FIRST DRIVE

by Philip King

            Chrysler says the 300C harks back to its cars of the 1950s and 60s, but to our eyes the link with Jetsons styling is tenuous at best. What ties the two is their unashamed reliance on pastiche Americana, and the 300C is no less likeable for it.

            To us the 300C’s low cabin profile, short overhangs, low bonnet and aggressive grille say 21^st century Dick Tracy. Only the rear, which is a little bland, lets the side down.

            Unlike, say, the PT Cruiser the exterior promise is matched by a cabin that presents well. The leather upholstery, analogue clock, white dials and decent-if-unspectacular plastics have a coherent feel lacking from other Chrysler interiors.

            The design itself gives rise to a few problems, with the high “waist” and shallow glass restricting vision for the driver and wide A and C pillars only adding to the difficulties. It’s a bit like driving a letterbox, but liveable, and consistent with the overall feel of the car.

            There are a few omissions inside: the steering wheel lacks telescopic adjustment, there’s no front grab rail and the rear seat headrests are fixed. Some will find the front seats too narrow and the bake pedal too high. The parking brake is an antiquated foot-operated pedal.

            However, rear seat leg and knee room is excellent, and headroom good enough for all but the taller.

            Refinement is also a strongpoint. The Hemi – the only engine available at launch – is quieter in this car than in the Grand Cherokee but retains just enough mongrel to remind us of its pedigree. The cylinder deactivation system is invisible to the driver and there’s sufficient urge from standstill to suggest the 6.4 seconds time claimed to 100km/h would be within range.

            Ride remains comfortable if a little floaty, with some surfaces providing a challenge. Corner bumps can also be felt through the steering wheel at times, while the steering itself is light, a little slow and a bit remote. However, for a large car the 300C corners fairly flat and while you will always be aware of its size, it’s an enjoyable steer.

            The 300C has weight to match its dimensions of 1,873kg, split 54:46 front-rear.

The V8 and smooth five-speed transmission never struggle, but matching the quoted mileage (12.1litre/100km) will be a challenge. Without the cylinder deactivation system this would be a true guzzler when sippers make the most sense.

            But the hunger for stylish V8s doesn’t disappear just because petrol prices go up. The struggle to attract large car buyers just got a whole lot more difficult for Ford and Holden.