DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Chrysler Pacifica

Chrysler will stage the world debut of its replacement for the Grand Voyager at tonight's Detroit motor show opening, but it's unlikely ever to be sold in Australia.

Now called the Pacifica, replacing the 'Town & Country' name used for five previous generations dating back to 1990, the redesigned people-mover is now in production ahead of its US release by mid-2016.

However, it's unclear if Chrysler's first new full-size people-mover in eight years will be built in right-hand drive and motoring.com.au understands Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Australia is not interested in releasing it Down Under.

Officially, FCAA says it will consider all new models available to it, but our sources suggest the company's seven-seat models – including the Fiat Freemont and Dodge Journey – render the local release of the Pacifica unnecessary.

Priced from $57,500, the outgoing Grand Voyager commands a premium position in a people-mover segment dominated by vastly cheaper models like the Kia Carnival, Honda Odyssey and Hyundai iMAX – which together accounted for almost 8500 sales -- and attracted just 45 customers here last year.

The 2017 Pacifica comes with a number of new or upgrades features, including foot-activated rear and side doors, new second-row Stow 'n Go seats (now providing accommodation for up to eight occupants) and a revised 214kW 3.6-litre Pentastar petrol V6.

A plug-in hybrid V6 petrol-electric variant offering up to 50km of zero tailpipe emissions is expected to follow six months later.

Riding on a new platform, it's also 145kg lighter than before at 1965kg, despite being 10mm longer in wheelbase, 20mm wider and 20mm taller. Overall, the Pacifica is slightly shorter at 5170mm.

New features include 10-inch touch-screens for the second row, in-car wireless connectivity, dual-pane sliding sunroof and fixed rear roof glass, rear climate touch-screen control and 'Are We There Yet?' rear-seat navigation app.

Other additions include wheel sizes up to 20-inch (up from 17-inch on the current Voyager) and Chrysler's latest Uconnect infotainment system with free-standing 8.4-inch touch-screen.

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