Chrysler Grand Voyager car review

The all-new Chrysler Voyager isn’t just a luxury seven-seat people-carrier, it can double up as a van – the space inside is truly amazing

The previous generation Chrysler Grand Voyager is the entertainment industry’s MPV of choice, appearing in TV shows such as The Apprentice while also transporting boy bands from venue to venue. Even the Blairs owned one.

But besides the showbiz persona, there were concerning safety issues, with the Chrysler Grand Voyager receiving just two stars out of a maximum of five in the EuroNCAP crash test programme.

However, Chrysler claims the latest Grand Voyager is its safest and most luxurious ever. Adrian Hearn went on the UK launch to see how it stacks up.

This is the all-new Chrysler Grand Voyager. With a more striking design, improved safety and a high standard specification, the Chrysler Grand Voyager is looking to continue its success as one of the most popular luxury seven-seat MPVs.

The safety standard on the previous Grand Voyager was a disappointment, picking up just two stars out of five in the EuroNCAP crash test programme – very poor for a car designed to transport seven. But the new model features traction control, electronic stability programme and eight airbags as standard. Length has been increased at the front to improve safety in terms of a front-end collision.

The model we test-drove used a 2.8-litre diesel engine producing 161bhp and 265lb/ft of pulling power. It’s not quick, hitting 62mph in 12.8 seconds and running on to a top speed of 115mph, but it’s all about comfort in these sorts of cars and the Chrysler Grand Voyager provides a smooth ride, soaking up many of the bumps on Britain’s roads. There’s a sufficient amount of grip and not huge amounts of roll on the corner which is surprising for a car its size. However, steering isn’t as direct as you might hope for and there is a lot of ‘play’.

While it’s a diesel engine, the Grand Voyager isn’t the most fuel efficient seven-seat MPV, averaging 30mpg – 13mpg less than the 2-litre diesel Ford Galaxy, which also boasts better performance and lower emissions.

Carbon dioxide emissions of 247g/km place the diesel Grand Voyager in tax band G, meaning an annual tax bill of £300. And when the congestion charge rules change in October, drivers will have to pay £25 for the privilege of driving into the centre of London.

There’s also a 3.8-litre V6 petrol model which will set you back £32,995. But performance is only slightly better, while emissions are higher and fuel economy is reduced to an average of 22mpg. Chrysler don’t expect to sell many of the petrol models, with the diesel accounting for an estimated 95 per cent of sales.

Practicality and comfort are the Grand Voyager’s trump cards. Inside there is loads of space for passengers in the middle and rear row of seats. The seat formation of two in the middle and three at the back also makes it easier to move about. There’s plenty of headroom and the power sliding doors are beneficial if you’re parking in a tight space.

In terms of equipment the Grand Voyager also scores well. On the entry-level LX trim you get the aforementioned safety features, 16-inch alloy wheels, and automatic three zone climate control. The mid-range Touring model adds front fog lights, cruise control and a trip computer, while the range-topping Limited model features a rear-parking camera and leather trimmed seats.

Customers looking to fully kit the Grand Voyager out can opt for the entertainment pack on the Touring and Limited models which includes two drop-down DVD screens with wireless headphones. It also includes the brilliantly simple-to-use MyGIG sound system which has sat-nav on the Limited, but not on the Touring. This will set you back £1,750 on the Touring and £2,000 on the Limited models. 

The all-new Chrysler Voyager isn’t just a luxury seven-seat people-carrier, it can double up as a van – the space inside is truly amazing. Thanks to the ingenious ‘Stow ‘n Go’ system, the seats can fold completely, increasing the capacity from a more-than-adequate 756-litres to an enormous 3,296-litres – and that’s van territory.

On the top ‘Limited’ trim, customers can opt for the ‘Swivel ‘n Go’ systems, where instead of the middle-row seats folding flat, they can swivel 360 degrees, so you can face the third row of people. While the middle row of seats won’t fold flat, the rear seats will – so you still get a cavernous 2,054-litres of space. 

Big, bold and well-equipped – the all-new Chrysler Grand Voyager is an interesting choice for a seven-seat MPV. Not only is it at home as a family wagon, but also as a luxury taxi and with flat seats it can double up as a mini-van. It’s not as good to drive as the Ford Galaxy but, as a passengers’ car, it trumps the big Ford.