The marketing guys over at Chrysler have decided to resurrect the ‘Voyager’ moniker once used for the popular luxury minivan model. First ‘Voyager 2020’ vans will ship to the showrooms throughout the United States early next year. Unfortunately, this appears to be little more than a blunt marketing trick, and here’s why.
The new ‘Voyager’ series will essentially consist of the cheapest trim versions of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan. These include the mass-market models L and LX, as well as the corporate LXi. Unlike their more expensive counterparts, these three come equipped with cheap wheels, simple-looking front aprons, and only minimal chrome trim.
The 2020 Chrysler Voyager will invariably ship with a 3.6-liter V6 engine rated at 291 horsepower (217 kW) and mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Chrysler seems eager to compensate for the lack of engine alternatives by extending the scope of standard equipment. The latter includes a seven-seat cabin, a multimedia system with a 7” display, climate control, and an audio system with noise cancelling feature. If you wish, you may opt for a DVD player for the rear passengers.
As for the Chrysler Pacifica, the model name will now only apply to the more expensive Touring and Limited trims. And if you would like your Pacifica van to stand out in the crowd, you will soon be able to buy a styling package that adds red highlights to its body and cabin. The name of the package is ‘Red S Appearance’. No kidding.
Alright, but what’s the point of all this name-juggling? In our opinion, this is an attempt by the FCA Group to expand the Chrysler product range, even if artificially. Before the Voyager, the marque only had the ‘300’ sedan/saloon and the Pacifica van on its lineup.
Photos: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles