After pictures of the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200C were revealed last year, we started looking forward to test driving this hot new sedan from Detroit. After a week behind the wheel, there is no doubt that Chrysler has a winner on their hands and finally a vehicle that can rack up serious numbers in the midsize segment.

We don’t know if it’s the Italian influence that is reshaping the look of Chrysler, but we really like the looks of the 2015 Chrysler 200C. Inspired American design and beautifully crafted inside and out, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 transforms what customers expect in a midsize sedan. The 2015 200 sedan showcases the new face of Chrysler and incorporates timeless design cues that let the car tell the story.

Clean, expressive surfaces define the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200; it’s a timeless American design based on simple elegance. The 200 sedan, with its muscular yet soulful presence, embodies a strong, sculptured exterior that drivers will want to touch and feel. The restrained design is not ornamental or full of line work, but instead showcases sensual lines and fluid surfaces which highlight the coupe-like appearance.

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 debuts the new “face of Chrysler.” The grille and headlamps are integrated for the first time and the updated Chrysler badge has an emphasis on the wing, which is more defined. The signature light pipe or available full-LED daytime running lamps (DRL), LED fog lamps and standard LED tail lamps give the all-new Chrysler 200 a distinctive, recognizable look coming and going. The Chrysler 200S model delivers an exclusive style – darker, more sinister – not found on other models in the lineup, or in the midsize sedan segment. The 2015 Chrysler 200S model features gloss black trim and accent pieces rather than the standard bright trim. The exclusive design of the daylight opening (DLO) trim, the area surrounding the side windows, is gloss black, and the 2015 Chrysler 200 is the only vehicle in the segment with this feature. Integrated dual exhausts are standard and the 19-inch Hyper Black aluminum wheels as tested with velvet red pearl coat exterior paint completed the look. The more sinister appearance of the 2015 200S model complements the sportier driving experience the S model delivers.

The interior of the 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan provides plenty of “wow” factor. Exquisitely crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, the 200 sedan’s interior is inviting and comfortable, rewarding drivers and passengers on commutes as well as longer journeys. Using four key principles – an emotional design impact, use of high-quality materials with honest material execution, state-of-the-art technology and clever storage features – and inspired by classic, thoughtful American design, the interior of the all-new 200 sedan is unequaled in the segment. The Chrysler 200 features interior trim and materials that are well-crafted, pleasing to the eye, soft to the touch and comprised of high-quality materials. Attention to detail is paramount and attractive components offer world-class levels of fit and finish.

The striking interior color and trim combinations were inspired by celebrated American locations, such as 5th Avenue in New York City, Sausalito, California and Detroit. A clever design for the center console, made possible by the state-of-the-art full electronic gear shifting with rotary shift knob, is beautiful as well as functional. A unique pass-through storage feature that the driver and front-seat passenger can both access is enabled by the rotary-dial electronic shifting – a segment first. A clever opening at the rear of the pass-through area allows wires and cables from items stored in the pass-through area to route directly to the hidden power supply located in the covered center console. The center console features innovative sliding cup holders with smooth, furniture-like movement, allowing drivers and passengers to use the space in a way that best fits their needs.

The Chrysler 200 is loaded with state-of-the-art, high-tech features and amenities that will surprise and delight customers. The available 7-inch LED, full-color driver information display instrument cluster allows drivers to receive information and feedback in the format they prefer, similar to an iPhone. A glowing bezel surrounding the instrument cluster gives off a distinctive, pleasing blue glow. The available screens show information such as real-time fuel economy, turn-by-turn navigation, compass, outside temperature, speed, time and other useful information. The display is easy to use and read, with voice-activated navigation, hands-free voice command and voice-to-text, which allows drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Exquisite style meets exceptional performance. The Chrysler 200 sedan leapfrogs expectations in the midsize sedan segment for comfort, ride and handling. Engineered to provide premium driving dynamics, improved fuel economy estimated at 36 mpg highway, a quiet cabin and an enthusiastic driving experience, it delivers exceptional ride and handling characteristics for all roads and weather conditions.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is the world’s first midsize sedan to feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard. The benefits of the advanced-technology transmission are numerous, including an estimated highway fuel economy of 36 mpg when powered by the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine. The addition of more gear ratios reduces the frequency of speed changes associated with upshifting and downshifting – fluctuations that thwart fuel savings and undermine the driving experience. The high-tech transmission dispenses power smoothly for elevated refinement. Such performance is made possible because the ratio steps between its gears are smaller than those of other transmissions. Two world-class engine choices power the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan. The proven, award-winning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 generates a best-in-class 295 horsepower as well as 262 lb.-ft. of torque.

Due to additional high-use and electrical load demands placed on the starter and battery, components have been upgraded for heavy-duty operation on models equipped with the stop-start feature. This includes a high-durability starter housed in a stronger case, heavy-duty flywheel teeth and a more robust starter solenoid. During testing, the new starter was subjected to durability testing cycles more than 2.5 times that of a non-stop-start equipped unit – more than 300,000 on/off cycles. A new battery features 700 amps with absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology. System voltage is continually monitored through a battery sensor. If the battery’s charge is reduced, the vehicle will discontinue stop-start until the battery is recharged to an acceptable level.

The 2015 Chrysler 200C delivers in all categories for a sweet deal with a sticker price of $34,415. Simple elegance, beautifully crafted, an exhilarating driving experience, and featuring state-of-the-art and easy-to-use technology, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 charts a new course for midsize sedan customers who have earned a little luxury in their life, but demand value for their money. Fuel efficiency is strong coming in at 19 mpg in the city and 32 mpg in highway driving. Plan on seeing a whole bunch of 2015 Chrysler 200Cs on the road in the coming months and years!