 |
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
 |
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
|
Chrysler created not just a new nameplate, but an entirely new class of vehicle when it first launched the modern minivan in 1984. The idea of combining the people-hauling capacity of a van with the maneuverability of a sedan was proposed by Ford executives Lee Iacocca and Hal Sperlich. Henry Ford II rejected the idea, and the two colleagues later revived the concept at their new employer Chrysler. The resulting vehicles, the Dodge Caravan and its siblings, helped Chrysler swim its way out of a sea of red ink and back to profitability in the 1980s. Since then, every full-range carmaker has tried its hand at making a better minivan, but as we found out on a weekend drive, the granddaddy of them all still has a few new tricks up its sleeve. The requisites are in place: cavernous interior, twin sliding doors, individual air con vents, comfortable driving position, and sufficiently powerful engine. Then there are the premium features. The power-sliding doors and tailgate may seem frivolous, but when you try to load several bags and weekend gear while carrying a sleeping toddler, it all makes perfect sense. The power doors can be actuated by remote control, by switches above the driver’s seat, by switches beside the doors, and of course by the door handles themselves. Seating is for seven: two front buckets, two middle buckets, and three on a rear bench. Here’s where the Chrysler pulls out an Ace: the Stow ‘n Go system. The middle buckets can individually fold flat into a compartment in the floor, as can the rear bench, in a 70/30 split. With the seats all tucked away, the T&C converts into a panel van with 4083 liters of space. With the seats up, the floor compartments can be used as storage for bags, drinks coolers, toys, iPod docking stations, and a dozen other necessary gadgets for a family trip. |
|
||||
|
|
|||||
