Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 TDi (A) Review
23 Jul 2012|14,079 views
The year was 1983 - Chrysler group created the modern minivan, better known to us as MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), with the Voyager. Then under the 'Plymouth' badge, the firm demonstrated a new frontier for carmakers to compete on. Slowly but surely, the market is flooded with people carriers from almost all of the mainstream players in the industry - think Koreans, Japanese, and the Europeans.
As much as we like to associate box vans with dull, uncharismatic driving, inevitably giving them a bad name and thus an un-favoured image for the more discerning motorists, it is undisputable that nothing else is better suited for a road trip for seven.
Recently, the full-size MPV underwent a pivotal change in its drivetrain. Now featuring a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, it should see to smiles on tree-huggers; bang-for-buck-inclined individuals alike.
Exterior
Similar in every aspect to its petrol-driven stablemate, the Voyager ditches the rounded overalls found on the previous generation to take on a more angular outlook.
Diesel Voyager retains looks from its petrol-driven brethren - more angular in most aspects compared to its predecessor
As much as we like to associate box vans with dull, uncharismatic driving, inevitably giving them a bad name and thus an un-favoured image for the more discerning motorists, it is undisputable that nothing else is better suited for a road trip for seven.
Recently, the full-size MPV underwent a pivotal change in its drivetrain. Now featuring a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, it should see to smiles on tree-huggers; bang-for-buck-inclined individuals alike.
Exterior
Similar in every aspect to its petrol-driven stablemate, the Voyager ditches the rounded overalls found on the previous generation to take on a more angular outlook.
Diesel Voyager retains looks from its petrol-driven brethren - more angular in most aspects compared to its predecessor  |
The boxy outlines have somehow etched into the design cues of the people at the American marque - with more of its latter offerings taking on similar forms (think the new 300C). While the Voyager can't be said to hold the same charisma as its popular sedan sibling, one simply cannot negate the sheer size of the MPV. The imposing stance is certainly one of the key trademarks of the Voyager.
Latest Grand Voyager first to bear the new corporate badge  |
Interior
Renowned for its voluminous interior, the Voyager is blessed by the conventional 'box van' design - the latest iteration does not disappoint in terms of interior space. Like the Rubik's cube, the Voyager offers a myriad of seating arrangements too.
In what Chrysler calls 'Stow N Go', both the second and third rows of seats can be folded flat into the cabin floor. There should also be no lingering doubts of the firm's intention for the Voyager to shine in terms of practicality. In view that the rump quarters are more often utilised for excess load carrying, Chrysler has fitted an electronic-folding rear seats - a definite enchantment for adolescents mind-blogged on the Transformers.
Unparalled cargo-holding capacity with fold-flat mid and rear rows of seats
Renowned for its voluminous interior, the Voyager is blessed by the conventional 'box van' design - the latest iteration does not disappoint in terms of interior space. Like the Rubik's cube, the Voyager offers a myriad of seating arrangements too.
In what Chrysler calls 'Stow N Go', both the second and third rows of seats can be folded flat into the cabin floor. There should also be no lingering doubts of the firm's intention for the Voyager to shine in terms of practicality. In view that the rump quarters are more often utilised for excess load carrying, Chrysler has fitted an electronic-folding rear seats - a definite enchantment for adolescents mind-blogged on the Transformers.
Unparalled cargo-holding capacity with fold-flat mid and rear rows of seats The middle row, on the other hand, requires a tad of manual manoeuvre to get it folded neatly into the floor bin. The bin could also be used for cargo carrying when the seats are upright, which comes in handy if the capacious boot does not satisfy your bulk-carrying needs.
The interior designs lend to clever utilisation of available cabin space, putting the Voyager an edge over its smaller competitors. The overall build quality of the interior is dulled by the inferior trims found on the central control panel. The white-faced dials look delectably engaging, adding a classic touch to the instrumental display. The same, however, could not be said as the dusk falls, with the roundels taking on a dated green-hue illumination exposing its age.
