LET’S turn the clock back 50 years for a second.

In 1962, Australia’s favourite large car was a Holden, Ford’s Falcon was floundering so badly pundits predicted the end of local production, and Chrysler launched a powerful and sassy rival called the Valiant.

The comparison to the landscape today is uncanny, only this time, Chrysler’s offering in the large-car market is the re-born 300.

As before, the showy newcomer is positioned slightly above the locals, but compensates by offering compelling powertrains, plenty of features and bold American attitude.

It all makes one ask: Does anything ever really change?