As I await my new long-term test car, deputy editor Mike Fourie kindly offered his American-sized Chrysler 300C 3,0 CRD when I recently had to travel to George.
I’ve driven the Chrysler on several occasions since it became part of our long-term test fleet, but usually with only my wife in the passenger seat. But for the trip to the Southern Cape, the Chrysler’s capacious cabin and generous luggage compartment swallowed three occupants and their luggage with ease.
On the N2 freeway, the 300C’s 550 N.m of torque came in handy as we overtook a lot of traffic along the way. In most situations, you need to press the throttle pedal to the floor for that initial power delivery as the gearbox kicks down, but soon afterwards you can tap off as the car quickly gains speed.
One of my main gripes with the 300C is the way it rides. The huge 20-inch low-profile tyres and wheels seem to contribute to the fidgetiness that is felt
at slower speeds. However, the car does settle once you hit the highway.
Fuel consumption was also reasonable, with the average of the trip settling around the 8,8 litres/100 km mark.
In town, the size of the car can be a little daunting – especially when it comes to parking the beast. It requires forward planning and you can’t simply dodge into a parking spot when you see one. Other than that, few sedans look as imposing on the road.
AFTER 8 MONTHS
Delivery mileage: 684 km
Milage now: 17 344 km
Fuel consumption: 9,8 L/100 km
We like: kerb appeal, long distance cruising comfort
We don’t like: fidgety ride on urban roads
