Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 CRD Review: Space box
Chrysler’s iconic people carrier gets some new tweaks and a new oil burning four pot motor. Mark Yeo drives the 2012 Grand Voyager.
What we like:
Superb versatility and acres of space on the inside- well-equipped
- fuel economy and mid-range torque of a diesel
What we dislike:
Engines lacks refinement and sounds too utilitarian- cumbersome to maneuver
- can do with improved perceived luxury levels
- spongy brake pedal feel
The Grand Voyager’s commodious interior seats seven comfortably, but surely its piece de resistance is its hugely practical Stow N’ Go seating system – the rear seats, including the individual ones on the second row can be folded away into the floor for a flat loading bay. Moreover, the third row bench seat features a motorised system that can fold or raise the seats with just a press of a button. In addition, the rear seats also rotate 360 degrees to face an open tailgate in the useful picnic mode.
Leg and headroom even in the rearmost row is more than sufficient to accommodate the tallest of adult frames while access is a breeze thanks to the wide opening electric sliding doors on both sides. The cabin also offers endless storage solutions including underfloor compartments, large door bins, overhead cubbyholes and so on.
Up front, the driver and front passenger are seated high and have commanding views of the road ahead but the design of the driving environment is a tad too utilitarian for some – the switchgear, materials and instruments just look ancient and lack a contemporary feel to the way they look. Updated left hand drive models get a new dashboard that look more contemporary that right hand drive models like our market’s do not get.
Despite its entry-level like price tag, the Grand Voyager Limited is superbly equipped with standard kit like Xenon headlamps, twin electric sliding doors, electrically operated tailgate, powered third row seats, a rear seat entertainment system with overhead LCD screens, leather17-inch alloys, three-zone climate control and so on.
As previously, the Grand Voyager’s strongest suit is its commodious and versatile cabin that is unparalleled by people carriers at its price point. A diesel motor for a big and heavy people carrier like the Grand Voyager certainly makes a lot of sense but the new diesel model’s overall package is marred by the engine’s lack of refinement and the ancient looking driving environment.
Credits: Story and Photos by Mark Yeo
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