Chrysler Pacifica pioneers new solutions in the minivan segment

While the SUV has taken over as popular family vehicle, the large luxury minivan (a.k.a. MPV for Multi-Purpose Vehicle) is still alive and well, with clear examples hereof being the introduction of the Mercedes V-Class, Kia Grand Sedona, and new Volkswagen Kombi and Caravelle, all launched to local buyers during 2015.

The Chrysler Grand Voyager has been around for a while now, introduced to SA in its current shape in August 2008, and having had a facelift in early 2012.  Now Chrysler has shown what is said to be the next tick on the Chrysler minivan timeline – the Chrysler Pacifica.

Unprecedented levels of functionality, versatility and technology in the minivan segment is what the Chrysler Pacifica claims to bring to modern families, with bold styling, and class-leading ride and handling.  The all-new Chrysler Pacifica is executed to deliver a vault-like quiet interior, using Active Noise Cancellation on all models, to heighten the refinement factor in the daily commute.

The Chrysler Pacifica is offered in a choice of 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 as found under bonnets of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, or an upcoming Hybrid model.  A hybrid minivan makes perfect sense – there is a selection of sedan and SUV hybrids, but in a minivan / MPV it would be applied well, and picking up the kids from sport / soccer practice in mom’s hybrid minivan will be great for fuel savings and for the look-what-I’ve-got factor.

The Stow ‘n Go seating and storage system has been a Chrysler minivan feature for more than 10 years, so the new Stow ‘n Go Assist allows a simple press of a switch on the B-pillar to move the front seat forward to allow the 2nd row seat to be stowed in the floor tub, completely flush and out the way for an easy flat loading floor.

Integrated vacuum

Minivans often live hard lives ferrying around the kids and their goods, some corporate clients, or hotel guests.  These vehicles require regular cleaning, and often a vacuum cleaner is needed to suck up dirt off the floor or load area.  What if a vehicle came with its own vacuum cleaner?  No more popping down to the car wash or whipping out the dust buster portable vacuum – the Chrysler Pacifica comes with another innovation:  the Stow ‘n Vac integrated vacuum.

Hands-free doors

Another notable feature is a segment first:  hands-free sliding side doors.  Just like the swiping motion sensed to close or open the tailgate, the Chrysler Pacifica now extends that convenience to slide open a door, without pressing any button.