The new Touran is priced from €29,725 for the 1.2-litre TSI petrol and €31,970 for the 1.6-litre TDI.
Volkswagens new Touran is an ideal compromise for those needing space for 7 but who also long for a hot hatch writes Suzanne Keane.
What is it? While MPVs may not be the most appealing of vehicles on the road the new Touran’s handling certainly doesn’t feel like that of a boring family car.
First impressions of the new VW Touran? It may not look all that different from the outside but the new Touran is 130mm longer than the previous version and also 36mm wider. Built on the MQB platform it also has a longer wheelbase than the older model. If you want a sportier looking car the R-Line styling pack will add bumper and sill extensions and some distinctive R-Line badging.
What about the interior? All Tourans sold in Ireland will come with 7 seats as standard – with 3 point seat belts all round and 5 ISOFIX anchor points. The 2nd row of seating has 3 individual seats of equal size and the tunnel height has been reduced for extra leg room – you can also order integrated child seats as comfort options. The 2nd and 3rd rows of seats will also fold flat when required extending the load space to 1,857 litres for carrying those larger items and from Comfortline up the passenger seat folds flat to be used as a table. Inside the cabin the seats are comfortable, there’s plenty of legroom in the back and If your budget will stretch a little the “ArtVelours” cloth seats come as standard on the Highline models.
All Tourans come with seven seats as standard and feature a new fold-flat system
VW Touran on road? Once you’re behind the wheel it’s easy to forget you’re driving an MPV as the Touran handles just like a lower car and feels great on both country roads and motorways. The 2.0L TDI engine has loads of power if you love driving but the 1.6L TDI will be more than adequate for the school run.
How much? Prices for the new Touran start from €29,725 for a Trendline 1.2TSI 110bhp model. The top of the range 2.0L Diesel 150bhp Highline with a 7 speed DSG automatic gearbox will set you back €40,525.
At the launch we tested 2 Highline models, one 2.0TDI with the luxurious “ArtVelours” cloth upholstery, reversing camera, electric tailgate and driver profile selection which will set you back €45,232 while the other was a 1.6TDI DSG Highline with the 161 pack (see options below) costing €39,619.
Will it break the bank? Annual road tax on the 1.2TSI 110bhp will set you back €270 while the 1.6 and 2.0 TDI engines will cost €200/year (2.0L TDI DSG €270).
How safe? The new Touran comes with a host of safety features and the 5 ISOFIX anchor points make it an ideal family car. Active bonnet with pedestrian monitoring comes as standard on all models.
What about my options? The base Trendline model comes with Air Conditioning, a 5” touchscreen infotainment system, start/stop technology, daytime running lights, active engine hood, connectivity package including Bluetooth, forward collision warning system and a 12v socket in the luggage compartment. Upgrading to Comfortline will get you a multifunction steering wheel, drawers under the front seats, 16” alloys, tinted glass in rear windows, parking sensors, 6.5” touchscreen infotainment system and cruise control. Top of the range Highline models come with velour seats, adaptive cruise control, 3 zone climate control, sports suspension and 17” alloys.For 161 models there’s a special offer upgrade pack for €161 on Comfortline and Highline models which includes a panoramic sunroof, Parallel Park Assistant and auto-dimming headlights.
3 words to describe the VW Touran? Spacious; Practical; Comfortable
For more information check out the Volkswagen Ireland website or their Facebook page
Suzanne Keane
11th January, 2016
