VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN MPV REVIEW

Performance

4 out of 5 stars

There are two petrol engines – a 103bhp turbocharged 1.2 and a turbocharged and supercharged 1.4 TSI with 138bhp. In addition, there are 89- and 103bhp 1.6-litre diesels and 2.0 diesels with either 138- or 168bhp. The only one we’ve driven so far – the 138bhp diesel - is impressively punchy and flexible.
Ride & Handling

4 out of 5 stars

The Touran’s ride is a little firm at low speed, but the trade-off is fine body control that helps to prevent your passengers feeling queasy. Handling is easy and fluent and the steering impresses, feeling suitably light around town, yet weighting up reassuringly as the speed increases.
Refinement

4 out of 5 stars

The one engine that we’ve tried so far – the 138bhp diesel – is smooth and quiet, and experience suggests the rest of the range will be similarly civilised. Road noise is well contained and, although the car’s upright shape creates some road noise, the Touran is a refined cruiser.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

You can spend a lot on a high-end Touran, but the more basic models are sound buys, even if its resale values aren't particularly strong by VW standards. Every version has respectable fuel economy and CO2 emissions, but the 'green' Bluemotion models are particularly impressive.
Quality & Reliability

3 out of 5 stars

The Touran’s interior is made from tough stuff and is well assembled to stand up to the rigours of family life. Smart controls make the driver’s immediate environment reasonably classy, too. VW mechanicals traditionally cope well with high mileages, and owners of the previous model rated its reliability as better than average in the 2011 JD Power survey.
Safety & Security

5 out of 5 stars

Every Touran has head- and side airbags for the front passengers, as well as curtain airbags that cover the front two – but not the rear - rows. Anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control are also a standard fit. Like all MPVs, the Touran does not provide a secure boot, although an alarm is fitted to all but the base S model.

Behind The Wheel

4 out of 5 stars

The Touran’s cabin is rather dull, but it’s very user-friendly. The dashboard layout is sensible and there’s plentiful two-way steering wheel- and driver’s seat-height movement. The controls are simple and there are plenty of useful storage areas. Forward visibility is good and the large, upright rear window helps when parking. A rear-view camera and a system that steers the car into a suitable space are also available.
Space & Practicality

4 out of 5 stars

The Touran has a versatile seating layout with a spacious middle row of seats that slides, folds and can be removed easily. The rearmost row is adequate for adults on short journeys, although luggage space suffers. Folded flat to the floor, it creates a large boot.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

There are three trim levels – S, SE and Sport. Even the cheapest (S) models come with air-conditioning, alloy wheels, four electric windows and cruise control. Extras on SE and Sport models include automatic headlights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a USB input socket and VW’s Park Assist system.