VW launches new Touran

With the launch of the Golf 6, and then pretty much everything thereafter, VW has redefined its “family face” to be somewhat sleeker, a bit more aggressive and, we think, more appealing; as if it has shed some baby fat. It did wonders for the aging Polo and now finds this “DNA” transplanted into the new 2011-spec Touran, VW’s practical and spacious family-oriented people-mover.

The changes made to the 2011 Touran are substantial, if not comprehensive, and VW state that their aim for the new Touran was “Perfection in Every Detail”, which has been admirably pursued, with the entire outer skin (save for the doors) being remodeled to look more taught and defined, which also led to a reduction of drag down to 0.29 from 0.32 on the outgoing model. This compliments the obligatory face-and-bum-lift areas where the light clusters at both ends have been given the LED/Xenon treatment and the bumpers completely redesigned to match VW’s new-look DNA. This is mostly noticeable up front, with its wide horizontal grille and chrome accents centering those now-slanted VW eyes. Just under these, the recessed fog lamps housed in a black, slotted grille with wide central air intake definitely makes the new Touran seem more aggressive and sportier than the model it replaces.

The back end has also adopted VW’s taillight design language and is designed as two-part modules on the wings and tailgate, now flatter and tapered inwards a la Golf 6. A small, integrated roof edge spoiler finishes the rear quite nicely and is also said to reduce air turbulence at the rear. The tailgate itself has been given a slightly larger window for better viewing and some attractive new creases, and is now significantly easier to close thanks to recalibration of the gas spring movements. This may seem trivial, but given this car’s soccer-mom and family-centered intent, those in the know will appreciate this far-from-insignificant improvement. When open, the tailgate reaches 2 067 mm from the ground; this allows most tall folks to stand underneath it, and shorter ones like me to still comfortably pull it down.

The sides of the Touran’s rear section have also been modified with what VW call a ‘tornado line’, which rises upwards to the rear between the C-pillars and D-pillars. It streamlines the Touran quite nicely away from the ‘blockhouse’ MPV look and feel and compliments its modern, more agile and sporty message. This means the new Touran has managed to avoid the doughnut diet for the most part of its rework and is only marginally larger at 4 397 mm long, 1 794 mm wide and 1 682m high. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2 678 millimeters.

The previous Touran achieved a maximum five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test and the new one does the same. Passenger cell strengthening, galvanized chassis components, advanced laser welding technology and the use of various steel composites are thrown in to keep driver and passengers safe in the event of any collisions. Not only that, these innovations and composites’ benefits are two-fold: It eliminates any undesirable inherent bodywork movement or creaking noises, and lays the foundations for more precise road handling.

Inside, new materials, instruments, applications and controls have been added. The centre console housing the Climatronic air controls (Highline spec only) has been restyled and the air vents now have chrome bezels, another classy VW trademark. In the Comfortline and Highline equipment lines, additional chrome accents are added to interior components such as switches for the electric windows, mirror adjustment and lights. Once again, Golf elements literally shine through with the use of white backlit instruments and the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel design. On the DSG version, the gearshift grip and gaiter have also been restyled.

Let’s not forget why people buy this car – seats and space, with lashings of useful configuration options on the side. The Touran’s single-seat passenger system serves up both with three adjacent second-row seats, which can be easily moved forward or backward, folded up, taken out or shifted sideways. VW have also done some seating refinements and offer exceptional thigh support (read: comfortable on longer journeys), along with removable second and third row headrests for an unrestricted driver’s rear view.

Not one to shy away from clever stowage and passenger creature comforts, the Touran offers seat pockets and folding tables, a cup holder in the back of the driver and front passenger seats (Comfortline and Highline), 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. The front passenger seatback (Comfortline and Highline) may also be folded down completely, making it possible to transport extra long loads. As an option, the new Touran can be ordered with a third row of two individual seats, and these can also be folded forward and sunk into the floor, adding just 7cm of extra floor height to the cargo area.

