Back in 1996, the Volkswagen released a large family car that did not overwhelm in terms of size: the five or seven seater Touran. But seven years later, VW released a brand new Touran to compete according to the demands of the current market. The latest Touran sports smoother, sleeker, and crisper look as well as a variety of powerful four-cylinder engines.
Pros
The brand new Touran sports that familiar VW family look found in most related range models. Loyalists will recognize the grille design, lower yet wider intake up front, the rear bumper, the side’s clean surfaces, and the trademark headlights.
The interior impresses with its seat capacity. The middle row offers two full-sized outer seats that include a centre seat and Isofix fittings. You can readily remove and collapse the seats according to passenger number as well. More elbow room is included once the centre seat is removed, letting you also enjoy enough legroom. You can even remove the headrests to make way for a third row that falls into the boot floor. The driver will enjoy his or her position: the instruments are within easy reach, an adjustable steering wheel, and ergonomics that protect the body.
The Touran offers several top notch four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. The latter is a 1.2-litre at 104bhp and a 1.4-litre at 138bhp , while the former type includes a 1.6-litre at 104bhp, either a 2.0-litre at 138 or 168bhp, or the entry-level 1.6-litre at 89bhp. In terms of performance, the 1.4 TSI is not underpowered and delivers smooth, consistent, and linear power as well as more than enough torque. Even more impressive is the 1.6 TDI and how refined it is on cruising speeds. It also boasts of a range above 800 miles and a 61mpg fuel efficiency. For a quieter and more responsive experience, there’s the 2.0 litre diesel engine at 138bhp.
At low speeds, the ride tends to be a bit firm. Thankfully the effect is a journey that avoids any queasiness among passengers. Steering is responsive and handling more than easy; you can readily enjoy that light ride about town and not worry about shifting into higher speeds.
Cons
Most of the Touran’s engines are smooth throughout any road condition or speed, but the stronger ones tend to be rowdier as soon as you rev up. Road noise is kept at a minimum but the upright shape of the car results in minor wind noise.
Although the expandable and foldable kids seats are handy for families, adults standing taller than six feet will have a problem occupying these spaces. The interior also fails to impress in its overall design: the look is generally dull despite the quality promised from its materials.
Although steering works on motorway speeds, we have our doubts on the electrically powered aspect. Although the wheel is light upon parking, it gets more difficult once you need to quicken the pace. This seems off given the incredible quality of the chassis in other actions. Body control is retained during bumps, but an understeer occurs if suddenly pushed. You can, however, bet on the body being well controlled and the grip smooth under the arms.
What do you think?
(Average rating: 5 , Total rates: 2 )
