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Chrysler Grand VoyagerJanuary 2008

Recommended.

If you need space for a big family, versatility and the possibility of entertainment options such as roof-mounted DVD screens, this Chrysler is worth serious consideration.

3 variants from £28,225 to £36,225

Our rating:

4
Chrysler Grand Voyager
 
 

Fifth Gear Chrysler Grand Voyager review

 
 
1. Space, and lots of it
2. Keen pricing
3. Handles well for a car this size

WE DON'T LIKE

1. Less than average fuel economy
2. High CO2 emissions
3. Noisy at speed
 
 

Chrysler's big people carrier reaches its fifth iteration, and is now available only as the Grand Voyager (the smaller Voyager's role has been taken by the Dodge Journey) featuring seven seats, a large boot and a choice of either a 2.8 litre V6 turbodiesel or a 3.8 litre V6 petrol, both coming with automatic transmissions as standard.

This is a big vehicle offering a great deal of room and versatility. Seat folding is easy, the loadbay is big when the rear row is stowed, and vast with the middle pair folded. Oddments space is generous all round too.

There are plenty of options that are just the job for keeping a large family occupied, including multiple DVD screens and a powerful sound system.

In the spirit of keeping passengers happy, it includes three-zone climate control (it allows different temperatures to be set for different parts of the cabin), electrically opening sliding side doors and curtain airbags.

The Grand Voyager's road manners are improved too; it's not as composed as the smaller Ford Galaxy, but it's surprisingly manageable. Its boxy shape makes parking slightly less challenging, but parking aids are only available on the top model. The downside is that both diesel and petrol versions emit a large amount of carbon dioxide so the tax disc will not come cheap. The diesel emits 247g/km while the petrol kicks out a staggering 294g/km, which is comparable to supercars.

Fifth Gear overall car ratings

STYLING

The Grand Voyager is no looker, but it stops short of being unattractive.

HANDLING

This is a big, heavy vehicle, but development time on UK roads has produced a vehicle that can be driven with confidence. Adequate roadholding, reasonable composure through corners, absorbent suspension and steering whose weighting provides fair feedback make this an easy vehicle to drive briskly.

COMFORT

There's plentiful space in the first two rows, the middle chairs are better than average and the ride is comfortable, too. The front seats' back support isn't ideal, plus there's slightly too much general noise at speed and the diesel can be vocal, but cruising is adequately refined.

QUALITY & RELIABILITY

The Voyager's standard of finish is better this time, as is its interior appearance despite the average quality of some materials. Detail quality is not up to European and Japanese standards but it feels robust, and the mechanicals are tough.

PERFORMANCE

The V6 diesel is not especially modern or potent, but now that it's hooked to a six-speed gearbox it pulls with adequate vigour at lower speeds. But the top three ratios are higher-geared, so you'll need kickdown quite often when laden. This is an adequate powertrain, but no more.

ROOMINESS

Space is why you'll buy this MPV, and there is plenty of it. True, the rear row will be intimate for three, but room for the four up front is generous. and so is luggage space, even with all three rows erected, in part because there are deep underfloor wells that can be used if the seats aren't folded into them.

STEREO / SAT NAV

Only a four-speaker stereo on the LX is poor, but there are better systems higher up the range, and scope to optionally fit a versatile infotainment system and two drop-down DVD screens, which can play individual programmes, earn the Voyager four stars.

RUNNING COSTS

No car this big is going to be cheap to run, though it offers good value on a per-head basis. The diesel motor should be good for mid 20s consumption and servicing costs should be fair.

VALUE FOR MONEY

The clever - and unique - stow-and-go three-row seating is standard, as are electric sliding side doors, six airbags, three-zone climate control and a six-speed automatic, while all three trim levels offer equipment advantages over the competition. Overall pricing is keen for a vehicle so spacious.

ENVIRONMENT

Admittedly this is a big car, but high CO2 output and poor fuel consumption damages the case for the Chrysler. Other MPVs are considerably better.

This review has been tagged with: Chrysler | Chrysler Grand Voyager

There are 3 variants of the Grand Voyager

Grand Voyager variants Price (£) Fuel type Engine
size (cc) 		CO2 emission
(g/km)
2.8 CRD LX 5dr £28,225 2777 222
2.8 CRD Touring 5dr £30,225 2777 222
2.8 CRD Limited 5dr £36,225 2777 222
 

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