White-faced dials add an elegant touch in daylight, but feels dated with green-hue illumination in the dark
The interior designs lend to clever utilisation of available cabin space, putting the Voyager an edge over its smaller competitors. The overall build quality of the interior is dulled by the inferior trims found on the central control panel. The white-faced dials look delectably engaging, adding a classic touch to the instrumental display. The same, however, could not be said as the dusk falls, with the roundels taking on a dated green-hue illumination exposing its age.
White-faced dials add an elegant touch in daylight, but feels dated with green-hue illumination in the dark  |
The Drive
Up close and personal, it is hard to negate the cues gathered through visuals means - at such size one will expect that the Voyager is no breeze to pilot, especially through space-constrained bends and the ever-diminutive parking lots.
However, reality starts to paint a variably different picture once you spent a longer time with the behemoth of a car. The well-assisted steering, coupled with the tall seating position and good all-round visibility make up for the sheer size. Inevitably, that will lead to a less driver-centric experience on the highways.
2.8-litre turbo-diesel needs coaxing for aspirated driving
Pushing on, the 2.8-litre powerplant makes a grunt that is unmistakably diesel. That however will be limited to the front occupants, as it takes more than a discerning ear to spot the oil-burning hums.
Up close and personal, it is hard to negate the cues gathered through visuals means - at such size one will expect that the Voyager is no breeze to pilot, especially through space-constrained bends and the ever-diminutive parking lots.
However, reality starts to paint a variably different picture once you spent a longer time with the behemoth of a car. The well-assisted steering, coupled with the tall seating position and good all-round visibility make up for the sheer size. Inevitably, that will lead to a less driver-centric experience on the highways.
2.8-litre turbo-diesel needs coaxing for aspirated driving Pushing on, the 2.8-litre powerplant makes a grunt that is unmistakably diesel. That however will be limited to the front occupants, as it takes more than a discerning ear to spot the oil-burning hums.
Mated to a six-speed automatic, the drivetrain delivers smooth acceleration. The gearbox too, feels intuitive, with part credit owing to the fat torque band available from the diesel drivetrain.
With 360Nm of pulling power on tap, the behemoth MPV accelerates with grace as it pulls away from the rest of the herd from the lights. On cruising, however, the workhorse will need more coaxing to despatch the MPV for more aspirated driving.
Conclusion
With the highly flexible space integration, the Grand Voyager is all set to please any that is in the market in search for spacious commuting. While arguably that should be of top priority for anyone after an MPV, there are others who seek a more rounded approach on the subject matter, with performance and driving dynamics playing utmost importance in the decision.
In diesel guise the Voyager offers more practicality than before, especially with the new fuel tax system that will be in place from the start of 2013. Moreover with the pipes measuring 207g/km of CO2, it will fall into the neutral zone pertaining to the emission-based segment.
Minus the minor setbacks on the interiors, adding the sense of purposefulness with equivalent real-world functionality - the Grand Voyager is easily the choice for touring enthusiasts.
With 360Nm of pulling power on tap, the behemoth MPV accelerates with grace as it pulls away from the rest of the herd from the lights. On cruising, however, the workhorse will need more coaxing to despatch the MPV for more aspirated driving.
Conclusion
With the highly flexible space integration, the Grand Voyager is all set to please any that is in the market in search for spacious commuting. While arguably that should be of top priority for anyone after an MPV, there are others who seek a more rounded approach on the subject matter, with performance and driving dynamics playing utmost importance in the decision.
In diesel guise the Voyager offers more practicality than before, especially with the new fuel tax system that will be in place from the start of 2013. Moreover with the pipes measuring 207g/km of CO2, it will fall into the neutral zone pertaining to the emission-based segment.
Minus the minor setbacks on the interiors, adding the sense of purposefulness with equivalent real-world functionality - the Grand Voyager is easily the choice for touring enthusiasts.
