Launch report:

Volkswagen Touran review

by Jim McCauley (15 January 2007)

January sees the UK launch of Volkswagen's new Touran which gains styling revisions as well as new engines and technologies in a comprehensive makeover. The vehicle is a successful competitor in the compact MPV sector, holding third place in Western Europe and selling around 10,000 units annually in the UK where total sales are in the region of 200,000.

Competing directly with the Ford C-MAX, Vauxhall Zafira, Renault Scenic and new Citroen C4 Picasso, the vehicle has its work cut out for it and the new model upgrades are designed to give it an edge in this growing sector of the marketplace.

Volkswagen predicts that 87% of the Tourans sold in the UK will be diesel-powered and one of the launch choices was the 2.0 TDI model producing 140bhp. This comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox but the Group's twin-clutch DSG transmission is an option on all engines above 105bhp. Also available at launch was the 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with 140bhp on tap and the optional six-speed automatic DSG transmission.

The overall shape of the Touran remains practically cut rather than aesthetically fashioned but the latest generation has the new Volkswagen crest radiator grille in chrome, new bumpers front and rear, and new headlight units bringing it into the current corporate fold. Protruding slightly more than the original design, the vehicle stretches by a mere 16mm, retaining an overall compact dimension of 4.4 metres.

It is unmistakeably a Volkswagen and this is no more apparent than in the cabin which continues the quality theme long associated with the marque. The standard Touran has seven seats, with the middle row comprising of three lightweight single units which can be easily moved lengthwise, offset diagonally, folded down or removed.

Due to the relatively high seating position, both the middle and rear rows offer good support with the longitudinal movement of the middle row allowing the occupants to manipulate leg room, or indeed luggage room if the rear pair is not required. These can be folded flat into the floor and all seats have headrests and 3-point seatbelts.

On the road, the 2.0 TDI produces 236lb/ft of torque from 1750 to 2500rpm, and offers a sporty response via the standard six-speed gearbox. Off the line, the vehicle reaches 62mph in 10.2 seconds, complementing the established in-gear response of a well-endowed torquey diesel with the added bonus of an economical fuel consumption figure of 46.5mpg on the official combined cycle.

On the other hand, the 1.4 TSI delivers a punch that would have been associated with a normally-aspirated two-litre not so long ago. This compact four cylinder Twincharger, with both turbo and supercharger, produces 140bhp with 162lb/ft of torque available from 1500 to 4000 rpm. It covers the 0-62 mph time in 9.8 seconds and like the TDI has a limited top speed of 125 mph.

In addition to the performance packed by this engine, it is also easy on fuel and has low emissions, the figures given being 44mpg on the combined cycle and a 179g/km of CO2. Fitted with the DSG transmission at launch, this combination proved very good for a relaxed driving style, but when pressing on over demanding hill roads the temptation was to rely on the manual paddles for a quicker response both up and down the box.

A supportive suspension system provides the cornering assurance required without adversely affecting ride comfort and the vehicle overall displays a competent progression in its evolution. Equipment levels also progress in the 2007 model range with standard equipment from the S model upwards including alloy wheels, CD player, air-conditioning, remote central locking and cruise control. The SE adds 16" alloy wheels, uprated alarm and body coloured trim while the top Sport specification adds CD autochanger, privacy glass, aluminium interior trim and rear parking sensors.

For those chasing quality, the most impressive upgrade on the extras list is the two-tone leather upholstery option while those who can’t find an on-street parking space adjacent to the mirrored aid of a large shop window will drool over the ParkAssist option. This world first also includes front and rear parking sensors as well as Hill Hold Control and enables automatic parking.

When selected, and when travelling at less than 18mph close to in-line parked vehicles, the system will detect if a gap is sufficient in which to park. Leaving the driver to engage reverse gear and allowing him to operate the throttle and brake, the vehicle will make the necessary steering cuts automatically to take it into the selected parking space.

Safety provision on the new Touran includes a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, a comprehensive electronic stabilisation program on the anti-lock brakes that includes counter-steering support to maintain the car in a straight line when braking heavily if the wheels on one side have more grip than those on the other.

Trailer stabilisation is also standard for improved braking performance when towing. All models also come with twin front, front side and curtain airbags as well as ISOFIX child seat mountings.

Overall, the new Touran range emphasises the quality and technologies offered by Volkswagen rather than aesthetic design flair and the vehicle exudes quality and longevity from just driving it. Prices are expected to continue in the vein of those of the outgoing model, but the C4 Picasso has moved the quality stakes up for Citroen and competition from this unexpected French entry might nudge Volkswagen to offer incentives.