The new Touran has just been unveiled. Volkswagen says that in addition to it featuring fresh styling, the new model has pioneering technology on board and a range of efficient new engines. There were 1.13 million Touran compact MPVs sold across Europe to date, but generally, it was thought of as being a bit boring.
So it is very important the new Touran features styling that takes inspiration from the successful design direction established by the Polo, Golf and new Touareg. The new grille features strong horizontal lines that are replicated in the new front bumper, while at the rear, revised tail-lights featuring intricate LED bulbs are fitted along with a new tailgate and bumper. Completing the revisions are a set of new alloy wheels and chrome-edged rubbing strips running down the side of the vehicle.
Inside the Touran fresh new trim finishes are joined by a three-spoke steering wheel ahead of a new set of dials featuring subtle white backlighting and a large electronic display to relay information on the vehicle’s systems. A revised centre console with chrome highlights houses new controls for the ventilation system.
One good aspect to the existing model Touran has been the versatility it offer owners and this has been retained in the new car. The new Touran is fitted with seven seats as standard, the third row of which can be folded down into the floor of the vehicle to leave a 695 litre loadspace that can be increased to 1,913 litres when the centre row of seats is folded. Volkswagen claims a total of 39 storage compartments can be found around the new Touran.
Powering the Touran is a range of highly efficient new forced induction engines that promise greater performance and economy while delivering fewer emissions.
The range comprises two diesel engines with two different power outputs - a 1.6-litre TDI 105bhp engine and 2.0-litre TDI 140bhp. Setting the pace in sustainability is the Touran TDI BlueMotion Technology (77 kW/105bhp ).
This version of the new Touran seven-seater MPV offers a combined fuel consumption of 4.6 l/100km and 121g/km CO2. That is just missing out on the lowest band and slotting in to Band B with 16 per cent VRT and Band B road tax of €150 per annum.
In addition to the gains in efficiency, Volkswagen says the new Touran also breaks new ground in technology, featuring, for example, the latest generation of park assist which allows the vehicle to park in not only parallel spaces but also end-on spaces. The system operates through a single button and does not require any complicated set-up procedure.
The new Touran will go on sale in September with the first models arriving in October. Irish prices and specifications will be announced closer to the launch date.
