USED Volkswagen Touran MPV (03 - 11)

My car

Bought Touran in March 2004 and this was my first VW. Two minor problems efficiently sorted by very efficient dealership. I considered a number of MPV's before opting for the VW.

The Ford C-Max lacked quality and only seats 5; New Scenic - I would never buy Renault again after nightmare experience with previous Scenic; Toyota Corolla Verso - bland and nothing special; Mazda Premacy - OK but dated. I did not think I could afford the VW but got a superb deal on trade in and discount on Touran.

My car

Things the reviewers missed:

1) When reaching down to change gears, my left hand tends to knock the right-hand stereo button, conveniently adding a random CD skip / radio station re-tune feature I didn't know I had! (The stereo is really ugly too.)

2) The 2.0 TDI handles completely differently to the 1.6. Don't be put off by test driving the cheap model. The 2.0 TDI handles like a firm car, the 1.6 like a boat.

3) Reviewers don't mention the rear (second row) seat recline, which is great for older children on a long trip - a really excellent feature. We have realised that the front seats' middle arm rest, which is too low for normal humans, actually makes for a foot rest for our oldest child - excellent feature.

4) The family pushchair has to be lifted up and rested between the third row of seats' arm rests - everywhere else is too narrow. Don't these car manufacturers know the dimensions of the standard prams in their target countries? Some kind of ceiling pushchair hook in the back would be the ideal solution to reasonably narrow car and pushchair storage.

5) The best design marketing feature developed in the last 10 years by any car manufacturer by far is the blue lighting in the dash of current VWs, so why do they spoil the zen theme with the central computer display in red/orange?

6) Two-zone climatic air-con: thank you VW for ending the great male-female car temperature debate!

My car

I was looking for a replacement for our current Citroen Picasso and, with its many current acolades, I chose to test drive the Touran.

Although my chosen Sport derivative was not available, I tested the SE. The car was good to drive.

The looks are good too and they were the main reason for considering it - I think it is the lure of the VW badge.

However, on practicality it was a non starter. We wanted a seven seater to be able to accomodate the three kids and luggage, with the option of occassionally carrying extra passengers. With the rear seats in place, our pushchair won't fit in.

In the Touran's case, this downside is ignored or understated in the reviews I have read on the car, especially as it wins its class awards.

My car

I borrowed a 2.0 TDi DSG Sport whilst my car was in having some work done on it and I have now ordered one I was that impressed.

Coming from a Golf GTi 1.8 turbo I have to say that the Touran handled and performed better than I expected, it really is a jack of all trades.

When my daughter was in the car it cruised along pulling in 52mpg, but leave the family at home and it can rush along the back roads with great poise.

The equipment levels are spot on too. The car that I drove had only two extras which were a six-disc auto changer and reverse parking sensors, these were nice but have not paid the extra for these as the car is already quite expensive.

Saying that, the quality is usual VW solid as a rock, no squeaks or rattles.

I am buying my car on the internet and paying £18,199, which is a massive £2786 off the RRP. This is a pre-registered car but I will be the first drive and for that price it is a bargain and I would recommend it to anyone.