Articles
FULLY LOADED - Chrysler’s ‘Grand Voyager’.
As I climbed aboard the Chrysler Voyager, I asked myself - “Would I be happy driving around in something that is - well let’s face it - VAN shaped!”
Perhaps this may be the ideal hack of the future, another of those ingenious cars that does just about anything; as it appears more of us are switching to ‘People Carriers’ / MPV’s, from the more usual saloon cars and estates - in my view this is easily the best looking of them all, more aggressive than Ford’s Galaxy with real presence on the road. Am I too about to become enlightened?
Chrysler Jeep introduced the Voyager in late 1998 - this the Grand Voyager LX is their flagship model - equipped with plenty of air bags, CD autochanger, air conditioning - and electric everything. Power comes from a ‘grumbling’ 3.3 litre 156bhp V6 engine. Pure music to my ears!
Actually it’s so quiet inside I have to wind the window down to enjoy the roar of this engine, and I find I’m sitting so high in the plush leather seats - every view to which I’ve become accustomed takes on a whole new perspective. I can even wave to my neighbours over the fence.
However the interior, though beautifully put together, looks like it was designed by someone who wanted another job - sure its eminently practical with enough seats to accommodate seven full sized grown-ups, and plenty of nooks and crannies to lose things in - there’s even a pullout drawer under the passenger seat large enough to keep my bed linen in! But overall I have to say tolerably dull.
On the road she’s no slouch, the engine pulls well with 60 mph coming up in around 10 seconds. The steering’s quick and sharp, and in a straight line the self levelling suspension delightfully smooth - I would go so far as to say outstanding. But show her a corner and she becomes harsh and unresponsive - a Ford Transit Van feels more sporty through a roundabout. The Voyager is just confused by it all!
Whilst having a whinge, Chrysler’s claim of a combined average of 26.6 mpg seems a little optimistic, only once did I manage a similar figure on a trip up the motorway with the cruise control set at a snail paced 60mph. I’m almost ashamed to admit my combined average of 16.9mpg, easily the most appalling fuel consumption I have ever achieved in this sort of vehicle. With figures like this, it matters not a jot how practical and sensible MPV’s are - even with their multi seating arrangements, cavernous load spaces and a window for everyone - the running costs could bankrupt most of us!
Anyway - think III fold the rear seats flat and slide in my windsurfer; MMMMMMM I can taste the salt already - time to commune with mother nature.