Second Wave of Change

Nobody likes to drive boring cars. There are no ifs, ands or buts to
You could hardly call something as elegant and sophisticated as this boring. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
refute this statement. What you drive is often an easy way to gauge the kind of person you are, in the same way that the clothes you wear define your style, or lack thereof, or the kind of music you listen to says a lot about your core personality. The problem is, that much of the midsize segment, which is no less than the largest vehicle category in North America at two million units sold per year, has often been equated to a sea of blandness with similar shapes featuring the same tired old faces, and all in all, anonymity. To drive one is to say loud and clear that your vehicle choice was one made with little to no passion, a choice of reason and pragmatism. Because of this, customers have ever so steadily migrated out of the trusty family sedan and into SUVs and now crossovers, even though midsize cars are more spacious and better equipped than ever before.

It's
18-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels are available. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
not only the midsize segment that's declining, though, the entire sedan marketplace has been dropping off. But, if there's one brand that knows how to resuscitate an ailing field, it's Chrysler, and the car, the 300. Think about it for a second. Since when has a full-size, domestic sedan attracted so much attention at home and abroad? It was probably 1969 at home, and... well, never anywhere else in the world. Yet, Chrysler has made a segment generally dominated by big Buicks and Fords, desirable outside of the post-retirement benefits bracket.

I feel almost guilty for admitting this, but I like the way that the
Quintessentially Chrysler: hood strakes and chrome. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
old Sebring looked. It was different; low and sleek, it carried the same design language that the original LH cars carried. A contrast to the average, and a contrast to the then brand new 300C, it was just so different. In fact, my personal favourite was the Sebring TSI, the final run sports edition, which looked like a junior 300M. The Sebring did well, selling 1.3 million units in the six years it was produced, but if Chrysler wants a repeat performance it's going to have to push the envelope way beyond the old car, as the competition has heated up from all sides.

One
Lifted tail lamps now wrap around. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
of the initial ideas that Chrysler's styling group had for the new Sebring was a scaled down 300C, but quickly changed the Mafia Jr. looks for elegance and charm, citing the Crossfire and its four-door concept version, the Airflite, as key inspiration. The result is once again a car that splits opinions and turns heads in a different sort of way. For a midsize, mass-production car, I think that Chrysler did a job as good as any in keeping most of the Airflite's styling in tact, with that big, sweeping roof and tiny rear trunk. The nose is chock full of modern, art-deco cues, such as the hood strakes and that intriguing check-mark slash that runs on an angle straight down the side of the car. Imagine waking up every morning to find a piece of post-modern art on your driveway; that's the aim of the Sebring. Though all trim levels of the Sebring are good looking cars, the top of the line Limited model looks especially classy. Compared to the base and Touring models, it's been accented with chrome door handles and available chrome-plated 18-inch wheels. Needless to say, this visual upgrade allows the Sebring to sit well against the Lincoln MKZ, Lexus ES 350 and top-line VW Passat. Suddenly, the rest of the midsize class looks like a bunch of underachievers.


During the launch in California I spent a fair bit of time inside the cabins of all three Sebring trim levels; all
Luxurious, and full of amenities you wouldn't normally expect. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
models provide comfortable, supportive seats with height adjustability and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and extraordinary amounts of leg, shoulder and especially, headroom. Base and Touring models show that Chrysler is more than capable of creating inspiring cabin designs, combining the sporty, chic style of the Crossfire with modern art-deco, such as the Chrysler winged-badge inspired dash pad. But, the one that's the most impressive is once again the Limited. You can't help but be taken by surprise. The dash pad, dashboard and doors light and dark contrasting colour; the leather seats have different coloured bolsters and seat pads, stitched together with contrasting thread. The effect is even more stunning at night, where the airliner-style adjustable LED lights shine brightly, catching the chrome accent pieces on the shift knob, shift gate and door handles. With the Limited, the trim accents on the dashboard and doors isn't just bright silver, it features inset tortoise shell accents just like the 300.

One
Since when does Chrysler do stuff like this? (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
thing that's become quite noticeable with DaimlerChrysler products are the new innovations that have been unveiled on recent vehicles. Clever features like the ChillZone drink cooler and MusicGate speaker system from the Caliber, plus Load 'n Go storage system from the Nitro have led us to expect big things for the new Sebring. Available on the car is a remote vehicle starter that's been built into the key, keyless express-down windows and a very useful heated and cooled cupholder, which has a temperature range from a warm 60C to a slushee-preserving 1.5C. It's the first passenger vehicle aside from Cadillac's Escalade to feature this (although Nissan's X-Trail feeds the dash vents through the cupholders for cold and/or hot air - Ed.), a convenience item that buyers are sure to appreciate. There's also the option of heated cloth seats, so buyers don't necessarily have to splurge for leather to roast their derrieres, and a flat-folding front seat which can be used as a table or temporary desk for the driver isalso available; also handy when carrying really long objects.

