Chrysler Grand Voyager (June 2008)

Launched: Chrysler Grand Voyager

Wheels Magazine
May, 2008

Accepting that function typically rules over form in the people-mover segment, Chrysler has ditched the curvier, organic shape of the superseded Grand Voyager in favour of a bigger, van-like box for the new model. The company suggests the styling cues have been inspired by the popular 300C; we tend to think the Mercedes Vito may have been involved.

However, a load of changes and new features have been applied, among which are fatter track, bigger brakes, more interior room, second-row power windows, standard reversing camera, and multimedia info-tainment system.

The new model comes in three levels - LX, Touring and Limited, with a choice of petrol or turbo-diesel engines mated to a six-speed chrysler automatic, first introduced in the Sebring.

Prices start at $56,990 for the petrol LX and run to $75,990 for the range-topping Limited turbo diesel (the oiler attracts a $3000 premium at each of the three levels).

Engines are both new to the Grand Voyager but not new to these shores. The 120kW/360Nm dohc common-rail, direct-injection turbo-diesel 2.8-litre four already features in the Jeep Nitro, while the 3.8-litre ohv V6 petrol engine (here making 142kW/305Nm) powers the Jeep Wrangler.

Considering most of the Voyager's competition is more affordable, Chrysler ambitiously expects the high-line $70k-plus Limited to be the early popular choice, with the petrol V6 the preferred pick of Australians. Perversely, Wheels thinks they'll fancy the turbo diesel.

A DVD-based sat-nav with touch screen and voice-command operation is standard on the Limited, while dual DVD players can simultaneously play up to three different media.

As with the Voyager before it, this one has dual sliding doors (power driven on Touring and Limited) and hidden door tracks. There is a strut front end, but the carry-over torsion-beam rear now has coil springs for the first time. All models now get load-levelling and height control, keeping the Voyager flat regardless of load weights.

Safety and security features are extensive: 10 airbags (including curtains) protecting all three rows of seats, and there's a suite of brake assistance features including anti-lock, ESP, and traction control. Tyre-pressure monitors and remote keyless entry with immobiliser are also included.

On the road, the diesel does its job more effortlessly than the petrol, a triumph of torque over power.

Official fuel consumption (combined cyle) is 9.3L/100km. Wheels managed 8.4L/100km on a lazy rural run. The petrol version came in at 13L/100km.

The new transmission tends to kick down earlier than you'd expect, more so on the petrol version.

But, ultimately, the dynamics feel acceptable for such a meaty wagon. And your passengers should arrive at their destination in comfort, possibly even reluctant to disembark until the DVD has finished.

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