The current-generation Sebring sedan, introduced by then-owner Daimler-Benz, has proved a market flop, being met with widespread derision, and it is now virtually synonymous with the declining fortunes of the carmaker. The Sebring name tag has become almost toxic through its close association with this mediocre model, and it is thus being dropped in favour of the name ‘200’, allowing the mid-size sedan to slot in below the 300 series, one of the more respected models in the Group’s portfolio. Using the 200 nameplate also reflects the styling cues that the Sebring facelift is drawing from the well-received 200C EV showcar presented early last year by Chrysler’s previous owner, private equity house Cerberus Capital Management. Notably, the 200’s bold new profiled grille reflects that of its namesake, and seeks to give the model a much more distinctive appearance compared to the weak front end treatment of the current model, while the new flowing headlights also draw influence from the concept.

At the rear there are more cosmetic alternations: new tail light units feature, as does a chrome strip spanning the width of the bootlid (the use of chrome detailing being part of the Chrysler brand’s strategy to differentiate its models and help its – hoped for – push upmarket), while a new rear bumper also features, pushing the location of the registration plate up onto the bootlid.

Chrysler says the 200 will prove to be “surprising value”, hinting that prices will be competitive in an attempt to help kick-start sales. Work has also been done on the car’s suspension in an attempt to improve both handling and ride, while the new ‘Pentastar’ V6 joins the engine lineup in a bid to improve the car’s performance credentials. The same changes are set to grace the Sebring Convertible in the near future.

Chrysler’s Town & Country minivan, the segment leader, will also get some upgrades for the new Model Year, with cosmetic revisions and the addition of the new V6. Fitted with the six-speed transmission, this powertrain combination offers 17 mpg on the urban cycle and 26 mpg on the highway (U.S. mpg classification). A new standard safety package will offer a class-leading 40 features. Inside there is a revamp for the dashboard, instruments and new steering wheel controls, while the ‘Stow ‘n’ Go’ seats have improved comfort, and effort has been made to ensure the third row of seats are now more convenient to fold away.

“What Chrysler Brand will be, and what will make it unique, is that it will give people beautiful shapes, which would otherwise be out of reach, it will always deliver a bit more than the customer expects,” said brand CEO Olivier François. “At every turn, Chrysler brand and its vehicles will deliver what people deserve, not just what they expect. It will take appointments – design, technology, and engines, to name a few – that were borne for a few, and deliver them to the masses.”

Chrysler Group has also presented images of the upgrades that will be made to Jeep’s Patriot which gets new front and rear bumpers (with repositioned fog lights at the front) as well as a colour-coded grille.  On the inside, meanwhile, there is widespread use of new soft-touch materials across the dashboard, as well as higher-quality detailing, such as new knobs for the controls. The seats have also been improved, while on the outside the ride height is raised very slightly. Chrysler also says that another Jeep vehicle, the Compass, will likewise receive “significant improvements”, to be announced at a later date. Jeep has already recently launched the brand-new Grand Cherokee and announced some minor Model Year changes to the Wrangler, although there are apparently be no improvements in store for the Liberty this year.