The year was 1983 - Chrysler group created the modern minivan, better known to us as MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle), with the Voyager. Then under the 'Plymouth' badge, the firm demonstrated a new frontier for carmakers to compete on. Slowly but surely, the market is flooded with people carriers from almost all of the mainstream players in the industry - think Koreans, Japanese, and the Europeans.
As much as we like to associate box vans with dull, uncharismatic driving, inevitably giving them a bad name and thus an un-favoured image for the more discerning motorists, it is undisputable that nothing else is better suited for a road trip for seven.
Recently, the full-size MPV underwent a pivotal change in its drivetrain. Now featuring a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, it should see to smiles on tree-huggers; bang-for-buck-inclined individuals alike.
Exterior
Similar in every aspect to its petrol-driven stablemate, the Voyager ditches the rounded overalls found on the previous generation to take on a more angular outlook.
Diesel Voyager retains looks from its petrol-driven brethren - more angular in most aspects compared to its predecessor
As much as we like to associate box vans with dull, uncharismatic driving, inevitably giving them a bad name and thus an un-favoured image for the more discerning motorists, it is undisputable that nothing else is better suited for a road trip for seven.
Recently, the full-size MPV underwent a pivotal change in its drivetrain. Now featuring a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel, it should see to smiles on tree-huggers; bang-for-buck-inclined individuals alike.
Exterior
Similar in every aspect to its petrol-driven stablemate, the Voyager ditches the rounded overalls found on the previous generation to take on a more angular outlook.
Diesel Voyager retains looks from its petrol-driven brethren - more angular in most aspects compared to its predecessor |
The boxy outlines have somehow etched into the design cues of the people at the American marque - with more of its latter offerings taking on similar forms (think the new 300C). While the Voyager can't be said to hold the same charisma as its popular sedan sibling, one simply cannot negate the sheer size of the MPV. The imposing stance is certainly one of the key trademarks of the Voyager.
Latest Grand Voyager first to bear the new corporate badge |
Interior
Renowned for its voluminous interior, the Voyager is blessed by the conventional 'box van' design - the latest iteration does not disappoint in terms of interior space. Like the Rubik's cube, the Voyager offers a myriad of seating arrangements too.
In what Chrysler calls 'Stow N Go', both the second and third rows of seats can be folded flat into the cabin floor. There should also be no lingering doubts of the firm's intention for the Voyager to shine in terms of practicality. In view that the rump quarters are more often utilised for excess load carrying, Chrysler has fitted an electronic-folding rear seats - a definite enchantment for adolescents mind-blogged on the Transformers.
Unparalled cargo-holding capacity with fold-flat mid and rear rows of seats
Renowned for its voluminous interior, the Voyager is blessed by the conventional 'box van' design - the latest iteration does not disappoint in terms of interior space. Like the Rubik's cube, the Voyager offers a myriad of seating arrangements too.
In what Chrysler calls 'Stow N Go', both the second and third rows of seats can be folded flat into the cabin floor. There should also be no lingering doubts of the firm's intention for the Voyager to shine in terms of practicality. In view that the rump quarters are more often utilised for excess load carrying, Chrysler has fitted an electronic-folding rear seats - a definite enchantment for adolescents mind-blogged on the Transformers.
Unparalled cargo-holding capacity with fold-flat mid and rear rows of seats The middle row, on the other hand, requires a tad of manual manoeuvre to get it folded neatly into the floor bin. The bin could also be used for cargo carrying when the seats are upright, which comes in handy if the capacious boot does not satisfy your bulk-carrying needs.
The interior designs lend to clever utilisation of available cabin space, putting the Voyager an edge over its smaller competitors. The overall build quality of the interior is dulled by the inferior trims found on the central control panel. The white-faced dials look delectably engaging, adding a classic touch to the instrumental display. The same, however, could not be said as the dusk falls, with the roundels taking on a dated green-hue illumination exposing its age.
