What is it?
Seven years and 1.1 million sales after the Touran first hit the scene, VW is launching what it calls a new Touran. It’s more of a major facelift, really. There’s crisper styling, and the big news is the arrival of two new four-cylinder engines, but this Touran has the same underpinnings as before and the same basic interior in either five or seven-seat guise.
What's it like?
The two new engines are a 1.2-litre direct-injection petrol and a 1.6-litre common-rail diesel that replaces the existing 1.9. Both provide the Touran with better fuel economy and lower emissions, in conjunction with developments such as stop-start, low-resistance tyres and an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Already available in other VWs, the impressive 1.6-litre diesel suits the Touran well. It is surprisingly nippy in stop-start town traffic and its refined cruising ability makes motorway travel genuinely relaxing. Best of all, Volkswagen claims 61mpg on the combined cycle, which equates to a range of over 800 miles.
Two further engines will be available from the outset: a 170bhp 1.4-litre direct-injection petrol and 2.0-litre common-rail diesel in 140bhp and 170bhp guises.
Should I buy one?
Dynamically, the Touran is safe and predictable. But what it lacks in fun, it more than makes up for in ride quality, versatility, space and quality, all of which are first rate.
It now also comes with some impressive options, such as VW’s second-generation Park Assist system and Light Assist, as well as an improved panoramic glass sunroof. It’s just a pity that, in spite of the sharp new front and rear ends, the Touran still looks so boring.
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Re: Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI
I owned a Citroen Xsara Picasso 2.0hdi for over three years and your description of your Touran matches exactly mine of the Picasso. A good practical car but no enjoyment if you try pushing it around bends.
Re: Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI
So I have gone and bought one of these, 2.0 tdi se, 8 months old. Test drove the 1.6 it was too slow for me, the two litre is acceptable. It's a big compromise car. No driving pleasure apart from that derived from feeling comfortable and relaxed, but the wife kid and dog love it. Loads of room and 50mpg on mixed use. The park assist seems useless so far, can't see me ever trying to use it. The best bits are the seating position and refinement on the motorway as well as the sheer flexibility. Worst are the handling and engagement as well as a so so stereo and no climate control. This is a car for long trips and family runs and in that it excels, just struggling to get too enthusiastic about it.
Re: Volkswagen Touran 1.6 TDI
Don't know how we managed before MPVs were invented. I'd hate to be raising a family now and have to drive around in one.
The old 'buying a Volvo estate' was fine until child carseats were compulsory (+booster seat's for when they're older). In most cars you can't fit 3 full size carseats across the back seat. Most cars only have two proper rear seats and a raised hump for the centre seat, a carseat will not fit on this.
Also the lower height of 'normal cars' are a real pain to bend down into and fasten kids in and out 4+ times a day.
For the same price an MPV can be bought. Much more practical, more room, just as quick and far easier to get along with with kids in tow.
My kids think it's really cool that Dad's got a 'party wagon' for all their friends and kit. I think I'd rather have a BMW M3, but I'm a family man and proud of it. Right now I'd rather have the Touran. The M3 will have to wait for my mid-life crisis ;-)