Chrysler 300C CRD SRT Design (2008) driven CAR review

The Chrysler 300C has won more than its fair share of admirers since it exploded into view in 2005. It seems that those with a taste for the alternative have bought into the bad-boy American bruiser.

Three years on, and now separated from its former German owners, Chrysler has given the 300C a mid-term brush-up, thankfully resisting the temptation to mess around with its styling – arguably its strongest selling point. In fact, if you be forgiven for thinking Chrysler hadn't changed a thing…

A Chrysler 300C SRT Design with the diesel engine? That’s new…

Yes, it is, because previously, the SRT Design pack was only available if you bought the Hemi-headed V8. However as most 300Cs sold in Europe are powered by the Mercedes-Benz 3.0-litre V6 diesel, Chrysler realised that it was missing a trick not combining the bad-ass looks of the V8 with the relative frugality of the oil burner.

As well as putting that right, the facelift has ushered in a few other changes – the dashboard makes use of higher quality plastics, and features a new centre console. LED mood lighting, more cup-holders and a lightly re-profiled boot lid might not sound like great shakes, but it’s just enough to keep the 300C reasonably fresh.