MORE CHEERFUL INTERIOR AWAITS PACIFICA BUYERS

Chris Vander Doelen, Windsor Star - - Part of the changes to the refreshed Pacifica revealed in Chelsea recently are in the interior, and they might interest both the Chrysler workers who build them and the consumers thinking of buying one.

As reported last week, the biggest parts of the refresh are new front end lights and metalwork, a six-speed transmission and a more powerful 4.0-litre engine. (The engine, for those who want to know, is a reworked version of the Chrysler 3.5-litre, company sources say).

The interior changes include lighter plastic panels on the upper portions of the doors.

Chrysler has decided to go to lighter colours to make the interior more cheerful. That may be of interest only to Chrysler workers smacking parts on all day, but the rest of the changes might lead to more sales: they're making Electronic Stability Control side air curtain bags standard equipment.

They're adding an eight-inch DVD screen, and a backup camera called Park View. Many consumers complain that the high waist design of many of today's crossovers make it too difficult to back up safely and park the tall wagons.

The final change is the addition of a new miracle fabric for seating surfaces that would be a boon to families with young children. Called YES Essentials, the fabric repels stains, is anti-static, and as a major bonus, also repels odours.

"It's really unique and it should be good especially for families," says Kathy Graham.

Just as they did with Magna's Stow 'N Go seating, DaimlerChrysler has negotiated an exclusive two-year supply contract with the creators, Milliken Automotive Fabrics.

YES Essentials will be available only on a range of Chrysler Group vehicles for the next two years: Chrysler's Pacifica and Sebring, Dodge's Caliber and Nitro, and Jeep's Compass and Patriot.