After an eight year run Chrysler has decided to evolve the fifth generation Grand Voyager (internationally known as Town & Country) into this; The Chrysler Pacifica. A name change was felt to be necessary by the brand because the aim of the Pacifica is to reinvent the minivan image.
The Pacifica fits in comfortably with the current Chrysler C200’s design as it features a slim and rounded headlamp and grille on the front. Although the panels are rather sleek the new MPV still has a very minivan-like presence. It is aided by the A-pillar which maintains a colour contrast all the way to the D-pillar. Wheel options range from 17- to 20-inch alloys depending on what kind of stance you would like your Pacifica to maintain and comes with a variety of colours to choose from.
Inside the spacious seven-seater interior, potential customers will have the option of five different upholstery themes; each one inspired by a popular United States landmark with piano black accents. Uconnect will also be featured in the Pacifica with either a 5-inch or 8,4-inch touch screen display. For a better outside view a tri-pane panoramic sunroof has been installed.
The Pacifica will sit on a McPhearson strut in the front and an independent suspension on the rear to aid the 3,6-lire V6 naturally aspirated engine to be as dynamic as an MPV should be. The Pacifica also has a strong focus on aerodynamics thanks to active shutter systems on air intakes, a lift-gate integrated spoiler, a rear air-diffuser panel and many other enhancements.
The aforementioned 3,6-litre V6 engine delivers 214 kW and 355 N.m of torque to the front wheels through a TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pacifica also has the honor of being the first hybrid minivan as it will feature a dual-motor electrically variable transmission with regenerative braking for those who wish.
Chrysler has not given a figure on interior space but it claims that it will “easily fit an 8×4-foot sheet of plywood” with both rows of seats folded flat.
The Pacifica will be sold in the United States by the second quarter of this year. South African markets are yet to discover whether it will be made available here.
