ESTATE OFTHE ART
If you want room and road presence look no further than the Chrysler 300C Touring says Guy Bird – it’s the hardest estate in town.
That Desperate Housewives’ fiery redhead Bree Vandercamp already drives the saloon version of this car tells you almost all you need to know about the new 300C Touring. It’s an alluring, sophisticated, and powerful package tinged with a sexily menacing undertone. We called the saloon version launched last year “a car to scare SUVs”. The estate just out – called ‘Touring’ – is arguably even more ‘baddass’. Its chunky high-window line profile has been stretched to more than five metres (that’s longer motor than a Range Rover or a Mercedes E-class estate) but the roofline tapers rearwards to keep a sleekness to the shape.
Inside there’s loads of well appointed room for front and especially back passengers. Big leather seats complement understated wood and aluminium insets while the drivers’ |
This review from FQ MAGAZINE September 2006
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dials for speedometer and rev counter are neatly rendered in white with a fine font reminiscent of a clean, easy to read men’s watch. The stereo’s crisp and the controls all sensibly placed (bar the ‘enter’ button on the optional satnav). It all adds up to a classy interior. The boot offers 504 litres with seats up and 1602 seats down and there are some extra tricks up its sleeve in terms of versatility.
Lift the boot floor and a flap beneath can be pulled up to a right angle to reveal a space partitioned off by four nets – perfect for housing four bags of shopping – and still leaving room behind for more stuff in a separate, bigger tray. The tailgate’s hinges are set well into the |
roof above this load area too – rising almost vertically – so you can get to what you need easily without fear of banging your head.
Driving via the automatic gearbox is a pleasant if slightly boat-like feeling but you’ll hardly know you’re in a diesel – the engine is smooth and quiet and very reasonable on fuel (34.9mpg) for its size. Those scared of driving big cars will be reassured by standard-fit rear parking aids. It’s big but manageable. The Chrysler 300C Touring is quite simply a car your family will feel safe and comfortable in, while you’ll still feel like a man in charge of his own destiny. Perfect.
Chrysler 300C 3.0 CRD Touring
Price £27,275
Engine 218bhp 3.0
Top Speed 136mph
0-60 8.6secs
Economy 34.9mpg
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