Driven: Chrysler 300C

When it arrived in 2005, the exterior styling of the all-new Chrysler 300C was a breath of fresh air. It was like nothing else in the class. The same was also true of interior quality, but not in a good way. Its replacement goes on sale next month and is a vast improvement in every respect… except the once-striking 'gangster' design which has been watered down and now has something of the Cadillac CTS about it. Under the stewardship of Fiat, the car still lacks the dynamic excellence of German rivals on twisty A-roads. But the ride is pretty good considering the 20-inch wheels and if you want a motorway cruiser it wafts alone nicely. The cabin is much more premium, but the attention to final detail stuff that Audi, BMW and Merc are so good at is still missing. The insert coin tray hidden in the centre armrest is a classic example. On the face of it, it’s fine. But pull it out and turn it over and you’ll see just how badly finished it really is. In a German car it would be perfect. Headroom for rear passengers is a compromise and there will be no estate this time. Sales of 450 units a year are achievable but as it’s priced from £35,000 it won’t do many more.