Chrysler Grand Voyager Stow N Go Range
If youve ever owned a large MPV People Carrier, then youll know that removing the seats is, quite literally, a painful process.
Its all very well having removal van-style space in theory but if to get at it, you have to break your back humping heavy seats around, then the extra potential room is not of much real benefit. And thats assuming youve got somewhere to store the darn things when youre not using them. At last however, one manufacturer, Chrysler, has come up with a solution to this continual large MPV problem. Its called Stow N Go and its a unique seating system that allows the seats in the companys Grand Voyager MPV to be folded flat into the floor in less than 30 seconds.
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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. The models rear three-seat bench also now 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. Mind you, with Grand Voyager prices ranging from £25,995 (you cant have Stow N Go on ordinary Voyager models), it will have to be a pretty well-heeled family. Stow N Go is yet another in a whole series of improvements that Chrysler have brought to the Voyager in recent times.
Many of these have focused upon safety, for the first generation model didnt enjoy a stellar reputation in this respect.
"With Stow N Go to charm customers in the showroom, Chrysler looks to be better set in the large MPV market than many of its rivals.."
The latest versions not only offer excellent safety provision but also address a number of other issues. The exterior has been freshened up a little, retaining the Chrysler family look but adopting a revised grille and shapely projector headlights. There are also body side mouldings, a more attractive wheel trim design and, for plusher models, a wider Range of alloy wheel designs. Inside the fascia has been revised and there are now side curtain airbags that cover all three rows of seats.
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 a very rare feature. The only engine choice is now the gutsy 2.
8-litre CRD unit familiar to Jeep Cherokee drivers. 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! Trim options in the standard line-up consist of LX, Executive and luxury Executive XS derivatives.
A four speed automatic gearbox is offered as standard. Despite the strong engine on offer, 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. Inside, its much as before: 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 cargo bays. These days a car manufacturer cannot hope to succeed selling family friendly vehicles without some clever touches and a serious commitment to safety.
With this sorted and Stow N Go to charm customers in the showroom, Chrysler looks to be better set in the large MPV market than many of its rivals.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Chrysler Grand Voyager Range
PRICES: £25,995-£31,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 15-16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 225g/km
PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 112mph / 0-60mph 12.0s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 29mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin Front, side and curtain airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 5094/1997/1748mm
