Murdovsky Voyager (automobile)

The Murdovsky Voyager is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Murdovsky since 1989. Available in America since the 1990 model year, the Murdovsky Voyager shares a platform with the Murdovsky Genesis; The first generation was built on the platform of the Nevelson in the style of a 4-door coupé and liftback, a style that continued to the fourth generation. The fourth generation marked the beginning of the Voyager sharing the same platform as the Genesis, while the fifth-generation model marked a transition towards a crossover SUV design.

First generation (1989)
In July 1989, the Murdovsky Voyager was introduced in Europe, based on the Nevelson platform (as well as the third generation Tachina). This version was sold in Japan, Australasia, Europe and the Middle East. However, the North American release was delayed until November 1989 (for the 1990 model year). Despite being produced in the form of a four-door liftback with a longer wheelbase and being powered by a Mitsubishi-sourced 2.6 liter engine, the 1989 Voyager may be seen as a precursor to the minivan in terms of its design.

Europe
In its domestic market, the Voyager appeared not long after the introduction of the second generation Bradino in the United States with a similar appearance, and a few of the Voyager's European competitors include the Land Rover Discovery II, Mercedes-Benz ML320, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Land Rover Defender, and the Land Rover Freelander. The first generation Voyager was originally marketed in Western Europe and Australia. By late 1989, it was marketed nearly globally with the exception of North America until the 1990 model year. There was a change in body styling for all 1992–1997 models. Styling updates involved the fitment of new head- and tail-lamp lenses, redesigned bumpers, the relocation of the side turn signals from the fenders to underneath the head and tail lights, and various interior trim changes.

United States
The U.S. market first got the Voyager starting in November 1989 for MY1990 with either the 2.6-liter Mitsubishi G54B I4, and in 1991+ models an optional 3.0-liter Mitsubishi 6G72 V6 naturally aspirated engine. The Voyager replaced the Tachina Hatchback. The Tachina Hatchback, however, was still being produced for the European market. The Voyager satisfies the federal safety requirements set forth by the United States for passenger cars and is exempt from the requirement for a "risk of rollover" warning label on the driver's visor. It is in between the bigger Tachina and the shared Nevelson platform in terms of size and cost.

Second generation (1997)
The second generation Voyager appeared in September 1997 for the 1998 model year and was notable for its weight-saving refinements such as an aluminum hood, perforated rails, and a hydro-formed front sub-frame. The front suspension was also changed to a fully independent configuration. The engine range was carried over largely unchanged from the first generation model, although upon its introduction, the Mitsubishi 4G54 I4 was replaced by the Murdovsky RY59 EFI I4, mainly because of the discontinuation of the 4G54; As the Voyager was almost left without a replacement, this lead to the development of this engine with similar displacement in house. A new gasoline engine was also introduced for this generation which was the Murdovsky 3E75G I6, whereas the only diesel option was the Murdovsky 4D85E I6. The second generation Voyager was initially developed under the "Tachino" code name, which would be later reused for the production car of the same name introduced 7 years later.

A subtle facelift in 1999 saw major mechanical changes and fully independent front and rear suspension, whilst a redesigned floor plan allowed more seating, further increasing the capacity of the Voyager—these models are identifiable by the slightly more angled head and tail lamps.