Chrysler Grand Voyager Executive XS
Is it really that simple? Can you really create a Mercedes S-class, BMW 7 Series or Jaguar XJ-rivalling luxury saloon out of a People Carrier merely by loading on more equipment?
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So first, a few basics. The Grand Voyager is a longer version of the already large Voyager large People Carrying MPV and it shares in that models most recent facelift. Its only rival is Renaults Grand Espace, which operates on a similar premise, but even the French car cant quite match this American for size. Theres provision for 671 litres of luggage space behind the seats, as well as 150mm more cabin space than youd find in a standard Voyager.
Plus with a Grand Voyager, you get the clever Stow N Go storage system that allows the seats to be folded flat into the floor in less than 30 seconds. Stow n Go seating allows the second and third-row seats to be folded into, and uniquely not onto, the floor. Folding the seats involves a virtually effortless one-hand operation without the need for the head restraints to be removed. With both the second- and third-row seats folded, the Chrysler Grand Voyager has a completely flat load floor and a maximum cargo volume of 4690 litres (165.
6 cu.ft). With the second and third row seats upright, spacious, covered storage bins are available providing a total of 340 litres (12 cu.ft) of extra under-floor storage space.
"So, its the biggest and the cleverest but is it the best?"
So, its the biggest and the cleverest but is it the best? Well, if you include kit quotient in your calculations, youd have to say yes. The asking price is £31,995, around £3,700 more than the standard Executive model. In return for this outlay, your car will come complete with in-car cinema a fully integrated DVD system with a 7-inch overhead screen. This kind of thing has been an option on large MPVs for some time but Chrysler are the first manufacturer to include it as standard.
For keeping kids quiet on long journeys or flooding tired airport-weary executives with advertising messages on their way to the long term carpark you cant beat it. Other Executive XS features include a removable centre console with its own 12-volt power outlet, GPS satellite navigation built into the high quality AM/FM CD player and the usual badging. All this of course on top of the usual Grand Voyager features. Expect to find power everything, leather trim, fake wood inserts, climate-controlled air conditioning and so on.
Like all Grand Voyager models, power comes from a common rail 2.8-litre CRD diesel engine. This engine puts out a reasonable amount of power 148bhp in fact. Chrysler will be uncomfortably aware however, that its out-gunned, if only slightly, by diesels offered in the rival Grand Espace.
Still, it all comes down to exactly how much power you really need. The Americans point out rightly that this issue doesnt figure very highly on the priorities of most large MPV buyers. Theyre more interested in practicality so lets get to that. You get two individual seats in the middle which flip forward for easy access to the foldaway three person bench at the rear (which can be swapped for two individual seats).
As usual, all the seats can be removed or folded into makeshift tables but they dont slide back and forth (a la Espace) to increase either centre legroom or rear luggage space. Chrysler has missed a trick here. Nice touches include optional electric operation for the sliding side doors and tailgate which would be a real boon in the supermarket carpark with your hands are full of shopping. Another extra worth having is the optional cargo organiser for the boot, which neatly divides the space into three separate cargo bays.
For stowing smaller items, theres the removable central storage box we mentioned earlier, which slots into place between either of the front two rows of seats. The three-zone air conditionings neat too, with the temperature for rear seat occupants controlled by a panel in the roof lining. As youd expect, cup holders are everywhere and the multi-speaker Infiniti stereo system is brilliant. Driving satisfaction is pretty low down on the priority list for potential buyers of cars like these.
Which is just as well, for the Grand Voyager has never been an MPV with sporting bias and still isnt. The presence of rather antiquated leaf-sprung rear suspension might warn you of that before you even set out. Over bumps and ruts youll notice a general lack of shudder and vibration, courtesy of a 20% increase in torsional stiffness and a 16% reduction in NVH (noise vibration and harshness) made in the most recent facelift. This is brought about as a by-product of making the structure more crashworthy and better insulated, though at the cost of a lot of extra weight.
The 2.8-litre CRD diesel engine has replaced the 2.5-litre unit in the Grand Voyager Range. Whereas the boost in outright power over the 2.
5-litre car isnt enormous, the gain in torque means far greater capability. With 266lb/ft of torque available, the 2.8 CRD has way more pulling power than the old 3.3-litre V6 petrol car.
With this amount of sheer lugging intensity, the 2.8 CRD can tow 3.5 tonnes, making it an ideal vehicle for those who want to tow serious caravans, boats or other large trailers. You could even go on a family holiday and put a Lotus Elise on a solid towing bar for a little fun! In summary, despite a few drawbacks that manual gearbox and the rather uninspiring handling the top Grand Voyager makes a decent fist of impersonating a top luxury saloon.
Changes to the exterior styling have brought the car nicely up to date and the 2.8-litre diesel seems to be a winner. If youve reached the top and accumulated a large family following along the way, the Grand Voyager Executive XS could be just the ticket. A first class ticket of course.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Chrysler Grand Voyager Executive XS
PRICE: £31,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 225g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 112mph / 0-60mph 12.0s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 29mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin Front airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 5094/1997/1748mm
