Chrysler Grand Voyager 2.8 CRD LX 5dr Car Review - March 2012

With a maximum power output of 161 bhp at 3000 rpm and torque figures of 265 lb-ft at 1600-3000 rpm this engine struggles to perform to its full ability and acceleration feels sluggish. The car reaches 0-62 mph in a rather lengthy 12.8 seconds however, with the ability to carry seven people in this large family vehicle, speed and acceleration are unlikely to be a priority for buyers.

This MPV also suffers from poor handling with the steering remaining fairly limp and unresponsive. There is significant movement and sway when travelling round corners or bends and this means that comfort levels are likely to be low.

Road noise is audible but not excessive and unfortunately the sound of the 2.8 litre diesel engine infiltrates the cabin. This means that there is still a fair amount of noise disturbance within the car, further limiting the comfort which is on offer.

In terms of internal equipment, the 2.8 Grand Voyager comes with a good selection of standard kit – one of its main advantages.

This includes powering steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control and an advanced stereo with CD and MP3 connectivity.

Unfortunately, not all areas of the interior are kitted out as thoroughly and there is no built-in sat nav option available. Leather seats are also not available but buyers can choose to give their model a higher quality exterior by paying £600 for a metallic paint finish.

Despite the car’s poor road handling, internal comfort is fairly high. There is an adequate amount of space for all passengers and the driver, preventing the MPV from feeling cramped or overcrowded. Visibility is clear thanks to a good driving position but the lack of adjustment in the steering wheel is a real problem.

The dashboard contains simple to use instruments and controls but many of these are situated towards the base of the centre console which can make it a little difficult to reach.
Storage space is a great feature of this vehicle and regardless of whether the seats are up or down there is plenty of room for both passengers and their luggage. The seat wells act as an additional storage place when the seats are in position whilst boot capacity is increased when they are folded down.

With the seats up the boot offers a spacious 756 litre capacity, expanding to a mammoth 3,296 litres when the seats are folded down. This makes the car hugely practical for large families.

With driver, passenger and front side airbags all fitted as standard equipment, safety levels are also high in this model. The Grand Voyager also comes with an alarm and immobiliser fitted as standard to protect it from theft.

Unfortunately, owners of previous models reported numerous faults with the Grand Voyager range and that means reliability could still be an issue with this model.

Priced at £27,995 this is far from a cheap model for families. However, with a spacious interior and all the storage requirements families could ask for, there are plenty of benefits to this model. The attractive appearance also helps to ensure that this practical vehicle stays up-to-date with modern styles, making it a more attraction proposition.

Unfortunately the running costs are almost as high as the purchase price and this means it doesn’t offer the economical benefits which families are looking for. Insurance premiums fall under bracket 32 and road tax comes under band K due to hefty carbon emissions of 222 g/km.

Combined with the fact that the car achieves just 33.6 mpg for fuel consumption, this means that owners will constantly be paying out for one expense or another with this model and the reliability issues are likely to be a prime concern for buyers.