Following the success of its legendary 300, Chrysler (heavily subsidized by Fiat) introduced the slightly less expensive, slightly more median family-friendly 200 for the 2011 model year. The 5-passenger midsize Chrysler 200 sedan underwent a hefty redesign in 2015, and the 2016 edition is expected to go on sale later this year essentially unchanged. Look for the base LX trim, the up-featured Limited iteration, the sporty S variant, and the flagship 200 C edition. There are also hints that an up-featured 200 Anniversary Edition, celebrating Chrysler's 90th year, will appear late in 2016. The 200 Convertible was deleted from the lineup after 2014 and remains absent.

Expect all 200 sedan trims to return sporting standard front-wheel drive (FWD), with the S and C trims again eligible for full-time all-wheel drive (AWD). All trims are also slated to utilize the elongated chassis common to the automaker’s Dodge Dart and Jeep Cherokee offerings. The 200's massive 16 cubic feet of trunk space is great for hauling around groceries, luggage, and that new ottoman, but most reviewers would rather see a slightly downsized cargo area in favor of some increased passenger legroom.

The sleek and swoopy 2016 Chrysler 200, however, comes loaded with the middle-class goodies that families and commuters expect. Outside, depending on the trim selected, look for the return of 17- or 18-inch steel or alloy wheels, keyless entry and ignition, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, and remote engine start. Trim-dependent interior features will include cloth or leather upholstery, full power accessories, cruise control, and telescoping tilt-wheel steering. The three lower 200 trims will again feature manual air conditioning, while the plush 200 C will return with standard automatic dual-zone climate control.

Further upgrades to standard bling in higher 200 trims for 2016 are scheduled to include power-adjustable front seats and upgraded exterior trim pieces and interior accents. The athletic S totes a standard sport-tuned suspension and sport front seats, while the flagship C adds heated front seats, a rear-view camera, an upsized driver's information display, and rear heating ducts. Look for lower 2016 Chrysler 200 trims to sport Bluetooth hands-free calling, basic Uconnect infotainment with a 5.0-inch display, and a 4-speaker AM/FM stereo complemented by an auxiliary audio input. The top-shelf 200 C will also feature satellite radio and Bluetooth music streaming.

A number of optional packages are expected to return for the higher 200 trims, though likely with some minor changes. Look for these to include the Navigation and Sound Group I that boasts Uconnect 8.4 infotainment bolstered by GPS navigation and a 506-watt Alpine premium 9-speaker audio system, or the Premium Group, which adds memory for driver's settings, upgraded leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. A dual-pane panoramic sunroof and upgraded and upsized wheels are slated to remain as standalone options.

Power-wise, expect the standard engine aboard all 200 FWD trims to remain a capable 2.4-liter Flex-Fuel (FFV) inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant that puts out 184 hp and 173 lb-ft of torque when toting the standard 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission with its unique rotary-dial shifter. In addition, the 200 S iterations with both FWD and AWD will again tote steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Look for mileage with the I4 to return at an estimated 23 mpg city/36 highway/28 combined.

A 3.6-liter FFV V6 powerplant is again scheduled to remain available to all 200 FWD iterations and returns standard in AWD editions. Look for 295 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque from this peppy V6, again under the management of the 9-speed shiftable automatic. A selectable Sport mode that tweaks throttle and steering response, along with transmission shift points, is once again included with the V6. Expect mileage estimates of 19/32/23 in FWD versions of the V6-packing 200, and 18/29/22 in editions with AWD.

Standard safety features aboard all 2016 Chrysler 200s are anticipated to remain 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, a passenger-side front knee airbag, and front and rear head-protection airbags. A post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm also return standard. Safety options are again expected to include the Premium Lighting Group, boasting LED front fog/driving lights and high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights, as well as the 200 C’s available SafetyTec package, which offers blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warnings, lane-departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, and advanced braking assistance.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the current 200 4 out of 5 stars, while the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards the 2015 versions its best overall score of Good.

Look for the well-regarded 2016 Chrysler 200 sedan to again challenge Ford’s stylish and tech-outfitted Fusion, Honda’s capable Accord, Nissan’s spacious Altima, and Mazda’s surprisingly nimble Mazda 6 for midsize 4-door supremacy in this heavily trafficked market category. And there are even rumors of another hefty 200 remake for the 2017 model year.