White-faced dials add an elegant touch in daylight, but feels dated with green-hue illumination in the dark
The interior designs lend to clever utilisation of available cabin space, putting the Voyager an edge over its smaller competitors. The overall build quality of the interior is dulled by the inferior trims found on the central control panel. The white-faced dials look delectably engaging, adding a classic touch to the instrumental display. The same, however, could not be said as the dusk falls, with the roundels taking on a dated green-hue illumination exposing its age.
White-faced dials add an elegant touch in daylight, but feels dated with green-hue illumination in the dark |
The Drive
Up close and personal, it is hard to negate the cues gathered through visuals means - at such size one will expect that the Voyager is no breeze to pilot, especially through space-constrained bends and the ever-diminutive parking lots.
However, reality starts to paint a variably different picture once you spent a longer time with the behemoth of a car. The well-assisted steering, coupled with the tall seating position and good all-round visibility make up for the sheer size. Inevitably, that will lead to a less driver-centric experience on the highways.
2.8-litre turbo-diesel needs coaxing for aspirated driving
Pushing on, the 2.8-litre powerplant makes a grunt that is unmistakably diesel. That however will be limited to the front occupants, as it takes more than a discerning ear to spot the oil-burning hums.
Up close and personal, it is hard to negate the cues gathered through visuals means - at such size one will expect that the Voyager is no breeze to pilot, especially through space-constrained bends and the ever-diminutive parking lots.
However, reality starts to paint a variably different picture once you spent a longer time with the behemoth of a car. The well-assisted steering, coupled with the tall seating position and good all-round visibility make up for the sheer size. Inevitably, that will lead to a less driver-centric experience on the highways.
2.8-litre turbo-diesel needs coaxing for aspirated driving Pushing on, the 2.8-litre powerplant makes a grunt that is unmistakably diesel. That however will be limited to the front occupants, as it takes more than a discerning ear to spot the oil-burning hums.
Mated to a six-speed automatic, the drivetrain delivers smooth acceleration. The gearbox too, feels intuitive, with part credit owing to the fat torque band available from the diesel drivetrain.
With 360Nm of pulling power on tap, the behemoth MPV accelerates with grace as it pulls away from the rest of the herd from the lights. On cruising, however, the workhorse will need more coaxing to despatch the MPV for more aspirated driving.
Conclusion
With the highly flexible space integration, the Grand Voyager is all set to please any that is in the market in search for spacious commuting. While arguably that should be of top priority for anyone after an MPV, there are others who seek a more rounded approach on the subject matter, with performance and driving dynamics playing utmost importance in the decision.
In diesel guise the Voyager offers more practicality than before, especially with the new fuel tax system that will be in place from the start of 2013. Moreover with the pipes measuring 207g/km of CO2, it will fall into the neutral zone pertaining to the emission-based segment.
Minus the minor setbacks on the interiors, adding the sense of purposefulness with equivalent real-world functionality - the Grand Voyager is easily the choice for touring enthusiasts.
With 360Nm of pulling power on tap, the behemoth MPV accelerates with grace as it pulls away from the rest of the herd from the lights. On cruising, however, the workhorse will need more coaxing to despatch the MPV for more aspirated driving.
Conclusion
With the highly flexible space integration, the Grand Voyager is all set to please any that is in the market in search for spacious commuting. While arguably that should be of top priority for anyone after an MPV, there are others who seek a more rounded approach on the subject matter, with performance and driving dynamics playing utmost importance in the decision.
In diesel guise the Voyager offers more practicality than before, especially with the new fuel tax system that will be in place from the start of 2013. Moreover with the pipes measuring 207g/km of CO2, it will fall into the neutral zone pertaining to the emission-based segment.
Minus the minor setbacks on the interiors, adding the sense of purposefulness with equivalent real-world functionality - the Grand Voyager is easily the choice for touring enthusiasts.
Photos by Nicholas Low
Car Information
Chrysler Grand Voyager Diesel 2.8 TDi 2013 7-Seater (A)
CAT B|Diesel|12.6km/L
Horsepower
120kW (161 bhp)
Torque
360 Nm
Acceleration
12.8sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Chrysler Grand Voyager Diesel
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