Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDi
It appears that the only van that VW really associate themselves with is old Supervan Sarel. The Touran would have been a van a few years back. But it isn't. Vans give you space and practicality at the expense of looks and dynamics. RIP the van for most of us then.
Enter VW with their updated Touran. Filling the need of the van with the looks of a MPV van crossover and the bearing of a car, at least from the driver's seat that is.
While not the coolest car in the VW lineup it is, alongside the Caravelle/Kombi/T5 derivatives which I am utterly impressed by, their most utilitarian. No silly excuses of 4x4 to justify its existence. This one just is. For some, the T5 range is just too big or expensive.
I think besides space the Touran is defined by its rear suspension. With a multiple wishbone arrangement, this is no trailing arm, wishy washy set-up. Rather sure footed and planted with minimal body roll. Don't get me wrong, this isn't the GTi we are talking about. It just drives car like. Other than the very upright seating position, which VW claims is to offer more thigh support on long trips.
The car abounds in practicality, with the second row of seats folding individually, and a conveniently located 12 year old claiming it was the most comfortable car seat he had ever sat in. The centre one folds as a “table” and there is an optional third row. The centre seat's seatbelt is also an innovative novelty, with two buckles making it a three point rather than a lapbelt.
The six speed manual drivetrain and engine pull well, the only negative being a slightly awkward clutch uptake, but this may just be on the test unit. The DSG would be a better choice but adds around five percent to the purchase price. You are looking at R285 000 for the manual and just over three hundred for the DSG clutchless manual. The 81kw 2.0 litre diesel is pretty frugal, with conservative driving seeing around the 5.5l per 100km mark (claimed 5.4.) With 250Nm of torque available from 1750rpm, it feels much quicker than its 0-100 time of 12.1 seconds delivers.
On the negative side, the 2.0 TDi is supplied in “comfort“ trim level and sadly this specification doesn't include Bluetooth phone connectivity as standard, nor rear park distance control. It is my feeling that at this price-point these should not be optional extras.
I would further assert that from a safety perspective, none but the cheapest of budget models should come out without some form of Bluetooth handsfree included that actually works. The excellent radio, with touch screen convenience and mp3 connectivity is brought down by what to me is a glaring void.
