New look goes elegant

Some like it hot, and if you do, then a two-door car that turns into a convertible is likely a cool thing.

The good news is that you don't have to drop big coin for a rolling hair dryer. The even better news is that this year's crop of contenders is hot stuff. Just take a look at the 2011 Chrysler 200.

The car has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes of what was better known until recently as the Sebring. And although the basic structure has been carried over, there have been a number of significant upgrades to improve the mid-size model's overall performance and create a more elegant appearance, both inside and out.

The updating of the Sebring-cum-200 wasn't too long overdue since the current body style has only been around since the 2008 model year. But the adjustments and name change were deemed as vital to reinvigorating the Chrysler brand by the automaker's Fiat-based management that now runs the show.

Visually, the 200 has been treated to a mostly new front end, including a cleaner looking grille and hood. The front fenders contain a contemporary set of projector-style headlamps and fog lights with light-emitting diode (LED) accents. There are also new fenders and LED taillights in back. These changes are quite typical of the updates that many vehicles go through at the mid-point of their production cycles.

Perhaps more importantly, the 200's suspension has undergone significant retuning and reengineering, including a slight widening of the distance between the left and right wheels (called track). The tires are a bit wider and the ride height has also been lowered. The idea here is to reduce body lean and shake (the latter a common convertible problem), while adding a greater measure of steering control.

All is well, or at least better, on the inside now that Chrysler's designers have tossed out many of the car's hard-plastic panels and trim pieces.

The centerpiece is an all-new soft-touch instrument panel along with a clearly classier steering wheel. Additionally, the armrests have soft-touch coverings and the seats are now better bolstered and have improved coverings.

As for running gear, the 200 convertible shares the same engine/transmission choices as the sedan. A 173-horsepower four-cylinder that originated from last year's Sebring is standard in the 200 Touring. The real star of the show is the new 283-horsepower 3.6-liter "Pentastar" V-6 that replaces the previous 186-horsepower 2.7-liter V-6 and the 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6. More importantly, the 3.6, which is part of the top-level S model and optional in the Touring and Limited, is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, which is slightly better than the base four-cylinder's 18/29 mpg rating. Both powerplants are connected to six-speed automatic transmissions with manual-shift override.

At a base price in the $27,200 range, including destination costs, the 200 Touring convertible is a veritable cornucopia of content, while the Limited ratchets things up with leather-covered seats, voice-activated media center with Bluetooth short-range wireless connectivity, 18-inch alloy wheels (17-inch alloys are standard) and numerous dress-up tidbits. Meanwhile, along with the V-6, the just-now-arriving S edition adds premium leather seats, upgraded Boston Acoustics-brand speakers and chromed trim (including wheels).

Ordering the Limited or S is also the only way to upgrade to the extra-cost power-folding hardtop that replaces the more traditional retracting cloth lid. Beyond providing an extra measure of security, the metal top makes the 200 more of an all-weather vehicle.

But let's not think about winter right now. The 200 convertible is 100 percent about soaking up some relatively affordable summer fun for up to four passengers, heading to the beach or simply cruising in high style.