Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Alexandra

We recently trooped down to Volkswagen Alexandra for Volkswagen family day. The place was packed with activities for the Kids. As for me, I am more intrigued with the grown-up toyse displayed around the showroom.



No, not the tri bikes, but the cars!

Volkswagen Touran

Having a growing family means that there will be a need to have more space in the car. So I was looking for MPV when VW and Rise and Shine invited us for a test drive of one of their MPV on-site.

It is a proposition I could not resist. I get to test drive while the boys play at the showroom. One stone, two birds. Perfect.

First Impression

Our test drive car

There is the Sharan and the Touran for me to choose from. I decided on the Touran, as the masculine lines call put to me. It's incredible how the Touran, at the dimensions (L/W/H 4397/ 1794/1674), similar to a sedan, can be a bona fide MPV. Appearance-wise, the Touran sports the familiar Volkswagen logo and grill on the front. It may look muscular, but it is also rather boxy at certain angles.
Not exactly a head turner, but a functional beast.
Visual appeal : 3 out of 5 stars

The Ride

Taking my co-driver with me, we took it for a spin around Alexandra. The ride was smooth, and I was particularly impressed with the steering. Unlike Japanese cars with light steering, this German makes driving smooth and effortless. Coming with a 1.4 engine, it is no slouch as it can accelerate from 0-100km in 8.5 seconds.

I also like the driving position. Seated higher than a sedan, you can have a better Pov, making driving safer with better general visuals.
Driving and handling:4 out of 5 stars

Interior

Safe to move?

Being seven seated, you would expect acres of space in the cabin. However, the Volkswagen Touran is a compact MPV, meaning space is optimised for size. The middle seats would fit 3 adults, but the rear seats are too small for longer rides. However, kids and teens would have no issue sitting in the rear.
The quality of materials in the cabin is top-notch. Clad in quality "Nappa" leather, the seats are comfortable. We like the 6.5 touch screen entertainment centre that doubles as a proper reverse camera when parking.

Sunroof

The one that takes the cake is the sunroof. This was the first time the boys and I had experienced a car with a sunroof, and we were both amazed and delighted with the view from above. We particularly like how it made the cabin feel bright and airy and appear more significant than it seemed.
Wee may sound a little 'Sua Ku', but the sunroof impresses Father and Son.
Interior cabin: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Features
 
This MPV comes loaded with family-friendly features. Here is a list of some of them.

• Folding tables on front seat backrest
• Retractable 3rd-row seats
• Lockable glove compartment
• Large 6.5-inch entertainment screen
• Front and rear reading lights
• Retractable sunroof

Roof open!

However, this,s model does not come with keyless entry or sliding doors, unlike its premium counterpart, Sharan. It would be perfect for an entry-level family car if it were to go with it.

Features

Boot space is somewhat limited and may fit a stroller. However, it would have to make way should we go grocery shopping. You have the option of lowering the rear seats for more space.
Features : 3 out of 5
Our verdict

As an entry-level car, based on our short drive, the Touran is a severe contender in the competitive compact MPV segment. The quality of the ride stands out, but cosmetically, it may appeal to some. Given our short stint on it, making it the first choice of MPV may be premature without testing out other rides.

The Touran is available in 3 variations from standard, comfort and sport. Price starts from $132,300 for the standard version at Volkswagen*

* Do check with VW on the latest price

Touran sport

Thanks tto VW fans Rise and Shine for organising this test drive!

Disclaimer
The Wacky Duo were invited to Volkswagen family weekend and a test drive. All opinions are our own