Lancia Voyager minivans: available in an EU near you
Launched after the redesigned 2011 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, the Lancia Grand Voyager takes the place of the Chrysler Grand Voyager in many nations. Most buyers are expected to opt for the 2.8 VM Motori diesel engine, but the gasoline V6 will also be sold in Europe, rated at 283 hp (211 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque with Euro 5 emissions, paired as always with a six speed automatic. Gas mileage was roughly 12.3 l/100km (combined cycle), or around 19 mpg, with the old engine and transmission; it has now risen to 10.8 combined (15.8 city, 7.9 highway), or, in American terms, (15 city, 30 highway, 22 mpg combined — using European tests).
The 2.8 diesel is unchanged from the Chrysler branded version, and still produces 161 hp (120 kW) and 360 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The old diesel mileage of 30/39 (UK; US mpg 25/32; 7.2 - 9.4 l/100km, 8.4 combined) is, however, better, thanks presumably to the standard six speed automatic; it’s now 10.5 l/100km city, 6.3 highway, and 7.9 combined (Americans, that's 22/37 and 30 combined), and 0-62 (0-100 km/h) times should be around 11.9 seconds, better than the prior generation’s 12.8 seconds.
The Lancia Grand Voyager minivans are running down the line with both left-hand and right-hand drive, in preparation for sale in the United Kingdom and other left-lane driving nations. Changes were made to protect pedestrians in an accident (hoods have charged actuators at the rear corners which sheer the hinge rivets, allowing the rear of the hood to raise in a pedestrian collision; hinges are spring assisted to cushion the blow, and an extended chin spoiler directs the body towards the hood.) Other features not found in domestic vans include headlight washers, power folding mirrors with auto return, and retractable cargo cover.
The primary visual difference is the grille, but suspension tuning and other facets are likely to change as well. The Lancia Grand Voyager will be available in three trim lines - Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Like the Chrysler Voyager and Town & Country, the Lancia Voyager is 5.1 meters long and 2 meters wide, with Stown 'n' Go. Seats can be covered in fabric or Nappa leather (a full-grain, unsplit leather which normally has a specific tanning process that increases softness without sacrificing durability). Stereo and other options are similar to the American versions.
The minivans are built at the Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Many photos of features and such are at our 2011 Dodge Caravan / Chrysler Town & Country page.
After 2011 (possibly as late as 2014), dual-clutch, automated-manual transmissions are anticipated, to increase performance and gas mileage.
