Lancia Voyager

The Lancia Thema is not the only one which is a Chrysler 300 in Lancia's clothing. Here comes the Lancia Voyager, based on the facelifted Chrysler Town and Country, that makes it the Italian brand's flagship minivan because this minivan will end up being on the same level as the Nissan Elgrand and Toyota Alphard. This luxury minivan is always focused to be more premium because this will transform the status of the Lancia brand forever.

2012 Lancia Voyager

2012 Lancia Voyager interior

The exterior design for the new Lancia Voyager is top-notch and it really knows how luxurious the outside is thanks to its elegant grille at the front and the rear details are just perfect, perfect enough to be called the king of European minivans. Thanks to the Voyager's one-touch entry, it can provide easy access at the touch of the button. On the interior, it accommodates seven passengers and best of all, they can be folded within various situations. Let's say that you can fold the second row seats to provide access to the third-row seats, or how about turning the Lancia Voyager into an affordable Royal Lounge by stowing the entire second row. This Stow N Go is all business, especially the interior is all business. It's like an office on wheels. The rear-seat dual DVD entertainment system can be somewhat accommodating and entertaining to the passengers. Think watching a movie at the second row while watching news at the third row.

Two available engines are offered on the Lancia Voyager; first is the 3.6 V6 VVT 24v engine that produces 287PS of power and 344Nm of torque, capable of reaching 0-100 in 8.6 seconds, top speed of 209kph, and combined fuel economy of 9.3km/L (10.8L/100km). Lastly is the 2.8 CRD 16v diesel engine that produces 163PS of power and 360Nm of torque, allowing this minivan to reach 0-100 in 11.9 seconds, top speed of 193kph, and combined fuel economy of 12.7km/L (7.9L/100km). The message then is clear, the Lancia Voyager's 3.6 V6 VVT engine is more powerful than the Nissan Elgrand, Toyota Alphard, or the Toyota Vellfire. However, this petrol version doesn't arrive soon so you have to make do with the diesel version.

Available in four colors; Stone White (Bianco Pastello), Bright Silver (Grigio Chiaro), Brilliant Black (Nero), and Dark Charcoal (Grigio Scuro).

My comment:
This Lancia Voyager, the Chrysler Town and Country's Italian cousin might become the King of European minivans because of its premium status that has a quality of Japanese luxury minivans. The interior of the Lancia Voyager is like a well-tailored suit and it is well equipped to please the customers who are looking for a well-mannered minivan loaded with luxury features to entertain the guests at the back.

Photo: Lancia Automobiles - Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.

Chrysler Town and Country/Grand Voyager Fifth Generation Minor Change

2011 Chrysler Town and Country

2011 Chrysler Town and Country interior

The revised fifth-generation Chrysler Town and Country (known in Europe as the Chrysler Grand Voyager) brings this American take of Hyundai Grand Starex to a completely new level of premium luxury. The exterior sports a new trademark Chrysler grille, complete with the new Chrysler logo that is truly "Imported from Detroit", despite this minivan was made in Ontario, Canada but it truly has the heart of its Motor City citizenship. The side view can be somewhat similar to the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 because of the silver side panels complete with the letters "CHRYSLER" spelled it out. The rear view is mildly revised complete with the new Chrysler badge on it and the letters "TOWN AND COUNTRY" spelled it out on the silver paneling. The new design makes it more luxurious and fit for a celebrity to get inside its charming minivan.

Judging from its VIP looks, the Mk.5 Town and Country minor change sports the only engine available in its range; the all-new Pentastar V6 3.6L engine, which boasts 283hp/6400rpm of power output and the EPA estimated fuel economy of 25mpg highway. It is available only with a 6-speed automatic transmission with Electronic Range Selection.

The interior was refreshed, making it more premium than the previous pre-MC model that is somewhat plain to look at it. Complete with the new redesigned analog clock, new optitron meters with information display, Two Overhead 9-Inch Video Screens (one in the 2nd row, and another one in the 3rd row), heated steering wheel, Super Stow 'n Go 2nd and 3rd row seats, Infinity Audio System, HDD Navigation System, Uconnect Voice Command, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Backseat TV (plus one year subscription to SIRIUS), and Nappa leather-trimmed seats, rest assured that this is much more premium than the Hyundai Grand Starex Limousine, Toyota Alphard, and the Nissan Elgrand combined.

My thoughts about the TnC:

The refreshed Chrysler TnC Mk.5 is much more of an American Alphard because of the luxurious features offered. What we're going to miss is the Swivel 'n' Go seats but why the heck Chrysler Group, LLC dropped the Swivel 'n' Go for the revised Mk.5 Town and Country?

Anyway, the revised Mk.5 Chrysler Town and Country is much more better than the Hyundai Grand Starex, Toyota Alphard, and the Nissan Elgrand E52. The Koreans and Japanese are going to be upset when they encounter this. Thanks to the premium features, including two 9-inch rear monitors attached on the 2nd and 3rd row seats, needless to say that this fun to have someone watch two movies and enjoy their first-class flight to school, to work, or back home. Not only targeted for the soccer moms, but also the VIPs who are in need of luxury minivans. It should be arrived soon in Europe as the Lancia Grand Voyager soon.

Let's hope CATS Motors bring this latest minor change to the Philippines soon and I bet both the revised TnC and the Alphard go head to head on this category!

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.