The Touran compact MPV has the usual Volkswagen attributes - but will that be enough for class leadership? Jonathan Crouch drives the current version.

Ten Second Review

Volkswagen's third generation Touran is designed to compete with the best that the compact 7-seater MPV class can offer. Underpinnings from a Golf hatch bring with them highly efficient engines that complement neat design and general quality that is still difficult to better in the sector.

Background

Volkswagen really should be good at MPVs. It has, after all, been making the things for well over sixty years. Today's volume Volkswagen people carrier is this one, the Touran. The Touran is the vehicle to which your Volkswagen dealer is most likely to direct you if you've a growing family and need an MPV to suit - though these days, the German brand does offer quite a choice of 7-seater options. Buyers needing something more utilitarian have the Caddy Life MPV, while those in search of greater quality have the five-seat Golf SV. If you need something really big, there's the Sharan, a step down from the enormous Caravelle which really is designed for people who've qualified for their own private parking bay at the maternity ward. For most of us most of the time though, this Touran should be about right, positioned directly against rivals like Vauxhall's Zafira Tourer and Renault's Grand Scenic at the larger end of the compact-MPV sector. Launched in 2003 and updated in 2007 and 2010, it was re-fettled in terms of both engine and elegance in mid-2015 - and that's the version we're looking at here.

Driving Experience

These days, just one engine is being offered, Volkswagen's familiar 1.5-litre TSI peterol unit with 150PS, though there is the choice of either 6-speed manual or 7-speed auto transmission. At the wheel, the driving position is quite commanding. True, it might not quite be SUV-like but it positions you noticeably higher than you would be in an ordinary hatchback, offering a better view both of the road ahead and around the glassy cabin - which certainly makes parking easier. In this model, you sit 625mm above street level which, to give you some perspective, is 148mm higher up than you'd be sitting in a Golf. It feels a little sportier this time round too, thanks to the fact that the steering wheel is now more upright. Don't get carried away though: this still isn't an MPV aimed at people prioritising driving dynamics. Instead, it concentrates on the things family folk really care about, serving up the kind of solid, reassuring driving experience they'll be looking for, with direct speed-sensitive electric power steering and reasonable, though not class-leading, levels of refinement. Through the bends, bodyroll is well judged and a standard XDS electronic differential lock helps you get the traction down. If you want the experience to be more rewarding, then there's the option of the 'Driver profile selection' system that's standard on plusher models. Via 'Eco', 'Sport' and 'Normal' modes, this set-up enables you to tweak steering, throttle response and, on automatic models, gearshift timings to suit the way you want to drive.

Design and Build

From the outside, this model is still unmistakeably a Touran but, due to its longer wheelbase, it now looks sleeker and sharper than previous generation models. This Touran is 130mm longer than the model it replaced in 2015. Much of this is in the wheelbase, which, at 2,791mm, is 113mm longer than that previous model - further increasing usable interior space. At the front, the slim low breather opening accentuates this MPV's width and low centre of gravity. Below the side windows is a contoured shoulder line starting above the front wheel arch which also emphasises its length. Long side windows add to what Volkswagen hopes is a light, sporty appearance. This MK3 model Touran was the first MPV the brand had based upon its Modular Transverse Matrix chassis, which allows a larger wheelbase and extra room inside. You notice this in the 743-litre luggage bay - which can be increased to 1,980-litres with the seats folded: it's the biggest in its class, making this an ideal family MPV. All models are equipped with a seven-seat layout that features a new fold-flat system. The seats in the second and third rows, plus the front passenger seat backrest (from SE trim up) can be folded in a matter of seconds, creating a level continuous floor for easy loading. With the second and third row seats folded, the Touran has a cargo capacity of 1,857-litres and has the largest luggage compartment in its class. 47 storage compartments also ensure that life's essentials gadgets can be carried safety and securely.

