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| Models promote Chrysler's new 200 mid-size sedan at an event in southern Seoul, Tuesday. The gasoline-powered sedan mated with a segment first nine-speed automatic transmission has 187 horsepower with maximum torque of 24.2 kilogram meters. The base model 200 is priced at 31.8 million won, while the top 200C is 37.8 million won. / Yonhap |
By Park Jin-hai
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched its mid-size sedan new 200 on Tuesday.
The coupe-like sedan, slightly larger than Hyundai Motor's Sonata, adds a good choice in the segment where foreign carmakers fiercely fight for the market.
Calling Korea "test bed" for the mid-size sedan, FCA Korea CEO Pablo Rosso said Korea is the first country outside North America to launch the Chrysler 200 sedan.
"More Koreans are moving away from historical and uniform buying trends. We are very confident that the 200 will stand out in the midst of this competition," he said during the launch event held in southern Seoul, Tuesday.
Not to mention its aero dynamic look, the gasoline powered sedan has design and technological elements that are constantly "engaging" the needs of customers.
On top of award-winning high-end interior, inspired by American architectures on the 5th Avenue and Detroit city, the all new Chrysler 200 has segment-first 9 speed auto transmission and stacks of safety features, wooing customers.
They include blind spot warning on side mirrors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning as well as eight airbags.
To succeed in the market, the company offers competitive prices, lower than what are sold in the North American market.
The price for the basic 200 trim is at 31.8 million won, while the top trim 200C is priced at 37.8 million won.
In North American market, they are sold 200,000 and 800,000 won higher.
The automotive giant had the record high sales in Korea, selling 6,400 cars, or up 27 percent last year.
Since it has been accepting preorders from January, some 200 people booked for the car. The company forecasts to sell over 100 cars each month.
Starting with the 200, the company will introduce Jeep's compact SUV Renegade in the third quarter, followed by Fiat's crossover 500X in the fourth quarter.
