NEW VEHICLE DODGE GRAND
Classic Caravan’s days are numbered
By Malcolm Gunn Wheelbase Media
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) will soon phase out the Canadian-built Grand Caravan.
The automaker isn’t saying exactly when the fifinal curtain will fall, but the word from FCA’s public relations folks is that it will stick around at least for the 2016 model year and will co-exist alongside a brand new Town & Country.
Physically, the Grand Caravan has retained the same boxy shape for seven or more years, although a signifificant revision for 2011 included a 283-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. It replaced the previous 3.3- and 3.8-liter V6s that made 175 and 197 horsepower, respectively. The 3.6, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, has made a world of difffffffffffference for GC buyers who can count on considerably greater performance when fully loaded with up to 3,600 pounds of trailer weight.
The engine also gives satisfactory punch when overtaking and when ascending hills.
And despite what you might think, the extra power came without any fuel consumption penalty the rating is 17 mpg in the city and 25 highway).
Other improvements included fancier interior trim, a restyled dashboard with soft-touch surfaces and updated telematics.
But if there’s one word that best describes the GC, it would be versatility. The standard Stow ‘n Go split-folding third-row seat can be conveniently stored beneath the load flfloor, using just one hand, as can the optional second-row captain’s chairs.
The resulting flflat load surface provides enough space for a signifificant amount of cargo, or it can even be used as a two- person camper.
With the seats left in place, the three below- flfloor bins can keep a variety of large-size valuables hidden from view
Another important GC feature has to be its attractive price. The base AVP (American Value Package) model lists for $22,800 and comes with most of the frequently requested features of the air/cruise/tilt and power-windows variety.
The SE adds the Stow ‘n Go second-row fold- flflat seats plus tri-zone climate control (driver, passenger and second-row) and center flfloor console, while the SXT comes with power sliding side doors, power liftgate and a roof rack.
Atop the Grand Caravan’s pecking order, the R/T has what the company calls a sport suspension, premium nine-speaker sound system, leather-trimmed seats, backup camera and a unique set of alloy wheels.
Numerous option packages let you dress up your GC with all sorts of up-level items. Of note is the Blacktop Package that as you might guess blacks out all of the exterior trim and adds gloss black paint to the standard 17-inch wheels.
Enjoy the Grand Caravan while you still can. DEAR CAR TALK: I am a senior citizen, and I drive a 2005 Toyota Matrix with 100,000 miles on it. It is time for routine maintenance, and I need to know just what parts of the car are critical to replace with this amount of mileage. I replaced the tires and the front brakes at 90,000 miles. In your opinion, what should I have the mechanic check and possibly replace? CAR TALK: You can fifind a lot of those answers in your owner’s manual. There are scheduled mainte-
The all-new Acura TLX is designed to deliver a compelling blend of sports-sedan athleticism and premium luxury refinement. To achieve its dual mission of even sharper sports-sedan performance and increased luxury refinement, the TLX employs a host of new advanced powertrain and super-handling technologies.
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The five-passenger interior is designed and engineered to underscore the “Red Carpet Athlete” development theme of the new TLX, providing a high degree of refinement, luxury comfort and technological sophistication while supporting an exhilarating driving experience. High-end premium elements include a soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper cover, alloy and wood-grain accents, and available Milano leather seating surfaces and interior trim.
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