Market and Model

Price-wise, the Touran sits in the £38,000 to £40,000 bracket - the kind of thing you might expect for a seven-seat MPV of this kind. There are four main trim levels - 'SE Family', 'Match', 'SEL' and 'R-Line' - and all models feature air conditioning, fold-flat seating, a touchscreen radio system, an easy-open and roll-up luggage compartment cover and an electric parking brake. Safety stuff runs to ISOFIX child seat fixtures on all rear seats, seatbelt detection in the second and third rows as well as the front, plus Automatic Post-Collision Braking and up to nine airbags. Ingenious touches include a large removable container in the 'Jumbo Box' under the front centre armrest and a luggage compartment light which can easily be snapped out for use as a torch. Further up the range, buyers will enjoy niceties like larger 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome-framed windows, ambient lighting and a three-zone automatic air-conditioning system. For those after something sportier looking still, there are R-Line exterior and interior packages available plus optional LED headlights. The standard equipment now includes, among other things, PreCrash at the rear. The system uses the sensor technology of the Side Assist lane change assist. Radar sensors detect the position and speed of cars behind the Touran. If PreCrash at the rear detects an imminent rear-end collision due to the position of the following vehicle and the excessive speed difference between the two vehicles, the proactive occupant protection system is activated - not only while driving, but also while stationary with the engine running or in start/stop mode. A multifunction camera is also now on board every Touran to identify objects or people as quickly as possible. The camera is thus one of the most important components in the car when it comes to assist and safety systems. In addition, the optional "IQ.DRIVE incl. IQ.LIGHT" package now includes, among other things, the Travel Assist2 driver assist system in conjunction with the Lane Assist2 lane departure warning. The system can assist in keeping the vehicle in lane, maintaining a distance from the vehicle in front and also ensuring that the vehicle keeps to a maximum speed set by the driver.

Cost of Ownership

This Touran with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine and a manual gearbox manages up to 42.2mpg on the combined cycle and up to 152g/km of CO2. With the DSG auto, it's much the same showing. As for servicing, well there's a fixed-price package that covers the car for three years and 30,000 miles. This includes an oil change at 12 months or 10,000 miles (whichever is soonest), an interval service that includes an oil change at 24 months or 20,000 miles and a full inspection service with oil and brake fluid changes at 36 months or 30,000 miles. In each case, parts and labour will be guaranteed for two years and you'll be able to transfer the plan to a second owner should you sell your Touran during the period of cover. And warranties? Well the standard package is three years and 60,000 miles. We can't see why Volkswagen couldn't extend that mileage limit to 100,000 miles, since that what you get on its mechanically very similar Caddy model. Doing that though, wouldn't give Volkswagen dealers so much of an opportunity to sell extended warranty packages. There's one for four years and 75,000 miles or, if you plan to see a bit more of the world in your Touran, there's a five year / 90,000 mile package. Whatever your decision, your car will come with three years of pan-European Roadside Assistance that has no mileage restriction. The paintwork warranty lasts for three years and, as you'd expect, this MPV is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion package.

Summary

The Touran has already established a strong following amongst growing families. All it really needed was a little more of a spark, both in way it looked and performed. This third generation version is about as far as Volkswagen is prepared to go in that direction, with sharper looks, even higher quality and efficient engineering. Will it be enough? Maybe not to shift this car's appeal too far from those who would have bought one anyway but it remains the quality choice at the upper end of the compact 7-seater MPV sector - and a surprisingly affordable one. It's not an avant garde option but it's a stylishly safe one - and there's a lot to be said for that.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Front and rear electric windows

Green tinted heat insulating glass

Rear wash/wipe with intermittent wipe setting

Tailgate wiper- reverse gear activation

Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards approx 65% tinted

Windscreen wipers intermittent wipe

Brakes

Traction control

Electronic Differential Lock + Anti-slip regulation

Front/rear disc brakes

Electronic parking brake

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)

Hill hold control

Auto hold function

ESC with ABS

Automatic post collision braking system

Energy recovery system

Front assist with autonomous emergency braking

Chassis/Suspension

Rear stabiliser bar

Communication

Mobile phone interface with inductive charging

We connect' and 'We connect plus' functionality

Driver Aids

Speed sensitive power steering

Adaptive cruise control

Front parking sensors

Lane keep assist

Speed limiter

Driver alert system

Driver profile selection

Mobile pairing with SMS function

Dynamic road sign display

Lane change system side assist and rear traffic alert

Extended, crash-active and proactive Pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Side scan

Rear view camera displayed via vehicles audio system display

Driver Convenience

Stop/start system

Emergency services call system

Electric tailgate

Driver Information

External temperature gauge

Electronic odometer

Audible lights on warning

Rev counter with fuel gauge

Trip and service interval display

Misfuelling protection device

Think blue trainer driver tips and journey analysis

Discover media navigation touchscreen navigation/radio system with streaming and internet

Driving Mirrors

Electric heated + adjustable door mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Body colour door mirrors with integral indicators

Auto dimming door mirrors, on driver side, surround lighting and front passenger side mirror lowering function

Door mirrors with memory function

Embellishment Trims

New brushed design decorative inserts in dash and front doors

Engine

Petrol Particulate Filter

Entertainment

8 Speakers

MP3/WMA compatability

DAB Digital radio

USB connection

SD card slot

Audio Connectivity System

4x20 watt output

Title and cover art display

External USB-C data socket with increased charging performance - 2 USB sockets 45W

