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MPV
This is a big, heavy MPV and it feels like one to drive. Performance is reasonable once moving, but both petrol engines need to be revved hard to get the best from them - and that's hard work as well as hurting fuel consumption.
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The diesel is hardly frugal, either, but it has more pull, which makes it a more relaxing drive. The Grand Voyager is hardly the sharpest car to drive, but it's tidy enough, although you can expect to hear a few complaints from the back about the bumpy ride. And, while all versions muffle road and wind noise pretty well, you'll always hear the engine, whichever one it is, and the diesel clatters, even when warm. But, it's not all bad news. Despite its size, the Voyager is an easy car to park, the driving position is comfortable, you get a commanding view of the road and the controls are well placed. Last, but not least, compared to the standard Voyager, the Grand also leaves a good amount of space for seven passengers' luggage.
Running Costs
No large people-carrier is going to be cheap, but even by MPV standards, a Grand Voyager will put a hefty dent in your bank balance. For starters, there's the asking price. You'll be able to buy plenty of other comparable second-hand MPVs for less. A Grand Voyager should, however, hold its value pretty well once you've taken the plunge.
The insurance company will want its cut of your diminishing bank balance, too. The V6 3.3 Grand Voyager, for example, takes a group 16-sized chunk of cash. Servicing costs are steep, too. Use Chrysler main dealers and you'll pay even more for routine maintenance than on, say, a Mercedes Viano. Needless to say, a Citroen C8, Renault Grand Espace or Peugeot 807 will be cheaper. Then there's fuel - low to mid-20s for the two petrols and 30-35mpg for the diesels. And that's with careful driving. This is a big car with big bills to match.