Chrysler's new Grand Voyager, to be launched in South Africa this week, is a clear departure from previous models with distinctive, squared-off styling but retains the qualities that have made it the benchmark people-carrier - versatility, comfort and a mind-boggling array of features.
Chrysler SA brand manager Guy Franken said: "The Grand Voyager effectively invented the MPV category 25 years ago and has dominated the segment since with more than 12-million sold worldwide."
Now there's a recommendation
The new Grand Voyager's roofline is 152mm wider than that of the previous model to create a more spacious interior feel, the beltline slopes down towards the front and the lower sides have been buttressed outwards between the wheel arches to visually link the body with the road.
The bonnet has been kicked up to support a front treatment that (deliberately) owes much to the 300C with a "face of Chrysler" grille, a winged badge, four headlights and a blunt, flat bumper.
It may not be very streamlined but you won't confuse the new Grand Voyager with anything else.
It will also be the only Voyager on the SA market. The "standard" Voyager - Chrysler refers to it as the short-wheelbase model - will be discontinued in favour of the Dodge Journey, launched at the same time as the new Grand Voyager.
In fact, Chrysler's new crossover replaces not only the Voyager but also the PT Cruiser.
The new Grand Voyager will be available with either a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, for which Chrysler quotes 147kW at 5200rpm and 312Nm at 4000rpm, or a new, 2.8-litre turbodiesel producing a claimed 120kW at 3800rpm and 360Nm at 1800.
The diesel has a new electronically controlled, variable-geometry turbocharger for improved starting and reduced turbo lag and piezo direct fuel-injectors operating off a 2000-bar common-rail fuel system.
Each is hooked to a new, six-speed automatic transmission with a shorter first gear than the previous five-speeder for quicker launches and smaller steps between gears for smoother shifts.
The Grand Voyager will be available in two spec levels - LX and Limited - with fabric trim on the LX and mixed leather and suede on the Limited.
Stow-'n-Go
The previous models' signature Stow-'n-Go seating in which the seats fold flat into the floor is available in either trim - with one-touch power operation of the third row available as an option on the Limited.
Also on offer are airline-style tray tables for the second row, built into the back of the front seats.
Limited customers will, by the end of '08, have another option - Swivel-'n-Go - in which, as its name implies, the two separate seats in the second row can reverse to create a conversation area, with a removable table that fits between the second and third rows.
In this layout there are covered storage bins under the swivelling seats - which obviously don't fold flat - and the third row (which does fold flat) is split 60:40.
Soft ambient lighting is provided by glowing blue-green strips along the sides of the overhead console that Chrysler says spoil the driver's night vision. Swivelling LED reading lights are available for all seats and convenience lights illuminate the map pockets and door sills.
Infotainment
The Grand Voyager now has an optional (R19 900) dual-DVD system that can play various media at the same time. There's a 165mm screen on the fascia and flip-down 200mm screens for the second and third rows, with a DVD player, two audio-visual jacks and a 12-volt plug in the C pillar for gaming consoles or laptops to plug directly into the system.
Second-row passengers can play video games while the third row watches a movie - and the system comes with two pairs of infra-red headphones so the soundtracks don't clash.
Whoever designed the system must have teenage children!
The screen on the fascia displays DVD-based satnav in two or three dimensions, including points of interest and multiple route calculations. The dual-DVD system includes MyGIG, with 20 gigabytes of storage and an indexing programme on a built-in hard drive, enough for about 1600 songs.
Standard interior features include:
- Automatic three-zone aircon.
- A 10-speaker surround sound system.
- Bluetooth connectivity.-
- Power sliding doors, tailgate and mirrors.
- Heatable first and second-row seats (cloth or leather).
- Rear parking sensors and camera.
- A removable, rechargeable torch in the quarter panel of the luggage compartment.
- First and second-row power windows.
- Power sunroof.
- Second and third-row retractable sunshades.
- Sliding centre console with removable, dishwasher-safe cup holders.
Safety systems include front, side and curtain crash bags, anti-lock brakes, an electronic stability system with traction control and tyre-pressure monitoring.
Prices:
2.8 LX - R369 900
2.8 Ltd - R439 900
3.8 LX - R329 900
3.8 Ltd - R399 900
Prices include a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a three-year or 100 000km service plan.