2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager Arrives in Europe

The 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager, the latest iteration of the original people carrier of which 13 million examples have been sold in 120 countries over the past 27 years, has just gone on sale as the Lancia Voyager in Continental Europe and is scheduled to arrive in Ireland bearing the Chrysler Grand Voyager name in the spring.

While LHD markets have the choice of Chrysler's new Pentastar 3.6 V6 petrol or the revised, 163hp, 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine (both mated to a six-speed automatic as standard) the superior economy and lower emissions of the diesel engine means that it will be the only powertrain offered to Irish buyers.

Externally the 2012 Grand Voyager looks largely the same as the model that is currently on sale in Ireland, with the exception of new badging and new wheels designs. However, the interior has been completely overhauled with a new soft-touch dashboard that includes a relocated gear selector, new dials and switches and new, easier-to-use ventilation controls. Higher quality materials are also used throughout, including improved leather and wood finishes, and there's now a new "Super Console" between the front seats incorporating conveniently located cup holders, auxiliary sockets and extra storage compartments, all within easy reach.

Chrysler's engineers have also modified the suspension to tighten body control, make the handling more responsive and improve overall refinement in accordance with European tastes, while noise levels have also been reduced to ensure that the 2012 Chrysler Grand Voyager remains the most luxurious people carrier on the road today. Reconfigured engine and transmission settings offer significant improvements in CO2 emissions (-15g/km) and fuel economy (-0.5L/100km on the combined cycle), while also helping the Grand Voyager accelerate more quickly (-0.8 seconds to 100km/h) and reach a higher top speed (+8km/h, where permissible).

Boasting vast interior space and incredible versatility thanks to its unrivalled Stow'n'Go seating system, the new Grand Voyager continues to set new benchmarks for the large MPV segment. All models now benefit from standard power-operated sliding doors; a power tailgate; cruise control; three-zone climate control; alloy wheels; fully-adjustable second-row captain's chairs, six airbags including a full-length curtain airbag, a reversing camera and Chrysler's Uconnect® entertainment system which includes Bluetooth connectivity, a 6.5-inch touch-screen display.

The top "Limited" model adds satellite navigation; leather seating (1st and 2nd row heated); 17-inch alloy wheels; rear window blinds; eight-way power adjustable front seats with memory; power folding third-row seats; HID headlamps; power folding mirrors; blind-spot and rear cross-path detection and a self-levelling rear suspension. Options include an electric sunroof, two integrated DVD players with two wireless headphones, a remote control and two 9-inch LCD screens which can be used separately.

Pricing for the Grand Voyager currently starts at €45,995 for the Touring model with the Limited version priced at €48,995 and prices are not expected to increase significantly when the new model arrives in the spring.

Please Note: Current image gallery (right) pertains to 2011 model. While the exterior of the 2012 model will look largely the same, the interior is vastly different. Photographs of revised interior will be uploaded shortly.