The Chrysler 300C Touring profile - November 2006

The Chrysler 300C burst onto the Australian market just 12 months ago and it is fair to say its impact has been as dramatic as its appearance.
The 300C has become the best selling upper large car in the local market under $100,000. For a car that has only been around since last October, this is a remarkable achievement, the 300C having knocked off the Ford Fairlane and LTD and Holden Statesman and Caprice to get to #1.
While much of the attention has been focused on the 5.7-litre Hemi-powered sedan, Just World Cars has driven the V6 powered model, and it is far from shabby off the standing start also.

For our latest test, we took the equally stunning, big and bold touring wagon for a gallop from Melbourne to Adelaide. After all, if a vehicle is pitched as a tourer, you should get out there and put some substantial miles on it. While many would equate big with heavy and lousy fuel economy, we drove the 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel on our test. This motor is as good as it gets, delivering 160Kw of power and a huge 510Nm of torque. Drive to the rear wheels is through a five-speed automatic transmission.
Setting out from Victoria on a cold, frosty morning, the luxury of heated seats was a nice touch as the Xenon headlights carved a strong path through low-lying fog as we cruised into Ballarat an hour later at 5:30AM. Three hours from home, the 300C arrived at Horsham with the fuel needle barely off full. The trip computer showed we were using a miserly 7.5-litres for every 100km.

As the sun rose behind us, and the novelty of the early departure had long since worn off, it was time to appreciate the 300C Touring. I have completed the run to Adelaide in many different cars and the Chrysler's standard leather seats are amongst the industry's best. Adjustable lumbar support and eight-way driver and passenger seat adjustment delivered the perfect driving position, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and trip computer controls allowed complete driver control without having to lift a hand off the steering wheel. The 300C Touring cabin was spacious with generous head and leg room for all passengers. I found the slightly retro instruments to my liking and the analogue clock is a delight.

As we crossed the Vic/SA border, we upped the pace to 110 km/h and this resulted in only a slight increase in fuel consumption. The Chrysler hugged the road with assurance and despite the relatively blunt front grille, wind and road noise wasn't intrusive. The 3.0-litre V6 CRD engine is state-of-the-art and many would be hard put to actually pick it as a diesel - such is the response and lack of noise. There is no lag upon ignition (a quick-start glow system shortens pre-heating time to just a moment) and acceleration is rapid. The 3rd generation common-rail engine uses a variable geometry turbocharger that maintains optimum performance over a broad rev range. Matched to a five-speed auto transmission, shifts are smooth and the by product is excellent fuel economy. For enthusiastic driving, there is the choice of manual gear selection, achieved simply by flicking the gear shifter from "drive" either left or right for sequential gear selection.

One of the consequences of driving a 300C is that it attracts attention. We cruised into a roadhouse at Keith, and while waiting for bacon and eggs, a number of people wandered over and gave the 300C Touring the once over. And why not? The 300C has to be the coolest wagon around. It shares the same striking proportions as the saloon from the distinctive grille back to the A-pillars, but has unique rear side panels, sculptured roof and rear tailgate. Inside, there is seating for five and a load area that holds a massive 630 litres of cargo. Fold down the rear seats and this increases to an impressive 1,602 litres.

Externally, the 300C Touring may be distinctive, but equally impressive are the wagon's safety credentials. The Touring features standard Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control System, Anti-Lock brake system, front and rear side curtain airbags, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and a rear park assist system.
Standard equipment includes power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, defroster, vehicle information centre, fog lights, leather trimmed seats, AM/FM stereo with CD player, outside temperature display, numerous interior courtesy lights, storage bins and cup holders.

Seven and a half hours from departure, the 300C cruised through the Adelaide hills and descended into the City of Churches. Fuel economy had risen to 7.9 litre/100kms but we had completed the journey on less than the standard 71- litre fuel tank. Ride and handling were impeccable. In our opinion, the Chrysler 300C Touring is all class, and at an RRP of $60,990, is also excellent value.