Chrysler’s full-line extreme makeover has produced dramatic results for 2011, and the company literally did a number on its four-year-old Sebring sedan and convertible. The cars weren’t only thoroughly refreshed; they were also rechristened “200.” That shouldn’t fool anyone into thinking either 200 body style is all-new, as they retain the Sebring’s basic underpinnings, door skins, and roofline and convertible structure. But many people may be fooled nonetheless, since most everything else buyers see on the 200 replaces something that was uglier, cheaper, or both on the Sebring.

We provided a high-level overview of the convertible’s changes when Chrysler dropped official information and images recently. The one thing the press releases couldn’t tell us: How much better would the car be from behind the wheel? We were reasonably impressed with the 200 sedan after our first drive experience. Would the droptop take a similar leap toward decency? We took to the streets and sweeping mountain roads around San Diego, California, to find out.

• Styling Changes: More Effective than on the Sedan
• Comfortable Cabin
• Still Leisurely, but the Pentastar Shines
• More Than Lipstick on a Pig