KEY POINTS:
They're as sexy as nappies and slippers but just as useful; got a large, active family and MPVs are hard to beat. Enter stage left, Chrysler's latest Voyager.
It's bigger and brasher than before, with an uprated suspension and an engine boosted from 3.3 to 3.8 litres.
Chrysler
has also seen reason and added ESP stability control and front side airbags to the safety tally that already includes dual front and full-length curtain airbags.
That 142kW/305Nm 3.8-litre V6, mated to a six-speed auto, drinks petrol at a claimed 9.3 litres per 100km but our road test indicated higher and buyers may prefer to wait until September's new diesel arrives.
Meanwhile they won't be worried by the comfort-oriented approach to the powertrain and suspension; this is not a driver's car. Instead they'll snuggle into the capaciously comfy (heated) seats and read the extensive features list, with its 20GB hard drive holding 2500 songs, its DVD screens front and rear, hands-free communication system, stow and go seating, the internal mirror that lets mum view the rear seats and the rear parking camera.
Check out the electrically opening doors, a gimmick until the first time you're stuck with shopping, baby and no free hands. The new system is said to be faster; it's certainly easy to use.
Also check out the plentiful interior space. Any seat folds into the floor, the rears via a one-touch power operation. When they're in use, row two gets under-floor storage and there's 638 litres of boot space - enough to fit a baby buggy and paraphernalia even with seven aboard.
Fold all the seats and there's over 3 cu m. Yes, this really is a van in drag.
All that space, the adjustability and the proliferation of family-friendly features will be appreciated by any prolific breeder but unfortunately it's not all good news. From the could-be-better ergonomics (no reach adjust for the steering wheel, oddly offset pedals), to the higher road and wind noise than expected, it's clear Chrysler still hasn't got the equation quite right.
That seems a hallmark of the brand; supplying vehicles with lots of toys and plenty to like but one or two puzzling flaws. No doubt Chrysler is working hard to lift its game.
Meanwhile family buyers have two options - the boring but bountiful MPV, or a four-wheel-drive seven-seat SUV, more visibly a statement of excess in our increasingly eco-friendly environment.