Chrysler 300C

Our verdict

Basically a previous-generation Merc E-Class underneath, the Chrysler 300C is nevertheless a genuinely interesting car. It looks great and is superbly well priced. One to try before you buy a nondescript German.

Comfort

The ride can be a little bit grabby for some, but the 300C makes great sense on a motorway and for general schlepping about. It's big too, so there's loads of space, but the high waistline and short windows can make kids sick.

Performance

Three engines to choose from; two V6s (a 249bhp 3.5-litre petrol or a 218bhp 3.0CRD diesel)or the big daddy - a 425bhp 6.1-litre V8 in the SRT-8. The diesel V6 is the one to go for as it's quicker than the V6 petrol; 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds versus 9.2 and 143mph versus 136mph. It's the torque. If you can stretch to the SRT-8, you can burn to 62mph in 5.0seconds and hit 170mph.

Cool

Very. Works on many levels and interest hasn't waned yet.

Quality

The interior may be a bit Chrysler budget, with lower-rent plastics than we're used to, but nothing falls off. We just wish they'd lay off the silver spray paint - it looks crap.

Handling

Ok, so it's not the most sorted handling car; it floats over crests and can be really fidgety in town. Chrysler has reverse-engineered the Merc set-up to be considerably worse. Hefty SRT-8 is mega tail-happy fun, but it's more a drag racer than a sports car.

Practicality

Don't forget the Touring if you're after space. The saloon is usually enough though - the boot doesn't choke on the luggage of five adults. The pay-off for the interior floor plan is that this is a huge car to park - a multi-storey nightmare.

Running costs

The SRT-8 is a beast to run; group 20 and teens mpg as well as a £40k price tag. The diesel is cleaner and uses less fuel than either petrol car - it'll hit nearly 35mpg when the 3.5 V6 gets just 25.7mpg - and gets hit for less tax.