-inch touchscreen; 40GB hard drive; CD/DVD and WMA/MP3; Bluetooth streaming audio; remote USB port; auto-dimming rearview mirror with microphone; and Uconnect Voice Command. The test car also features a much-used GPS navigation system, which is part of a $695 entertainment/infotainment package. The only convenience feature the 200 Convertible needs is a map light on the windshield header.
Chrysler’s 200 Convertible is a well-rounded package, providing respectable performance, stylish exterior and interior, comfortable ride and a well-executed retractable hardtop.
If again offered an opportunity to take a 200 drop-top on another long trek, I’d take Chrysler up on it.
minimal. The top is lined and the interior is quiet.
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