The Volkswagen Touran’s appeal is founded on its capacity to meet the needs of families and those that require extra space. The latest generation is no different, with the new Volkswagen Touran having undergone a number of changes to build on its success.

Exterior restyling has made the 2011 VW Touran more aerodynamic, thanks to more precise contours that have reduced the Drag Coefficient (Cd) value from 0.32 to 0.29 – a commendable figure for any vehicle, let alone an MPV. Except for the four doors, every other body part of the MPV has been restyled.

The front-end has been brought up-to-date with the latest Volkswagen ‘design DNA’ in the form of a revised bumper, radiator grille, bonnet, front fenders and headlights. Optional bi-xenon headlight units incorporate LED daytime running lights and dynamic bending lights (Adaptive Front-lighting System). Along with the rear section’s new design, now divided as at the front by horizontal lines, the Touran’s rear lights are a two-part design that extend from the wing into the tailgate. A restyled roof edge spoiler reduces air turbulence at the rear. The tailgate itself is reportedly easier operate, courtesy of revised gas springs that allow it to close gently in one swing. In addition, the larger rear window offers an even better view to the rear. The side profile features the brand’s ‘tornado line’, which rises upwards to the rear between the C-pillars and D-pillars. Other styling tweaks include restyled hubcaps and wheels, while the Touran Highline, for example, is fitted as standard with the new 16-inch ‘Sacramento’ alloy wheels.

The new VW Touran retains similarly compact dimensions to its predecessor at 4 397 mm long, 1 794 mm wide and 1 682 mm high. Measured at its highest edge, the tailgate opens up to 2 067 mm from the ground – allowing most people to stand fully upright beneath it. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2 678 mm.

Safety is a large part of the Touran’s design, which incorporates a steel-composite passenger cell bound together using around 70 metres of laser-welded joints. The result is a vehicle body that is highly resistant to buckling and optimised to withstand the impact of a crash. The steel-composite construction also serves to eliminate any potential inherent bodywork movement or creaking noises and lays the foundations for accurate road handling.

Whether tackling the school run or loaded to the hilt en-route to a long-haul holiday destination, the Touran has been designed to take you there comfortably and conveniently. For the interior, new materials, instruments, applications and controls have been added. The centre console has been visually restyled and air vents now have chrome bezels. In the Comfortline and Highline equipment levels, additional chrome accents are added to interior components such as switches for the electric windows, mirror adjustment and lights. Volkswagen has equipped the new Touran with the style of the latest Golf by giving it white backlit instruments and a new three-spoke steering wheel. On the DSG version, the gearshift grip and gaiter have also been restyled.

The Touran’s three adjacent second-row seats can be easily moved forward or backward, folded up, taken out or shifted sideways. Further practicalities include folding tables, a cup holder in the back of the driver and front passenger seats, a middle seat that can be used as a table, storage bins in the floor in front of the second row seats and under the front seats and large storage bins in the doors. As an option, the new Touran can be ordered with a third row of seats. Storage compartments in the sidewalls of the cargo area and in the cargo floor can be used to secure numerous items. In the classic five-seat configuration, the luggage section can handle 695-litres of cargo, expandable to a maximum of 1 989-litres with the second-row seats removed.

The VW Touran is now available in three new specification levels – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Trendline is the new entry model, followed by Comfortline and the Highline has been retained as the top of the range equipment line.

Standard features on the Touran Trendline include: air conditioning; radio/CD-player with MP3 function and 8 speakers; multifunction display; electric windows on all four doors; green tinted windows; electrically adjustable, heated wing mirrors; rain sensor; automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror; leather steering wheel with multi function buttons; leather gear knob and handbrake lever; front seats with height adjustment; cruise control system plus black roof rails.

Additional to the standard features in the Trendline, the Touran Comfortline model offers features such as front lumbar support; drawers under the front seats; chrome trim on the light switch, mirror adjustment and window switches; a luggage compartment cover and luggage net; storage pockets on rear of front seats; and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Compared to the Trendline and Comfortline, the top of the range Highline offers exclusive features such as, Alcantara upholstery; heated front sports seats; aluminium look decorative trim; Dual zone automatic air-conditioning system; 16-inch alloy wheels; silver anodised roof rails; tinted windows to the rear of the B-pillar; protective side strips with chrome trim; fog lights with additional static corner lighting function; and full-size alloy spare wheel.

Available optional extras include a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof, radio/navigation system, Park Assist, Rear Assist rearview camera, bi-xenon headlights, park distance control (rear) and leather seats.
Engine and transmission

The Touran is available with two new petrol engines and a new common rail technology diesel engine. All three engines are turbocharged direct injection engines, which follow the Volkswagen downsizing principle. The result is a small engine displacement that offers lower emissions and fuel consumption combined with more torque.

On the petrol side, two new TSI engines are being employed. The entry-level engine is the 1.2 litre TSI with 77 kW and the top of the range engine is the 1.4-litre TSI with the power output of 103 kW. The 1.2 litre TSI engine produces 77 kW and 175 Nm of torque. It has a top speed of 185 km/h and reaches 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds. Fuel consumption and emissions are 6.4 L/100km and 149 g/km CO2. The 1.4 litre 16-valve TSI engine delivers 103 kW and 220 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 202 km/h. Fuel consumption for the 1.4 TSI is 6.8 L/100km with a CO2 value of 159 g/km. Twin-charged via compressor and turbocharger, this TSI comes standard with 6-speed manual transmission.

The 1.9 TDI 77 kW and 2.0 TDI 103 kW engines have both been replaced with a cleaner, quieter and frugal 81 kW 2.0 TDI engine. The 2.0-litre 81 kW common rail TDI has a maximum torque of 250 Nm, which is available at 1,750 rpm. Customers will have an option of ordering this engine with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG transmission. It has a top speed of 185 km/h (183 km/h for DSG), with a fuel consumption of 5.4 L/100km and 144 g/km CO2 value (5.7 L/100km and 149 g/km CO2 for DSG).

Prices include a 3-year/120 000km warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and 5-year/90 000km service plan.