Speaking of the cargo area, this comes with various storage compartments in the sidewalls and hooks to secure numerous items, and is completely carpeted as well, to ensure your more delicate items are carried safely and securely. In 5-seater configuration, the luggage section can handle 695 litres of cargo and the maximum payload, depending on the version, is up to 660 kilograms. In 7-seater configuration, 1 913 litres is on offer (with the central row of seats removed and rear row) and without the 3rd row of seats installed, it offers 1 989 litres.

All Tourans carry the usual expected NCAP 5-star safety feature list, including daytime running lights, automatic hazard light activation under heavy braking, side head airbags for the first two rows of seats, front side airbags, individually adjustable headrests, automatic safety belts for all seats (first and second row height adjustable), front seat belts (complete with warning light and annoying alarm), and Isofix anchorage points for securing suitable child seats onto the outer seats of the second row. Active safety is achieved with disc brakes all round (vented up front), along with the full complement of acronyms such as ESP (with countersteer assistance and trailer stabilization), ABS, EBD, ASR, and brake assist.

The entry level Trendline sets the Touran’s bar with a comprehensive list of standard model features: Climatic air conditioning, an MP3/CD sound system with 8 speakers, multifunction display, electric windows on all four doors, green tinted windows, fancier seat fabric design, electric/heated/body coloured wing mirrors, a rain sensor, automatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, leather gear knob, handbrake lever and multifunction steering wheel, height adjustment for the front seats with storage bins underneath and in the floor in front of the second row, fold-away tables for the second row, automatic driving lights, cruise control, and black roof rails are included on the Trendline, which makes use of 15” alloy wheels.

Moving up a notch, the newly added Comfortline spec throws in lumbar support and drawers for the front seats, some chrome switch trim, more refined seat fabric, and some useful luggage additions such as seat storage pockets and a luggage compartment cover and net. To distinguish the Comfortline on the road, it rides on bigger 16-inch alloy wheels as well.

The top-spec Highline model adds to this Alcantara upholstery panels, heated front seats, some faux-aluminium trim, and VWs Climatronic (i.e. dual zone) air-conditioning system. On the outside, the Highline rides on bespoke 16-inch alloys (with a matching spare), has a very nice pair of silver anodized roof rails, tinted rear windows, chrome edged protective side strips, and integrated fog lights up front. On any of the above spec levels, one can throw in several optional features.

VW’s much hailed TSi petrol engine technology now finds its way into the Touran in the form of two variants. The 1.2-litre serves up 77kW and 175Nm (0-100km/h is reached in 11.9 seconds and it will reach 185km/h), while its 1.4-litre sibling will give a more useful 103kW and 220Nm, which will get you to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds and on to 201km/h. The consumption figures have been significantly reduced from the previous Touran’s, with the 1.2 delivering 100km on 6.4 litres of petrol and its slightly bigger brother using 6.8 litres, with carbon figures equating to 149g and 159g respectively. Both TSi engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.

What will surely prove to be the most popular engine option however will be VW’s 2.0-litre TDi engine with 81kW and 250Nm, which replaces both the 77kW 1.9-litre and 103kW 2.0-litre TDi options on the previous Touran. In 6-speed manual guise, it drinks just 5.4 litres of diesel every 100km (144g/km), while the 6-speed DSG automatic option is slightly thirstier at 5.7 litres per 100km (149g/km).

On the chassis and handling front, VW have employed a front McPherson strut suspension system with lower wishbones and six connecting body joints to improve comfort and a dynamic handling feel, while at the back a four-link rear axle with refined suspension components improves the ride comfort and handling qualities. Not only does all this mean a quieter, smoother and safer ride, but these enhancements also help reduce the amount of cornering lateral lean so common in MPVs, to what VW claim to be saloon car standards.

The new Volkswagen Touran comes standard with a 3-year/120 000km warranty, a 5-year/90 000km AutoMotion Service Plan (with service intervals of 15 000km) and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Pricing starts at R260 300 for the 1.2 TSI Trendline, rising to R286 500 for the 2.0 TDI Comfortline, R299 800 for the 1.4 TSI Highline and R301 000 for the 2.0 TDI Comfortline with DSG.

- Kevin Willemse