Chrysler's all-conquering Voyager people carrier is the world-beater but the best-seller nearly bit the dust even before it was born, writes David Duffy.

Back in the late 1970s, Chrysler was in a cash crisis and Project T-115 came within a whisker of being dumped.

The saviour of the project, to scale down the Dodge Ram van, was a new recruit, former Ford executive Lee Iacocca, who recognised its potential even though it was a completely untried idea.

Despite the deep recession in the United States in the early 1980s, they pushed the project forward even though development costs topped $700m.

America loved the 'blessed box' and the Voyager people carrier became an instant success.

In its first full year on sale Chrysler needed to sell 155,000 to break even they sold 210,000.

Sixteen years on and more than seven million have been sold with the Voyager dominating the worldwide multi-purpose vehicle market.

The latest Austrian-built version of the Voyager launched in the UK, powered by an Italian-built 2.5-litre turbo diesel VM Motori engine, is set to move the model ahead of the Ford Galaxy as the UK's top-selling people carrier.

On the road it is superbly quiet, refined and car-like, delivering ride and handling which matches that of the petrol-powered versions.

Despite its imposing appearance, the seven-seater is surprisingly easy to manage and it can also be squeezed into an average-sized garage.

The Chancellor's continuing tax burden on diesel fuel is an unwelcome additional burden in the UK, but the economy that can be squeezed out of the engine is remarkable, with Government figures showing an average fuel consumption of more than 33mpg.

The higher LE specification gives real luxury, including air conditioning, cruise control, electrically adjustable driver's seat, four captain's chairs with arm rests, power assisted steering, alloy wheels and a stereo cassette player with ten speakers. It also comes with an integral roof rack and front fog lamps.

The Voyager has driver and passenger airbags, anti-lock brakes, remote control central locking with immobiliser, electrically operated front windows and electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors.

The rear seat is also fitted with rollers so it can be easily detached and rolled out of the rear to increase luggage space.

The UK importers have had one model specifically built for the UK a long wheelbase Grand Voyager model in the lower SE specification, which is designed to appeal to companies, hotels and chauffeur firms looking for a vehicle to move seven people and their luggage in comfort, priced at under 22,000.

When Chrysler builds a multi-purpose vehicle it means just that.

The Voyager was designed so its side-sliding passenger door opens 30 inches, the size of a standard home door opening.

Other requirements included a flat floor and 48 inches between wheel arches so DIY enthusiasts could fit a 8ft by 4ft sheet of plywood inside.

Designers also schemed in removable seats to allow passengers access from front to rear.

The new Voyager and longer wheelbase Grand Voyager are covered by a three year/60,000-mile mechanical warranty, six-year anti-corrosion warranty and three years' roadside assistance.

AUTO FACTS

Chrysler Voyager 2.5 TD LE

Price: 22,425 on-the-road

Insurance group: 13

Fuel consumption: Urban 25.7 mpg; Extra Urban 41.5; mpg; Combined 33.6 mpg

Comfort: Superb

Luggage space:15.9 cu ft

Length: 186in

Width: 77in

Top speed:109mph

Fuel tank capacity: 20 gallons