- Germany's best-selling MPV completely redeveloped
- More room; smart new design
- New engines up to 19 per cent more economical
Volkswagen presents the new Touran
Volkswagen presents the new Touran. The completely redesigned MPV was showcased before an audience of international media representatives at the Autostadt in Wolfsburg, not far from the production site where the popular family car is made. The interior of the new model has undergone a significant increase in size and is highly configurable. Refinements have been made all around the vehicle, which boasts a range of six new economical engines and an extensive line-up of assistance and infotainment systems. The public premiere of the new Touran will take place in the coming week at the Geneva motor show.
Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, explained: "As one of the most successful family cars in the world with 1.9 million units sold, the Touran is indisputably Germany's top MPV. I am convinced that the new generation will do more than simply build on this position – it will set new standards."
The third generation Touran has a distinctive new sporty look, thanks to a powerful and precise design that picks up on the reductive clarity of the previous model while adding a lightness and sporty feel. The interior has been given a makeover too. The space can be configured in a variety of ways with its newly developed fold-flat seating system, which also features ISOFIX anchor points on all seats. A luggage space of 1,040 litres (when loaded to roof height up to the second seat row) and a total of 47 storage compartments make the new Touran perfect for everyday use. The optional Pure Air 3-zone automatic air conditioner with anti-allergen filter ensures that the air inside the vehicle stays fresh and clean.
The completely redeveloped Touran is the first MPV to be based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). This brings many advantages as far as design and construction are concerned, such as a distinctive long wheelbase with very short body overhangs allowing a groundbreaking use of space. Despite an increase in overall vehicle length and greater demands on safety and comfort it has still been possible to achieve a weight reduction of 62 kg compared to the previous model. This, together with improvements to the vehicle's aerodynamics, has resulted in a drop in fuel consumption: the engines, three petrol (TSI) with 81 kW / 110 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS, 132 kW / 180 PS and three diesel (TDI) with 81 kW / 110 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS, 140 kW / 190 PS, are now up to 19 per cent more economical. All models feature Stop/Start and battery regeneration (brake energy recuperation) systems as standard.
The wide range of new assistance and infotainment systems are pioneering features in this vehicle class. Along with Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard, the family-friendly best-seller is also available with the adaptive cruise control system ACC and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Traffic Jam Assist, Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and Trailer Assist, the trailer manoeuvring system. New features in the Touran include an electric tailgate open/close mechanism, the automatic Easy Open tailgate function (activated by a movement of the foot), driving profile selection and high-performance LED headlights.
No fewer than five radio and radio navigation systems are available for the new Touran. DAB+ digital radio is available for all these systems. For the three top devices, Volkswagen will also be offering AppConnect with CarPlay (Apple) and Android Auto (Google) and MirrorLink™ for the first time, enabling a wide array of apps to be mirrored in the infotainment system display. The Touran has another optional item available, one that will particularly appeal to families: electronic voice amplification. This system uses a microphone in the front passenger area to relay speech to the rear seat rows via the speakers installed in the rear.
The Touran looks particularly sporty when fitted with the new R Line equipment range from Volkswagen R. The R Line exterior package includes special R Line bumpers among other features. Inside, the R Line interior package contains highlights such as exclusive seat covers.