Chrysler Grand Voyager Signature CRD
The Americans would have us believe that theres no substitute for cubes. When they coined that expression, they were talking about engine capacity but advances in powerplant technology have given small engines the characteristics of big old units. These days, the term is more applicable to space inside our family cars. If youve got a big family, theres no getting around the fact that youre going to need a lot of space to haul them and their gear.
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Lets get one thing clear from the outset. This is a prime piece of automotive real estate. At £29,185, its a long way removed from the lowest common denominator MPVs that offer a big box and little else. The Signature model features a generous amount of standard equipment including an overhead rail system with sliding storage boxes, two-tone leather trimmed seats, a rear seat DVD system, rear park assist, driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags for all three rows, a powered tailgate and powered sliding side doors.
The side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats are a key safety feature and one shared by a surprisingly small proportion of full-sized MPVs. Its always been something of a personal bugbear that manufacturers will jump onto a bandwagon and offer a seven seat vehicle without going the extra mile to offer seven seat safety features. Imagine the guilt youd feel if a child suffered a head injury whilst travelling in the rearmost row of seats. Chrysler should be lauded in offering what is still, rather unforgivably, not a frequent fitment.
"`The Grand Voyager remains the big daddy of full-sized MPVs"
The engine that does the work up front is a tough 150bhp 2.8-litre CRD unit familiar to Jeep Cherokee drivers. With 359Nm of torque available, the 2.8 CRD has way more pulling power than the 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.
A four-speed automatic gearbox is offered as standard with this Signature 2.8-litre CRD edition One area where Chrysler is ahead of much of the opposition is when it comes to flexibility. It seems that many car makers employ their finest brains when it comes to maximising the space and versatility in their mini-MPVs only to suddenly get rather lazy when it comes to the full-sized models where every last millimetre isnt at quite such a premium. Chrysler isnt one of them.
After all, whats the point of having removal van-style space in theory if, to get at it, you have to break your back humping heavy seats around? And thats assuming youve got somewhere to store the things when youre not using them. Chrysler has come up with a solution to this perennial large MPV problem. Its called Stow N Go and its a seating system whereby the seats in the Grand Voyager fold 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 4,690 litres. With the second and third row seats upright, spacious covered storage bins are available - providing a total of 340 litres of extra under-floor storage space. The models rear three-seat bench also offers a 60/40 split, and as the seats fold into covered storage bins, owners will not have to worry about damaging seat backs once they have been folded.
Sounds sensible doesnt it, but you dont really get much idea of how efficiently this all works on paper. You have to try it, preferably with the family in tow. Despite the strong engine, dont get the idea that the Grand Voyager is a thrilling steer. It was never an MPV that had a remotely sporting bias and the presence of rather antiquated leaf-sprung rear suspension might warn you of that before you even set out.
But then, driving satisfaction is pretty low down on the priority list for potential buyers of cars like these. Over bumps and ruts youll notice a general lack of shudder and vibration, courtesy of a 20% increase in torsional stiffness. This is brought about as a by-product of making the structure more crashworthy, though at the cost of a lot of extra weight. This additional bulk is one reason why even with all that torque on tap, the Grand Voyager fails to feel that rapid.
Inside, its much as youd expect if youve ever climbed aboard a Grand Voyager. You might need a map because this is still the largest MPV in its class. Nice touches include optional electric operation for the sliding side doors and tailgate which would be a real boon in the supermarket car park 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 load bays.
The Grand Voyager will never be a common sight by dint of the fact that its possibly the most luxurious MPV on sale. This Signature model sweetens the value proposition a little but it remains a vehicle for those who appreciate attention to detail and arent afraid to pay for it. The superiority complex comes as standard. Perhaps the Americans are onto something after all.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Chrysler Grand Voyager Signature 2.8CRD
PRICE: £29,185 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 210g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 14s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 28.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin Front, side and curtain airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 5094/1997/1748mm
