FirstDrive/VW Touran:To say the Volkswagen Touran has failed to match the appeal of the two leaders in the mini MPV segment - the Renault Scenic and the Renault Zafira - is an understatement. The Scenic and the Zafira have been hugely popular with people who need family space and practicality, but who are also interested in economy of scale and consumption.
While the Touran does have most of the above attributes, it does not have the appeal of the design of its competitors and, of all the cars in the segment, it looks more like a van.
Now VW has revamped the Touran and given it softer lines, a new front and rear, and more space. It is an altogether more appealing car as a result but it remains to be seen whether it will ever close the gap that both the Scenic and the Zafira have created.
The new version of the Touran goes on sale in the next few weeks and VW is hoping that offering a seven-seat version only, rather than a conventional five-seat layout, will lead to more conquest sales.
Apart from seven seats, all models will come with air conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, six airbags, electronic stability programme and a chrome grille surround. Prices start at €27,625 for the entry level 1.6-petrol version. There will be three specification levels, the basic Conceptline, the Trendline and the Highline.
The Opel Zafira 1.6 Club, incidentally, costs €27,495.
The seven-seat version may accommodate plenty of passengers but the result is that there won't be a spare wheel, which is the same with some other bigger cars in the mini-MPV segment. If you do have a puncture you will have an emergency kit but most people are going to end up contacting roadside assistance. Run-flat tyres are not really an option because they are very expensive to replace after they do run flat.
The new Touran is a very pleasant car to drive. It is typically VW inside, with practical instruments and switchgear, good seats, plenty of head and legroom and a generally solid feeling. There are almost infinite combinations for the seats to be laid out in, depending on your needs. Adjusting them is quite a straightforward exercise.
The engine that really stands out is the 1.4 TSi, which is already in use in other Volkswagens, and which has a twincharger. It produces an incredible 170bhp which propels it smoothly and evenly, and you will be left wondering how so much could be squeezed out of an engine so small. It's a wonder no one previously thought of combining a compressor and a turbo, which is how it works. However, the TSi costs €29,390, with a six-speed gearbox.
When this engine is combined with the automatic DSG (direct shift gearbox) you have the best combination of diesel power and automatic transmission yet seen in a car of this size and capacity. This combination costs €31,305.
There are now 20 variations on the Touran theme. As you move up through the Highline and Trendline options you can pick up things like xenon headlights, alloys, privacy glass and so on, but the basic pack is quite good. Driver, passenger and side airbags are all standard equipment, as are electric windows, electric locking, plenty of speakers, storage compartments and the like. Prices range right up to €39,595 for the top of the range Trendline with the 2.0-litre diesel engine and DSG.
The engine choices are the impressive 1.4 TSi, the 1.6 petrol and the 2.0-litre diesel units. The 1.6 is likely to be the volume seller but everyone should try the 1.4 before they arrive at a decision.
VW has developed a "park assist" system for about an extra €2,000 for those who have problems with parallel parking. However, I remain unconvinced of its merits. I only saw it being demonstrated in ideal and spacious conditions, not in a busy street with someone honking behind you.
All you have to do is use the brakes and accelerator. Sensors then take over and direct the steering wheel for you.
Factfile
ENGINES:The new Touran comes in a choice of five engine offerings starting with a 1.6-litre petrol 102bhp six-speed followed by a 1.4 litre 140bhp TSI petrol five-speed version.
Diesel versions are the 1.9-litre TDI 105bhp version and two 2-litre TDI versions with 140bhp and 170bhp power respectively.
FEATURES:Standard features include air conditioning, alloy wheels, cruise control, six airbags, ESP electronic stabilisation programme including ABS and Brake Assist. There are nine body colours.
PRICES:€27,625 (ex works) for the 1.6-litre, 102 bhp version in Conceptline trim. This is followed by the 1.4-litre TSI, 140bhp version at €29,390.
Most expensive is the 2-litre 170bhp TDI version with DSG in Highline trim at €45,715.