As the new generation Chrysler 200 gears up for its world debut at the 2014 Detroit Motor Show, the official details of the car are released to let us know what to expect. The new Chrysler 200 starts with a clean slate, hoping to put its dreadful past behind it and start a new and interesting life.

It has certainly got the looks for that. There has been a lot of brouhaha about the 200’s new design, even though it is not really all that brilliant. But the thing is, the old 200 was such a miserable looking thing that the new one does really stand out. What’s more, it’s got character, what with that unique combination of headlights, grille and bumper that gives it an aggressive look, like it’s frowning upon something.

The interior is upgraded over the last generation model too. It’s got a better design; it uses nicer materials; and it’s got advanced technology features. It even has a rotary gear shift joystick thingy, like the one you used to get in some Jaguar models. Mind you, Jaguar is ditching this design on account of it being an impractical novelty that just isn’t as good as a normal shifter. And that’s the thing about the Chrysler 200. It may have come a long way from the hateful old model. But it still has a long way to go to become almost as good as the European – or even Korean – cars in this segment.

2015 Chrysler 200 comes with the tried and tested 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engines. The former boasts 184 bhp and 173 lb-ft of torque, and the latter 295 bhp and 262 lb-ft. The standard transmission is a new 9-speeder that can be ordered with all-wheel-drive with full rear axle disconnect system. That tells you that it’s designed for economy. The chassis and suspension system are closely related to that of Alfa Romeo Giulietta, which means they are pretty decent.

Detailed specs and pricing of the 2015 Chrysler 200 will be revealed closer to its launch later this year.