Chrysler Grand Voyager 2008 Pictures

Chrysler Grand Voyager 2008 Pictures High Res

 

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Chrysler Grand Voyager 2008

The American’s sure know how to do First-Class; in fact all that’s missing from the new Chrysler Grand Voyager is a little light up button to call over Britney and her hostess crew.

The updated Grand Voyager is a prominent example of what Chrysler does best and that’s sheer luxury. Clearly designed from the inside out, it’s a vehicle that gives you idealistic leg-room in both rows of seats and all the functional extras that make life easier like power sliding rear doors with electric windows and a Stow n’ Go system. The latter allows the seats to be stowed away under the floor instead of having to lug them out and store them in the garage like you used to with the previous model. All these little things contribute to your level of calm on a Sunday morning when you’ve had a forfeit a lie-in to take the kids to Margate. With the MyGIG infortainment system there’s also a lot of versatility when it comes to playing and storing music as well as giving you the option to screen two different films or computer games for the audiences in each row of seats.

Even if you’re the laziest parent in the world, your kids will remember family outings as smooth, fuss-free affairs. Seriously your brain only has to operate at half capacity and that’s to focus on the road ahead, the rest is done for you. The Sat Nav will get you where you want to go, the Rear Back-up Camera will save you the stress of higher insurance premiums and the rear view conversation mirror will keep you in the loop with everyone else. The limited edition Grand Voyager XS goes one step further towards Winnabago territory with Swivel n’ Go seating which as the name suggests allow the rear seats to swivel around and face each other. So even if it’s blowing a gale outside you can have your picnic in the comfort of your car looking out on the crashing waves and the drenched people walking backwards along the promenade trying to fight off the incoming sand with their crumpled umbrellas.
Although the Grand Voyager lends itself well to leisure time, everyone else will think so too and you’ll soon be the designated chauffeur for weddings and trips to the airport. Some individuals have already capitalised on this and are making a living out of taxiing people around, particularly executives and V.I.P’s who benefit from customised versions with privacy glass, reclining leather seats, chilled drinks cabinets and powerpoints for laptops. Of course it’s not a spot on a Roller by way of opulence and exclusivity, the cabin in the Grand Voyager is generic, functional and hardwearing. In fact you feel more like an American Airways flight passenger with the halo lighting, dinner trays and reading lamps. At least its reminiscent of the nose-end though.

From a driving perspective, the Grand Voyager has seen some welcome improvements too. You can’t really rave about the handling but it is easier to keep in check and although there’s not a lot of feedback, it feels more sure footed. The front seats are relatively supportive and the ride soft enough for the long haul. The 161bhp 2.8-litre Diesel could prove a bit lethargic if weighted down with luggage but the new six speed transmission definitely Gee’s things up. There’s also a 3.8-litre V6 petrol which has a decent pace but you’ll pay through the nose for fuel. In terms of environmental considerations, quite frankly it doesn’t have any. That said if you use all the seats then you could argue; it’s better for the planet than using three separate cars.
Price-wise, it’s a sure winner; the cost has evaded inflation and stayed roughly the same as the previous model. There’s three spec levels and the price range is as follows; 2.8 CRD LX 6-speed auto £25,995, 2.8 CRD Touring 6-speed auto £27,995, 2.8 CRD Limited 6-speed auto £32,995 and the 3.8 V6 petrol Limited 6-speed auto £32,995. Compared with rivals that’s not half bad especially as a lot of kit is standard in the Grand Voyager. But has all that extra space proved hard for designers to work around?

Well you couldn’t call it sexy, that’s for sure but this time it’s used its butch frame to its advantage. Instead of slick aerodynamic lines, slimming creases and asymmetric grille patterns, it’s gone down the chunky Land-Rover type styling route. Tough suits it far better as it hasn’t got eye-catching signature features like the Volkswagen Caravelle’s and Mercedes Viano’s of this world. It does have a more up-market look though and so second-time buyers will have to aspire to a grander price. That’s assuming that forums are populated with more favourable comments about its reliability. Chrysler reckons they will be as it’s taken on board all the feedback and the new model’s drivetrain has been upgraded accordingly.

Safety worries may also put off prospective customers as Euro NCAP results for the previous model were pretty poor. To counter these concerns, the current model is packed with standard preventatives like Traction control and ESP, tyre-pressure monitoring and side-curtain airbags for all seats. All seven seats are also full-size and three of them have fixings for Isofix child seats. Family friendly it certainly is but will it prove to the masses that it’s in it for the long time not just the good time? Let’s hope so. It’ll be the lift Chrysler needs right now and all eyes are on it.

Verdict
FOR: Pricing very competitive, optimum standard kit and space, much more imposing looks.
AGAINST: Driving dynamics are pretty mediocre and running costs won’t be cheap.
CONCLUSION: It doesn’t have car-like driving manners and its not oozing with artistic flair but it is well worth consideration because as a whole package it makes a lot of sense!

Spec
ENGINE: 2.8-litre CRD
Co2 (g/km)/tax: 247
POWER: 161 bhp at 3800 rpm
TORQUE (lb/ft): 266 lb ft at 1800 rpm
MPG: /-/-/30.4 (urban/extra-urban/combined)
TRANSMISSION: Six speed Automatic
WEIGHT: 2100 kg
PRICE: £27,995