Chrysler facelifts the 300C

What is it?

A facelift of the 300C could have presented Chrysler's designers with a headache. It's such an instantly recognisable car and stands out from the usual sober executive fare that a redesign could have lost what makes this car great. Thankfully, Chrysler has had the good sense to leave the bluff front end unchanged and simply tweak the exterior here and there. The biggest change is moving the third brake light from the rear windscreen to the boot lid and positioning it just under the new small lip spoiler. The aerial is now a 'fin' style item on the roof rather than the previous more normal item. Inside, there are minor changes to the instruments and the centre console now boasts two cupholders. More important is the new soft-touch dash covering that imparts a greater sense of quality and luxury to the 300C's cabin. Chrysler has taken the opportunity of the light restyle to drop the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, so only the 3.0 V6 turbodiesel and 6.1-litre V8 for the SRT-8 are available. There is one new model, however, in the SRT-Design, which mates the looks of the SRT-8 with the diesel engine.

Is it any good?

Chrysler has done nothing to the suspension of the 300C during this mid-life revamp other than make 18-inch alloy wheels standard in place of the previous 17-inch items, yet the revised car copes more ably with bumpy roads. This is quite unexpected, as usually larger wheels means a more unsettled ride. For the 300C, it means the car now traverses uneven roads with greater composure and without the minor jolts previously felt at lower speeds. Another unexpected benefit is that the Chrysler feels a touch more agile, talking corners with more zest, though the 300C is still some way off the cornering prowess of the likes of the BMW 5 Series. It's just as refined as before though, so wind and road noise only make themselves heard on the motorway, while the engine is hushed. Backing up the improved driving manners of the 300C is the engine and gearbox combination. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel is a fine unit with 218bhp and a hefty 376lb.ft dollop of mid-rev muscle, which helps the 300C crack 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and top out at 143mph. More relevant are the decent 34.9mpg combined economy and 215g/km emissions that make it a reasonable prospect for those paying for the Chrysler out of their own pocket. Whoever's paying for the 300C, its occupants are treated to massive amounts of space front and rear. Leather seats are standard, now finished in dark grey in all models and there's climate control and a fine stereo. Buyers can upgrade to Chrysler's 'MyGIG' system, which offers satellite navigation and a hard drive to store music on.

Should I call the bank manager?

Your bank manager may raise an eyebrow at the unusual choice of an American executive car over the usual German models, but financial sense should prevail. The 300C is cheaper than most rivals and offers a generous standard equipment list, fine diesel engine with standard automatic gearbox and it has a proven record of strong used values. Put that lot together with its handsome looks, comfort and improved quality and you have a very attractive executive package.

Summary

Small changes make the 300C a much better car than it was before and Chrysler has shown fine judgement in leaving the distinctive looks as they were. Little things improve the feeling of quality, such as the soft-touch dash finish and dark grey leather upholstery, while the unexpected improvement in ride comfort is more than welcome. With strong value for money on its side, the 300C is more appealing than ever.

Alisdair Suttie