IT'S THE car that looks like it should be in a Presidential motorcade.
When I saw the expanse of tinted glass on Chrysler's Grand Voyager all I could think of was the West Wing.
I opened the powered sliding rear door expecting all the President's men to be in the back - but instead found a cavern filled with comfortable leather seats.
The celebrity feel to this vehicle is no illusion. Okay, there's no bullet proof glass, but sitting in it will make you feel special.
The interior could be the dictionary definition of space as it seats seven in comfort - and I mean adults. There's no need for anyone to masquerade as a munchkin.
You don't have to worry about elbow room or blood circulation in this monster.
Even I could clamber into the rear seats with space to spare - no mean feat after an exceptionally festive Christmas period where the scales were ignored and belts loosened.
My five-year-old son christened it 'The Beast', but this is one people carrier that has some of Beauty's appeal as its lines are sleek and stylish.
It's not just comfort where the Grand Voyager scores heavily. Entertainment is also high on the list of priorities for passengers as the car is fitted with a DVD player and ceiling mounted screen as well as an in-dash six disc CD/ Radio system.
The Grand Voyager's length also allows a passable amount of luggage space in the back - as opposed to the minuscule amount normally offered by vehicles in this class.
The driving position is adjustable at the touch of a button for height and reach.
The dashboard dials look the business until you switch the headlights on when they're cast in a slightly spooky light blue glow.
Unusually, the indicators and windscreen wipers are on the same stalk but you soon get used to the arrangement and indeed it makes things easier for the driver.
Don't splutter in your tea, but at £30,500 the Grand Voyager XS has to be classed as a value for money vehicle.
It has more electric bits and bobs on it than an eel. The powered sliding side doors and tailgate open off the key fob and are guaranteed to impress the kids and fellow parents on the school run.
There's heated front seats and power steering plus electric wing mirrors and windows.
The car is also exceptionally well equipped with cruise control, satellite navigation and dual zone air conditioning.
Drinks holders are sprinkled all over the cabin and plenty of space is devoted to storage cubby holes.
But the Grand Voyager struggles to match its interior excellence on the road.
It is pleasant enough to drive - the way Kenny Rogers used to be pleasant enough to listen to.
The 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine has plenty of get up and go but the ride and handling could be better.
Cars in this class are not going to drive like Aston Martins, but some of the Grand Voyager's competitors feel a bit more responsive on the road.
The engine is also a thirsty beast for a diesel, giving a combined mpg figure of 35.9.
However with the improvements Chrysler has made from the old model - leaving prices largely unaltered - the Grand Voyager is still a tempting option for buyers looking for comfort and value from their people carrier.
FAST FACTS
Chrysler Grand Voyager XS
Price: £30,500
Mechanical: 141bhp, 2,499cc, 4cyl turbo diesel engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual transmission
Max speed: 115mph
0-60mph: 11.9secs
Combined mpg: 35.9
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 217g/km
BiK rating: 29%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 7yrs anti-rust