DaimlerChrysler Canada has completely made over its lineup of minivans for 2001, with the long-wheelbase models coming off the assembly line now, and the short-wheelbase models due out in October at the earliest.
The basic design intent was evolutionary, since the company believes it's been on the right design track since the first model arrived in late 1983.
According to James Holden, the Canadian who heads DCX's North American operations, that meant "offering the greatest selection of attractive, feature-filled minivans in the marketplace. For 2001, we're taking another giant leap in the segment we created by offering sleeker styling, enhanced powertrains, thoughtful features and, of course, even more industry and minivan firsts." Included in the lineup of new features would be:
- a power up and power down liftgate
- a removable, powered centre console
- power sliding side doors with an inside-the-door motor, with a manual override
- an obstacle detection system for the power side doors when opening or closing
- the most powerful engine in the segment, a 3.5-litre V6 that develops 230 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 250 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm
- a pop-up rear cargo organizer
- a three-zone automatic temperature control system
- 50/50 third row seats that roll out
- wireless headphones
- a 4-disc in-dash CD player, and more