REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Still On Top

It ’ s now up to the fourth generation of this popular minivan to secure the next mandate. Its election promises include improved functionality, a roomier interior, and nearly the same degree of innovation as found in each of its illustrious predecessors. The question is, will it deliver the goods?For DaimlerChrysler, the minivan represents eight million units sold, three factories churning them out as quickly as possible, and some 135 accolades from a specialized critical audience, each of which acclaiming the vehicle as the best of its class. The credit goes to its German-American manufacturers, who stopped at nothing to keep the Caravan in top form. Their efforts have clearly paid off, as the Caravan continues to maintain a comfortable lead on the competition, with only the Ford Windstar maintaining a presence in the rear-view mirror.

Whether the brass at DaimlerChrysler likes it or not, this fourth-generation Caravan will not take the competition by surprise. While the new minivan does sport new features, the transformations are limited to a redesigned silhouette, revamped mechanics and a hodgepodge of new accessories, some much more noteworthy than others.

The new Caravan is certainly not short on good ideas. Its long list of innovative features starts off with a power rear liftgate (the trunk opens and shuts automatically). There ’ s also a centre console, that can be moved from the front to the middle row of seats as desired, a TV entertainment unit (expensive, but the kids love it), and side air bags for the front-seat passengers.

Problem is, many of these accessories are only available with the most expensive packages or, in some cases, as a supplement to the basic package. No matter what package a buyer chooses, however, they can count on a lighting system that has been improved by 80 percent but that is a pretty good indication of how poor it used to be.

This minivan has always prided itself on a superior interior, and it ’ s even more ergonomically designed this time around. All dashboard commands are located within easy reach for the driver, and the roller tracks for the seats have been extended for added comfort. Details like this make the minivan a true pleasure to drive. Drivers may be put off, however, by the bargain- basement appearance of some of the plastics and other details of its assembly. Still, this vehicle remains one of its manufacturer ’ s best creations.

Despite the fact that its rear-view mirrors are surprisingly small, the Caravan affords excellent panoramic visibility, due in no small measure to its discreet, out-of-the-way hood. As a result, it inspires a greater degree of confidence than the Grand Caravan version, which has a larger, more cumbersome wheelbase. It goes without saying, however, that the Caravan has a much less spacious interior, which can make it difficult to find room for luggage with all the seats in place. What ’ s more, the designers at DaimlerChrysler bucked a current trend by neglecting to include the magic seat, one that can be tucked away beneath the floor when not in use. Too noisy, says one of the engineers. Instead, they have replaced one heavy bench seat with a pair of lightweight bucket seats, equipped as always with rollers to make them a little easier to handle. The result? A supremely adaptable interior that is even, in some respects, even more practical than before.First, let ’ s be clear about one thing: the Caravan as we know it is nothing to sneeze at. But that ’ s not to say there isn ’ t room for improvement.

The already solid chassi has been reinforced, not only to improve its roadholding but also to handle the additional power produced by both engines presently on the market. Of all the currently available engine choices, the 3,8 litre V6 offers the best performance under the hood. The other V6, a 3,3 litre engine, is not too shabby, either.

All Caravans have a four-speed automatic transmission that is said to be more reliable, if less speedy, than in previous models. To make the most from the available power, the ES package comes with a semiautomatic transmission (AutoStick), which allows you to select the gears manually. But you might as well save your money, as the novelty of flicking the cursor mounted on the gear shift soon wears thin.

The Caravan still offers impressive roadholding, particularly when mounted on 17-inch wheels, which are unfortunately only available for the top-of-the-line model, the ES, which also holds exclusive rights to the antiskid braking system which, while not one of the most sophisticated on the market, is still crucial for slippery conditions. For all intents and purposes, the new braking system is where Caravan has made the most progress. It is still a relatively classic, disc/drum system reinforced with ABS, but now has impressive heat- resistance and a pedal that is easier to manipulate. Despite its small imperfections, the Caravan still has what it takes to maintain its place at the top of the heap. But as a talented opposition prepares its strongest election campaign to date, one wonders how long Caravan will be able to stay in power.

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PROS
Many innovations
Improved braking and lighting systems
Good choice of models

CONS
Useless Autostick transmission
Small exterior rear-view mirrors

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * *