Ride, Handling & Braking
The Sebring rode softly, but had a tendency to bounce like a pogo stick after manhole covers and potholes. The 200's suspension has been overhauled, Chrysler says; indeed, the pogo-stick effect is mostly gone, but there are still moments of floaty turbulence over broken pavement. The car does still have a soft ride, thankfully. The suspension isolates bumps with refinement similar to the Malibu and most Camrys, and the cabin keeps road and wind noise low.
Though better than the Sebring, the 200 is still not a driver's car. The well-assisted steering is vague on winding roads. The power assist never really abates, so the wheel feels too loose on the highway. In sweeping corners, the 200's nose pushes gradually, but the body leans too much, even for a family car. My only praise goes to the brakes, which offer admirably linear pedal feel.
See also:
MMT In Gasoline
MMT is a manganese-containing metallic additive that is
blended into some gasoline to increase octane. Gasoline
blended with MMT provides no performance advantage
beyond gasoline of the same oct ...
Supplemental Side Air Bag Inflatable Curtain
(SABIC)
SABIC air bags may offer side-impact protection to front
and rear seat outboard occupants in addition to that
provided by the body structure. Each air bag features
inflated chambers placed adjac ...
HSA Activation Criteria
The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to
activate:
• Vehicle must be stopped.
• Vehicle must be on a 6% (approximate) grade or
greater hill.
• Gear selection matches vehicle ...
