BY MALCOLM LIVERMORE | 18th Jun 2003
THE American-designed, Austrian-built Voyager was the world's best-selling MPV because of its refinement, power (from an old-fashioned 116kW 3.3-litre V6), space, equipment levels, driving ease and good looks. There are a few right-hand drive conversion niggles and quality isn't up to Japanese standards.
MAZDA MPV 4D WAGON (1996-1999)
OLD-FASHIONED and ungainly angular styling betrayed the 1988-vintage rear-drive Mazda people-mover. Ex-929 V6 is smooth, refined but too-high geared for speed-limited Australia. Versatile and comfortable seating a high point the ride, handling and equipment levels are good but it is not the biggest inside.
MITSUBISHI STARWAGON 2D WAGON (1994-2001)
THE Starwagon's four-cylinder engine does a respectable job of hauling it around but the vehicle's dynamics are behind its rivals here. The ride in the back can be fairly unpleasant, the cabin is well built but style free and the looks are just too delivery van.
TOYOTA TARAGO 3D WAGON (1990-2000)
AGEING gracefully thanks to futuristic styling, excellent packaging, versatile avant-garde interior and renown Toyota quality. Equipment levels trail others and the unique four- cylinder engine is only adequately powerful. Owners swear by them worldwide anyway, with high resale residuals reflecting that.