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Body colour bumpers

Fully galvanised body

Silver roof rails

Aerial integrated into side window

Twin chrome exhaust tailpipes

Gloss black finish B pillar

Volkswagen roundel

Rear side wing doors

Removable engine badge

Electric, glass sliding/tilting panoramic sunroof including integrated roller blind and LED lighting around aperture

Exterior Lights

High level third brake light

Dusk sensor + auto driving lights

Automatic coming/leaving home lighting function

Rear fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dust/pollen filters

Activated charcoal canister for intensified evaporation system

Air care climatronic 3 zone air conditioning system with rear air conditioning control panel

Interior Features

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Retractable luggage cover

3 spoke steering wheel

Front centre armrest with storage compartment

Front cupholders x 2

Storage bins on all doors

4 boot load lashing points

12V power point for Row 2

Multi storage in passenger/luggage areas

Front seatback folding tables

2nd row centre armrest

12V socket in luggage compartment

Multi-function centre console with storage facilities

Driver and front passenger under seat drawer

Lasano cloth upholstery

Media box in dashboard on passenger side

Leather multifunction steering wheel with gear knob

Large storage compartment in roof console

Chrome plated radiator grille inserts, air vent surrounds and light switch surrounds

Interior Lights

Illuminated glovebox

Interior light with delay

Luggage compartment lighting

Instrument lighting white adjustable panel illumination with red night time illumination

Front and rear reading lights X 2

Packs

Family Pack - Touran

Winter pack without heated washer jet - Touran

Safety

First aid kit

Front seat side impact airbags

Warning triangle

Front seatbelt pretensioners

Two tone horn

Door open warning reflectors

Passenger airbag deactivation system

Rear child proof door locks

Front and rear (row 2) curtain airbags

3 point height adjustable front seatbelts

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Seatbelt warning lamp and buzzer

Drivers knee airbag

Loose wheel warning function

Pre crash preventive occupant protection

Road sign recognition

Proactive passenger protection system with front and side assist

Seats

Height adjustable driver's seat

2nd row centre seat converts into table

Split folding rear seat backrests

5 headrests

2 individual fold flat 3rd row seats

Front seat storage pockets

Front passenger seat height adjustment

Isofix on 2nd row outer seats

3 single slide/fold/removable 2nd row seats

3x3 point seatbelts on 2nd row with height adjust on outer seats

2 three point seatbelts in 3rd row

Isofix on 3rd row seats

Front comfort seats with lumbar support

4 way adjustable front head restraints

Leatherette on rear of front seats

Low tunnel 2nd row seat

Foldable front passenger seat backrest with load through function

Security

Electronic engine immobiliser

Alarm with remote central locking and interior protection

Keyless Access Keyless locking and starting system with SAFELOCK

Transmission

XDS electronic differential lock

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

215/55 R17 self sealing tyres with low rolling resistance

Wheels - Alloy

17" Salvador alloy wheels with anti-theft wheel bolts

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 149

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 152

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 149

Engine and Drive Train

Gears: 7 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

CC: 1498

Engine Code: 5T13CZ

Catalytic Convertor: No

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 41.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 8.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 33.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 32.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 42.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 50.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 42.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 6.6

EC Combined (mpg): N

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 8.6

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.8

EC Urban (mpg): N

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 5.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 62

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 77

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Coin Series: Match

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 21E

Based On ID: N

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Coin Description: TSI EVO

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 81

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Safety Assist %: 66

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 4

Badge Power: 150

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Generation Mark: 2

Performance

Top Speed: 130

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.9

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Power - KW: 110

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Style: SALVADOR

Tyre Size Front: 215/55 R17

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: SELF-SEALING TYRES

Tyre Size Rear: 215/55 R17

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4527

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1668

Width (including mirrors): N

Wheelbase: 2786

Width: 1829

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1857

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 7

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 633

Max. Loading Weight: 771

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1500

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 58

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2260

Minimum Kerbweight: 1489

Communication

Wireless app connect without mirror link

Driver Aids

Parallel parking assist

Driver Information

Active info display - Digital cockpit 10.25" HD display screen

Travel assist and Emergency assist

Exterior Body Features

Solid paint

Special solid paint

Exterior Lights

LED premium headlights with signature LED daytime running lights, dynamic cornering lights, dynamic range adjustment

LED tail lights

Interior Features

230v socket in boot with luggage light

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Dolphin grey

Metallic - Oyster silver

Metallic - Grenadilla black

Metallic - Atlantic blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Urano grey

Paint - Special

Special solid - Pure white

Safety

Side airbag for second row seats

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Towing

Removable tow bar with 13 pin connection and 12 electrified poles

Trim - Cloth

Lasano cloth - Storm grey/Palladium

Lasano cloth - Titan black