(Mon 25 Feb 08)

The Chrysler 300C has been substantially rethought for the 2008 model year, with interior and exterior changes, a new model and the deletion of an engine.

The engine that has gone is the 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit which actually worked quite well in the 300C, though it didn't make much financial sense compared with the 3.0 CRD turbo diesel. Diesels in fact now make up 80% of the range, with saloon and Touring versions of the standard car and the new SRT-Design.

The regular 300C is visibly different from pre-2008 models thanks to new rear light clusters, a revised bootlid with spoiler and central brake light, 18" alloy wheels, a roof-mounted aerial and side body mouldings. It also gets automatic headlights, new cupholders and an armrest in the centre console, dark Slate Grey leather upholstery and a single-CD/DVD/radio with an MP3 jack.

Optional equipment includes satellite navigation with MP3 and Bluetooth capability, and the MyGIG "infotainment system". MyGIG comes as standard in the SRT-Design, which also gets 20" alloy wheels, a chrome mesh grille, carbonfibre interior details, an upgraded Boston audio system (for the saloon only) and various features from the SRT-8, including wheelarch spats, steering wheel, sports seats, door trims and body-coloured exterior mirrors and doorhandles.

The SRT-8 is, of course, the range-topping model, and now the only one without a diesel engine - instead, it gets the 425bhp 6.1-litre Hemi V8. It's available as a saloon only, the Hemi Touring having been discontinued.

Prices for the diesels range from £27,495 for the standard saloon to £33,245 for the SRT-Design Touring. The SRT-8 costs £40,995.

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