New Grand Voyager to launch early 2008

Chrysler is hoping to reinvigorate sales of its large MPV, the Grand Voyager, with this all-new incarnation, which goes on sale in the UK in February 2008.Once the vehicle of choice for aspiration large families and semi-plush cab firms, Chrysler’s big MPV has been hit by more luxurious SUVs and, more crucially, increased flexibility and practicality offered by newer, smaller models.The new model – based on an all-new platform – is designed to buck the trend. In particular, the GV now has two seating systems available: ‘Stow ‘n’ Go’, which allows the rear two rows to be hidden in the floor, and ‘Swivel ‘n’ Go’, which features a second row than can turn 180 degrees, floor storage bins and a removable table between the second and third rows.The kit list has been tweaked too; new features include heated seats in the first two rows, a removable torch in the rear quarter panel, movable LED reading lamps and three-zone climate control. The options list also includes a dual-DVD system with twin screens, and Chrysler’s MyGIG hard disk-based audio player.Chrysler has clearly been focusing on practicality, because the Grand Voyager’s mechanicals sound pretty ordinary. It’s only available with a six-speed automatic gearbox, and the engine of choice (one of only two available) will be a 2.8-litre turbodiesel unit, producing 161bhp and 266lb ft of torque.The top-of-the-range Limited model is also available with a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, for the same £32,995 price as the diesel version. But with only 190bhp and 230lb ft on tap, its sales figures might make its model name rather too apt for its own good.Prices start from the same level as the outgoing model, which means you have to pay £25,995 for the base model.