Lancia Voyager 2.8 CRD 163 CV Aut., test drive (Equipment, price and verdict)

We have reached the third part of the road test of a large MPV, large in dimensions, in its seven seats or in its load capacity. To find out how the Lancia Voyager handles or what consumption its 2.8 CRD 163 CV diesel engine has, we refer you to the first part of the test.

Meanwhile, if what you want is to see the analysis of the interior, build quality or space it offers for the seven occupants, then those are matters we cover in the second part of the test. And now, at the end, we will talk about the equipment, including safety equipment, as well as the prices and our overall verdict on the Voyager.

Equipment

In terms of equipment we start with safety, and to do so we look at what elements it comes with as standard relating to safety. Among the standard equipment we find front, side and curtain airbags, stability control, active head restraints, among other items.

Even so, it does not improve on the results the previous Voyager already had: in Euro NCAP it still holds four stars (according to the 2011 tests), mainly due to frontal impact protection, which can still be improved, more specifically protection of the driver. Even so, we remind you that these tests are already under the new Euro NCAP criteria, which tightened the conditions for achieving five stars.

The rest of the equipment is structured into three levels: Silver, Gold (Plus) and Platinum. In our case, the test unit was a Gold Plus trim.

As standard it has leather seats, three-zone climate control, Uconnect Phone sound system with Bluetooth, steering wheel and gear lever trimmed in leather, rear parking sensors, among other items. Meanwhile, the Gold trim adds electric doors and tailgate, heated front and second-row seats, keyless start and entry, navigation system with touchscreen, hard drive and rear-view camera (Gold Plus), among other items.

On our unit, the only option was the entertainment system, which consists of a DVD player and screens in the second and third rows of seats, as well as wireless headphones.

The sound of the multimedia system stands out, mainly because it is a large car and the acoustics were very good for having only six speakers. Although the equipment is complete, given the starting price, some elements that are optional should be standard, such as xenon headlights or blind-spot detection in the mirrors.

Prices

The starting price of the Lancia Voyager is competitive, but it should be noted that it includes promotion and a discount for large families, specifically from 35,600 euros we can already have a seven-seat Voyager with complete equipment in our garage.

Now, in the price list, we have put the promotional price and, in brackets, the price for large families:

• 2.8 CRD SILVER 38,654 euros (35,600 euros)
• 2.8 CRD GOLD 42,711 euros (39,325 euros)
• 2.8 CRD GOLD PLUS 44,400 euros (40,882 euros)
• 2.8 CRD PLATINUM 48,313 euros (44,480 euros)

Overall Verdict

Seven seats plus boot, all with complete equipment and more than enough space for all seven to travel comfortably. This sentence is what best defines the Lancia Voyager, and at the same time sums up its strengths against other similar MPVs that do not enjoy as much space.

The weak point lies in some interior finishes, mainly the abundant hard plastic on the dashboard and the lack of smoothness of its engine, which, although not a V6 in refinement, at least moves the 5.21 metres of length and more than 2 tonnes of weight with considerable ease.

If you are looking for a versatile car with seven seats that can serve both as a family car and as a vehicle for representation, there are few models in that select group, and the Lancia Voyager keeps intact the qualities that gave this American model its renown. And which today, under the umbrella of Lancia, remains a very interesting MPV, ideal for travelling in comfort and space.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira
Photo location | Nigrán, Baiona and Caminha (Portugal)