It's always exhilarating when scheduling jibs with optimal weather conditions. So many times, convertible-type drop tops arrive for a week's testing just as the button-nosed, coal-eyed snowman greets me when pulling into the driveway and the thermometer well ensconced below 32 degrees.
Not so during the summer of 2013 as a Chrysler 200 convertible pulled in just as summer was knocking at the door (no offence Frosty). Much has changed for the 200, the follow up to the 1994-debuing Chrysler Sebring, but one thing has not; for those seeking a roomy, luggage-friendly flip-top with a second row capable of handling humans and not just Fido and his four-pawed prankster pack, Chrysler's mid-sized offering is a TOP contender.
In the 2011 model year, Chrysler made the switch from Sebring to the numeric 200. More than just a name change, both sedan and convertible underwent a complete next-generation makeover. As with Sebring, the front-wheel-drive 200 offers a sedan body style and a two-door convertible variant but no two-door permanent hardtop.
Unlike Sebring, 200 finds itself in a better position to battle the high-volume mid-size segment sedan jungle. Ralph Giles, a long-time designer talent (and now President and CEO, SRT Brand) who held steady at a company that cycled through three distinct and different ownerships since 2006, has stated numerous times during the past couple of years that improving interior quality rates highly on Chrysler's to-do list. The 2011 200 debut included more soft-touch upper dash materials and improved bucket seat comfort. Wish the back seat area continued the theme as rear side panels sport a Dollar Store ambiance.
The Chrysler Division of Chrysler Group LLC's minimalistic 2013 model year lineup includes only three models: the mid-size 200, full-size 300 sedan and versatile, high-end Town & Country minivan, although 200 offers the fun-in-the-sun convertible variant and 300 includes a high-performance SRT (Street and Racing Technology) joy ride.
As with most soft and hard top convertibles of this millennia, a glass rear window with defrosting properties comes standard. The 200 certainly isn't the lowest priced power flip top (see the two-seat Mazda MX-5 Miata) but when compared with Mustangs, Camaros and most luxury imports, it's probably the best value for a true four seater. And kudos to Chrysler for marketing the 200 convertible as a four, not a five seater as no more than two adults could co-exist in back, top up or down.
The 200 convertible offers two distinct powertrain choices, same as its sedan counterpart. An inline, 2.4-liter four cylinder offers 173 horsepower while our tester included the larger 3.6-liter V-6 cranking out 283 horses. Our V-6 was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. With a hefty 4,000-pound curb weight, the V-6 probably is the pick to click if budgets allow. The convertible checks in 425 pounds heavier than its 200 sedan counterpart so extra horsepower comes in handy. Plus fuel mileage is almost identical. Both engines utilize 87-octane regular fuel to fill the 16.9 gallon tank. The flex-fueled 3.6 liter also accepts ethanol-based E-85 blends (but expect slightly decreased fuel economy readings). Fuel economy for the four cylinder checks in at an under par 18 mpg city and 29 highway, The V-6 adds one mile per gallon better city.
Chrysler offers three 200 convertible trims: Touring, Limited and S editions. Touring includes the four cylinder standard while Limited and S offer V-6 exclusively. All three include a soft-top standard while Limited and S have a power-retracting hard-top optional.
Our Limited trim, soft-top tester started at $32,095. Options included a upgraded sound system ($495) and Uconnect connectivity including GPS navigation for the in-dash screen ($695) for a $34,260 bottom line including $995 destination charge. A four-cylinder Touring soft top starts at $27,325, the lowest-cost option.
The soft-top, power-operated convertible quickly motors up and down with the greatest of ease. No locking devices need manual unlatching. A simple push up or down of the power top button located on the front face of the dual-partitioned arm rest/storage bin gets the job done. In about 31 seconds, the bi-hinged trunk lid raises up prior to the roof automatically disengaging from the front frame, after which the canvas top lifts up and folds into the awaiting storage center behind row two. The solid deck lid then motors down, covering the canvas materials, proving an uncluttered, smooth profile.
While easy to enjoy with the roof stowed, 200 shines warmly when the top is up. The wide rear glass window contributes to some of the best sight lines experienced in a soft-top convertible. Blind spots and convertibles usually enjoy a symbiotic relationship, but 200 breaks that trend, providing drivers with decent sight lines; top up or down. While headroom with the top tucked is hardly an issue, noggin space is quite pleasant with the top up, even for row two occupants, a trick not all convertibles pull off.
Both bucket seat backs manually tilt forward allowing access to the back row. The top-of-seatback pull-tab enabling the tilting is easily accessible from row two when exiting.
The driver's door is home to power windows, locks and outside mirrors offset by a brushed aluminum on the armrest. The button releasing the trunk lid is conveniently located on the left-side dash, not the floor. Supersized air vents at the dash edges are a welcome sight as many automakers have resorted to downsizing these heat-relief segways. Smartly, the ventilation system utilizes three large, easy-to-grab dials, not an array of haphazard buttons. Below is an area to place portable electronic devices with nearby iPod and UPB ports. A wonderful flair of elegance is an analog clock above the navigation screen and between two center air vents.
With the top up, 13.3 cubic feet of cargo room is available, about the same as the 200 sedan. Even with the top down, a passible 7.0 cubic feet is available, room for groceries or small carry-on-type luggage. When opening the bi-hinged trunk in traditional trunk style, the long lid carries extra weight so be ready to exert a bit more leverage when lifting up.
Long, side doors also weigh more than sedan doors and require more oomph when closing. The extra-long deck lid accommodates needed room for the foldable roof top.
A great convenience feature incorporated into most Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat 500 models sold in the U.S. are station present and volume-control tabs on the back side of the steering wheel. While just about every other automakers place redundant sound controls on the front face of the wheel, the back is where fingers roam most freely and allow scrolls through of AM/FM or satellite radio settings. It's similar to playing a guitar and utilizing frets rather than poking around with the versatile, but less-coordinated thumb.
Chrysler 200 doesn't provide the quickness or engine growl of a Ford Mustang or Chevy Corvette convertible. It's not the performance option, but a practical choice.
Living in a four-season metro area like Chicago once meant convertibles were a seasonable transport good only half the year. With its power top, usable back seat and minimal blind spots, Chrysler 200 is a 12-month trooper; soft or hard top.
2013 Chrysler 200 convertible
Price as tested: $34,260
Wheelbase: 108.9 inches
Length: 194.8 inches
Width: 72.5 inches
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
Horsepower: 283
Curb weight: 4,000 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five-year/100,000-mile
City/Highway economy: 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway
Assembly: Sterling Heights, Michigan