What they said when the Chrysler Voyage was new… (Nov 25 2002)
IT'S the people carrier favoured by the Prime Minister - but we shouldn't hold that against it.
Chrysler's big beast is obviously ideal for Tone, Cher and the four kids - perhaps they should get away in it a little more.
Revamped last year, the Voyager is the world's biggest selling people carrier, but now faces massive competition in that sector.
It has loads going for it, and a couple of things that don't, but it is certainly the one to beat. It comes in two forms, the Voyager and the even larger Grand Voyager and offers a choice of two petrol engines and three levels of trim.
It looks the part, it's probably one of the few people movers that doesn't look like a converted ice-cream van. It has a bit of street cred, particularly the limited edition black version with the opaque windows.
If its space you want, the Voyager has it in shedloads. It is a genuine seven-seater in 2-2-3 layout with a sliding door which allows access to the rear five seats. Access to the back three can either be through folding the middle seats forward or passing in the space between them.
It is also hugely versatile and the rear five seats can be taken out to increase carrying space.
But be warned, they are heavy. For extra comfort the front four seats have armrests and plenty of space, but the rear would be a little cramped for three burly males. Just the job for a day trip, but if you wanted to include luggage you would need a trailer, as boot space has to be sacrificed for people carrying ability.
I suppose the space between the middle two seats could be utilised, but if you want seven seats and good luggage space then the long wheelbase Grand Voyager is a better option, but at extra cost.
The Voyager carries its passengers in comfort and relative quiet, but the 2.4 litre engine has to be revved fairly hard to get the best acceleration. It can be very raucous and prone to labour on heavy inclines, but once cruising it is quiet and comfortable with little evidence of road noise.
Acceleration times are probably no big deal to buyers of this kind of vehicle, but the 145 bhp engine completes the 0-60 dash in around 13 seconds, with a top speed of 110 mph. Economy is only OK - Chrysler claims 29 mpg, but that seemed a little optimistic on my test run.
I am not a great fan of the gearbox and found it quite cumbersome at first. The gate between the gears is quite large and the action notchy, but I learned to live with it.
Otherwise, it is a rewarding driving experience with sharp steering and decent body control. The driving position is excellent with good all round vision from the commanding position.
The driver's seat is fully adjustable. Controls and instrumentation are logical and easy to use, but I was thrown by there being only one control stalk on the steering column. This controls both the washers and the indicator.
There is a feeling of quality construction throughout the cabin and a light and airy feeling. The standard kit is impressive with all-round airbags, air con, remote central locking, front and rear electric windows, electric door mirrors, radio/CD player, ABS, alarm.
Chrysler have sold more than nine million Voyagers in the 17 years its been on sale. You can see the appeal. It offers space, comfort, half decent fuel economy and, of course, street cred.
Words: Bill McCarthy