My personal favourite, though, is the MyGIG infotainment system,
MyGIG is one of the best on the market, encompassing all the Sebring's goodies. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
which neatly bundles together the stereo system with Uconnect Bluetooth handsfree phone, and navigation on a large-format touch-screen interface. MyGIG has the capability to play AM, FM, Sirius satellite radio, MP3-CDs and personal MP3 players through its auxiliary jack (now standard on all cars). But the really neat part is that the system is capable of reading DVD audio and video (displaying movies while in Park), not to mention the fact that its integrated 20 gig hard drive can rip and store entire CDs. One of the on-board programs that comes with the system is Gracenotes, which automatically labels and names the individual tracks direct from the CD. The system also accepts voice commands, has a voice recorder, and an USB-input jack, which can be used to download photos from a digital camera or transfer other files. How cool is that? And if that weren't enough, the Sebring is also available with a VES rear-seat entertainment system that folds out of the centre armrest and features wireless headphones.


The Sebring is motivated by one of three different engines; one
A base 2.4 model with upgrade wheels on the sands of the Salton Sea. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
four-cylinder and a pair of V6s. The first is the 2.4-litre inline-four 'World Engine', as featured in the Dodge Caliber R/T, which makes 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. It's one of the most powerful non-turbocharged four-cylinder engines available in the midsize arena, not to mention one of the most advanced. Developed in collaboration with Hyundai-Kia and Mitsubishi, this motor is pretty much everything that one could ask for out of a base powerplant; it's smooth, efficient and has crisp power delivery. What really surprised me though, is how well the engine works with the standard four-speed automatic; long gearing helps keep the engine calm and quiet at speed, although the 2.4's torque helps it to hold onto gears, even when climbing hills without taking a substantial plunge back into third.

Next up is the 2.7-litre V6, which has been carried over from last year's model, though it hasn't arrived without an update.
2.7-litre: advantage isn't exactly clear. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
Chrysler has carefully worked over the engine to improve its torque delivery; peak occurs at 850 rpm less, making the car slightly more tractable. While the 2.7 does offer more power and torque than the four, the difference is so small that it's almost undetectable. Really, the only way to tell that there's an extra 300 cc and two cylinders under the hood is to really floor it, when you can hear the different aural tone. Though it doesn't sound like a particularly crucial engine in the Sebring's range, it does offer consumers with the ability to purchase a V6 at the price of the competition's four-cylinder models, plus it's the only engine in the Sebring lineup to offer E85 capability, making it one of the first flexible fuel midsize vehicles.

The 3.5, on the other hand, makes a significant difference to the
Ah, now that's better: 3.5-litre makes this the most powerful Sebring to date. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
Sebring's real-world performance. Unlike the 2.4 and 2.7, which have a more leisurely attitude to acceleration, when you hit the throttle the big 3.5 moves forward with much more conviction, backed with a throatier, almost growly exhaust note. The 3.5 featured here is a de-tuned version of a motor found in the 300, producing 235 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque with a single-overhead camshaft, which should provide sufficient go for most drivers, but leads me to ask why they chose to restrain its output. Chrysler very well could have extracted in excess of 250 horsepower as they do in the 300 or the old Pacifica, which would have put it in contention with Ford and Toyota's new 3.5-litre engines, and GM's 3.6-litre V6. At least an excellent six-speed automatic with AutoStick does come standard, although it's not as if the extra gear provides a huge advantage in the category, given that most of the competition has adopted a similar number of gear ratios. Chrysler says that its acceleration rivals the best in class, but with a factory-estimate of 7.7 seconds it's closer to average. Nevertheless, the addition of the 3.5 is a welcome addition to the Sebring nameplate, and my pick of the range.


There
Chrysler will offer the Sebring in Europe with a diesel. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
are a couple of differences in powertrain availability depending on market. In the U.S., the 2.4-litre global engine powers all trim levels as standard, whereas it is only available in Canada on the base model. The Touring comes standard with the 2.7-litre V6 only, although it can be upgraded to the 3.5 at extra cost in Canada, while the 3.5 is standard only on the Limited in Canada. In Europe, Chrysler will offer a 2.0-litre CRD turbodiesel with a six-speed manual gearbox. This common-rail 136-horsepower diesel has been featured in the European-market Caliber with great success, and its immediate availability will ensure that the new Sebring will cater to this market instantaneously.

On
Not exactly built for the curves, but it can cope. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
the road, the Sebring is quick to establish itself as a family sedan rather than a sports sedan, a link which could have been made given its sporty styling. For stretches of the initial drive, the order of the day was to tackle the mountainous switchbacks with enthusiasm - but there was little reward in doing so. Through the helm, the steering is more or less numb, which left me rather disconnected from what's going on beneath. The weighting isn't excessively light, as was the case with the previous car, and there is plenty of grip from the wide tires, regardless of the wheel diameter, which allowed me to pick a line and hold it, clear through any given bend. Like body roll, understeer checks in early and there aren't any surprises to be had if you lift off mid-corner, which, when combined with the available stability control and traction control makes the Sebring very safe to drive. ABS brakes are standard on all models.

