USED Volkswagen Touran MPV (03 - 11)

My car

Having driven this car for the past three weeks, I can safely say that it is comfortable, practical and reasonably styled. The engine power is reasonable and produces good low-down torque combined with excellent fuel economy for a vehicle of this size.

My only concern is the build quality, as some of the internal plastics are of poor quality and two switches have already broken. The external finishes and mechanicals are proving to be to the usual high VW standard.

My overall impression of this practical, modern, cheap to run vehicle is good.

My car

My partner and I hired a Touran 1.9 TDi S 7 seater for a weeks holiday last year and covered about 1000 miles.

There is an excellent range of seat and steering wheel adjustment and I would rate the driving position as near perfect. The controls and dash layout are neat tidy and functional with clear instrumentation. The forward view without the wipers being visible is uncluttered and the ''A' pillars they are not the problem that some reports I had read suggested. The 1.9 TDi is reasonably quiet and has good torque. We averaged 51mpg, which was excellent. The handling was a real revelation, very accurate nicely weighted steering, a comfortable ride, powerful and progressive brakes, in fact it had us fighting over who was going to drive.

The versatility of the seating arrangements is staggering. There are plenty of storage compartments and cup holders that all feel pretty sturdy. A lot of attention to detail has been made as evidenced by the little rubber pads that prevent rattles and squeaks between various components in the cabin.

At the end of the week we both felt that it was the most versatile vehicle we had ever used and looked forward each time to getting into the driver's seat. Since then I have sold my trusty Audi A3 T Sport and bought a Touran 2.0 TDI Sport 7 seater which is even better than the 1.9.

My car

Before the Touran, I had a Golf SE 1.9TDi and loved it - but needed more space for family.

The Touran drives terrifically well and has a firmer ride than the Golf (Mk4) - it really feels like a car not a van, with excellent steering and road holding. Most of my time is commuting on my own so the drive is important and I have not been disappointed.

The cabin is indeed very bland but well put together - though trim is disappointing compared to the old Golf. Space and practicality is brilliant - the rear seats are very easy to use and hide - I often have six in the car with lots of luggage (wheelchair and kids buggy).

The 1.9TDi engine is tremendous even when full up - I regularly get more than 50mpg. My main moan is the huge front pillars, which make it difficult to see going round roundabouts.

All in all I rate it very highly.

My car

Overall I'm happy with the car.

One significant problem with the cabin is the driver's and front passenger's side window. When it is raining, if I have the window open just a small amount (about 1cm) at slow speeds water can pour in off of the roof into the car - splashing on to the inner door arm.

This is extremely frustrating and an annoying fault.