A revamped Chrysler Voyager is being launched this Spring after 17 years at the top of the worldwide people carrier market.

With almost nine million Voyagers sold, the new European-built model has sleeker, more sophisticated styling, enhanced powertrains - including a powerful new common-rail turbodiesel engine - improved ride and handling and a wide range of customer-friendly features.

Compared with the previous model, the new multi-purpose vehicle offers more interior space, more refined handling, a stronger body structure with improved safety, and diesel engine performance. Simon Elliott, director of Chrysler and Jeep in the UK, said: "Not only do we now offer the best-looking MPV with the best new features, but virtually every aspect of the Voyager has also been improved to make it smoother, quieter, safer, more powerful and more comfortable.

"With improved ride and handling and a series of MPV firsts, the new Voyager reaches a new level of refinement in the segment."

Nine versions will be available in the UK, with features including a powered opening tailgate, powered dual sliding doors with an obstacle detection system, and a three-zone automatic temperature control system. Prices range from £18,495 to £28,995.

Power units include a new 3.3-litre V6 with power and performance increased to 172 horsepower, and a new 140 horsepower 2.5-litre, common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel.

The Voyager is equipped with side-impact air bags and interior innovations include an in-dash, four-disc CD player on the Limited model.

The Voyager will be available in three equipment levels - SE, LX and Limited.

Standard equipment on the entry-level SE includes four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock brakes, power door locking, electrically operated front windows and rear quarter vents, power steering, power heated folding door mirrors, dual front airbags and side impact airbags for the front seats.

Options on the SE include sunscreen glass, CD player, dual-zone temperature control and remote central locking. The LX version adds extra equipment such as 16in alloy wheels, roof rack and overhead console with trip computer.

The options on LX versions include leather seats and sunscreen glass. Standard equipment on the top-of-the-range Limited versions includes power sliding doors, powered and heated retractable door mirrors, leather seats with eight-way front-seat power adjustment and driver's seat memory feature (except CRD), steering wheel audio controls, traction control on automatic versions, headlamp washers, ten speakers, load-levelling suspension with height control and three-zone automatic temperature control with odour/particulate filter (except on the CRD model).

The power tailgate is optional on Limited, but sunscreen glass and four-disc in-dash CD player are standard.

*Call Varsity Chrysler Jeep, Banbury Road, Shipton-on-Cherwell, on 01865 376000.