With the need to push a midsize family sedan through hairpin turns
FF-JS platform's rigidity and advanced suspension help it ride as if it were on a cloud. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
being questionable at best, given the average user's demands for such a vehicle, the test didn't end there. The drive route featured a very lengthy stretch of typical freeway and plenty of opportunities to dawdle down city streets, helping me to appreciate that while the Sebring may not weave through cones as well as an Accord or Fusion, it has no difficultly whatsoever trumping them in the everyday world for comfort.

The FF-JS platform that the Sebring rides on is 1.7 times as rigid as the car it replaces, at over 24,300 Nm/degree. Chrysler has adopted the use of high and ultra-high strength steel plus new laser welding techniques in order to make this possible, the by-product of which is a cabin that's extremely well insulated from noise and free of squeaks and creaks. Both the front strut and rear multi-link suspensions are mounted on subframes to further isolate road shock and noise, while softly tuned springs and dampers, combined with extra wheel travel seek to create a ride that's truly comfortable.

Silence
Perfect for cruising down Palm Springs' main drag. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
is one of the things that I really came to appreciate in the new Sebring. Everything from the HVAC system to powertrains are quiet; even the wind noise has been effectively reduced. While wafting down Palm Springs Drive, the main drag, oncoming cars from the opposite lanes couldn't be heard and the engine in the 3.5-equipped car was barely audible above the whisper of the fan. Very impressive. Ride quality on most surfaces is excellent; the Sebring soaks up road imperfections with stride. Unfortunately, on one stretch of a fast-paced undulating highway, the soft-tuned suspension had a difficult task with secondary harmonics, though the car tracked straight and true. Cars with 16- and 17-inch wheels float a tad more than I like, although the Limited model with the optional 18-inch wheels cures this ailment, feeling more planted to the ground without compromising the ride quality.


Improvements that should be made to the new Sebring? Well, there a couple that I can think of
Trunk is small for a midsize sedan. Blame the tiny rump. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
off the top of my head. Aside from being on the small side (385L or 13.6 cu-ft), the trunk doesn't have a handle on the inside, which means that hands will get dirty on salt or dust-covered cars. This wouldn't be a big issue either, if the license-plate frame was on the trunk lid, but it's on the lower bumper, so there's nothing to hold on to when closing. I also think that while the interior design is impressive, additional soft-touch plastics, especially on the doors and dashboard, plus better quality materials on the lower fascia would be welcome. And for some odd reason, the top-of-the-line Royale leather seats have a particularly artificial feel with a completely smooth and grain-free texture. Of course, considering the price of the Sebring, which starts at $22,995 with auto, air, power everything, six airbags, and ABS brakes, it's hard to complain. After all, most everything else on the market seems that much more expensive. The only car that undercuts it for similar features is the Kia Magentis, and that's only by a measly $100.

The
Bold looks are sure to make the Sebring a hit. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)
question that most people are asking is, will the Sebring be the next 300? In all honesty I don't think so. True, they may both be very bold looking vehicles, but they're far too different and are designed from a very different perspective. Instead, the Sebring builds on the core foundations of a good midsize vehicle: value, safety, and comfort, plus adds clever features, a premium feel and, once again, bold styling. It might not create the same tidal-wave as the 300 did at its launch, but I believe its success will be as wide-spread, if not more. It's for this reason that Chrysler is choosing to launch an international attack on global markets with the Sebring. Will the gamble pay off again? I think so.

Specifications:
  • Price Range (base - Limited MSRP): $22,995 - $29,675
  • Body Type: 4-door, sedan
  • Layout: front engine, FWD
  • Engine: 172 hp, 165 lb-ft of torque, 2.4L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
  • Optional Engine: 190 hp, 190 lb-ft of torque, 2.7L, 24-valve DOHC V6 (E85 Capable)
  • Optional Engine: 235 hp, 232 lb-ft of torque, 3.5L 24-valve DOHC V6
  • Transmission: 4-spd auto (opt. 6-spd. auto)
  • Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS (opt. disc/disc, ABS, EBD)
  • Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,842 / 1,808 / 1,498 / 2,765 mm (190.6 / 71.2 / 59.0 / 108.9 in)
  • Curb Weight (min-max): 1,491 - 1,587 kg (3,287 - 3,499 lbs)
  • Tires: 215/65R16 (opt. 215/60R17; 215/55R18)
  • Cargo Volume (seats up): 385 L (13.6 cu-ft)
  • Fuel Economy (2.4; 2.7; 3.5 estimated city/hwy):  9.7 L/100 km / 6.6 L/100 km; 10.8L/100 km / 7.2L/100 km; TBA L/100 km
  • Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
  • Competitors: Chevrolet Malibu / Impala / Epica, Buick Allure, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion / Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata / Azera, Kia Magentis / Amanti, Lincoln MKX, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima / Maxima, Subaru Legacy, Volkswagen Jetta / Passat, Volvo S40 / S60
  • Website: www.chrysler.ca