VOLKSWAGEN TOURAN MPV READER REVIEWS

My car

We traded in an 8 year old Audi A4 for a new Touran, with time to select a few options and order for '62'.

Firstly we wanted a lighter interior than the coal-mine black that so many cars have these days, particularly, seemingly, 99% of all Tourans on the road. Our children's love of choccy biscuits didn't bode well for the longevity of beige cloth, so leather was chosen. The cabin is a far more pleasant and airy place to sit with this colour. 17" alloys, 2-zone climate, winter, convenience & family packs, upgraded ICE, luggage net and fog lights completed the extra kit list.

Also, we wanted a petrol engine. Too many short journey DPF worries for comfort, and it would take 5 years to recoup the extra cost of the diesel motor given our annual mileage of 9K.

With hindsight the luggage net is a bit pointless, it's fiddly to use and the boot is big enough that its rare to load it above the level of the luggage cover. The other options are good, imo, although the '510' radio takes some practice to use without error.

Of the standard kit I'd drop the park assist without hesitation, and I deactivate the front park sensors as I find them a distraction as opposed to a help.

Performance is good, I wouldn't want the 1.2, though I'd prefer a 2.0 FSI to a 1.4TSi. I've an A3 with a 2.0 and I get 40+ mpg as opposed to the ~32 in the VW. Maybe when 'run in' things might improve.

Quality is good, though fit & plastics aren't quite Audi standard.

Heated seats? Nice at this

My car

We own the 2.0TDI MATCH model (late 2009) and highly recommend it. I originally was against the Touran but this was based on cosmetics(and before i had test driven it and looked inside)and had my heart set on the S-MAX Titanium. However, i took the Touran for a test drive and loved it, and when we went looking at the S-MAX i was bitterly disappointed. I had to trade in my beloved SEAT Leon 2.0 Tdi Sport as with 3 very young children and a dog i needed something bigger and more practical. We have had the Touran for just under a week now and have covered over 300 miles on just under 1/2 tank diesel and it has not disappointed. Yes, the S-MAX does look 'prettier' on the outside and on the 2.2litre Titanium model it has a flashier dashboard but the Touran has a lot more higher spec things included as standard than the S-MAX. For me the Touran wins hands down. The Touran has 35 storage compartments as opposed to the 8 i counted in the S-MAX! Though the S-MAX is slightly longer and wider, it is not as high and the 2 very rear back seats do not offer the leg room to accomodate 2 adults where as the Touran comfortably does. The quality of the Touran's interior is far superior to that of the S-MAX and with 3 young kids i don't want it to be wrecked within a few months of having it! It's an absolute dream to drive, and yes it's not as 'exciting' as my SEAT but, it has plenty of power, is very comfy and relaxing to drive, the kids love it, i love it and i can't recommend it enough!