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Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI DSG (A) Review
25 Mar 2011|62,336 views
The latest turn of events in the local motoring industry has been especially kind to the European makes. With the impossibly high yen exchange at the moment, the Japanese makes are finding it increasingly difficult to survive in the new environment. It was a double whammy as the yen effect took place right about the same period when the government was reducing the COE quotas. This left the Japanese makes in a bit of a pickle as you can imagine.
Gone are the days when you bought a Japanese model because it was affordable and reliable and you put up with the tinny interior because you get what you paid for right? However, the COE prices have changed the game dramatically. The affordable, reliable Japanese makes have been shoved kicking and screaming into the same price range as the better built and better equipped European models.
Gone are the days when you bought a Japanese model because it was affordable and reliable and you put up with the tinny interior because you get what you paid for right? However, the COE prices have changed the game dramatically. The affordable, reliable Japanese makes have been shoved kicking and screaming into the same price range as the better built and better equipped European models.
 |
Exterior
When you suddenly find yourself in the showroom looking for an MPV instead of the pulse-raising performance model over there, you know it's over right? Well, my apologies. I have no positive one-liners on that. And yes, your days of wild rides in your mate's tricked out import is well and truly over.
You've grown up and now you need a car that'll fit your three kids, the spouse and the maid (or grandparents) plus other family paraphernalia.
 |
The Volkswagen Touran is perhaps one of the most sensible MPVs on the market and the styling reflects how serious the Germans are about maximising its efficiency. From the front, the Touran shares the corporate design DNA that is now on most Volkswagen models in the fleet. In this case, the front closely resembles that of the Mk VI Golf.
Unlike the Citroen Picasso, the front was the only concession Volkswagen made for the Touran in terms of design. The rest of it though was an exercise in efficiency. Although unimaginative, you can't argue with the volumetric possibilities the box-like dimensions of the Touran offers.
In the rear, the designers tried to liven things here by adding large wrap around taillights to resemble those fitted on the Touareg.
Interior
The inside is where the Volkswagen truly shines and it is here that the Touran trumps its potential competition. Everything here is the usual bomb proof build quality that we've come to expect from Volkswagen over the years.
Here the Touran gets much of the dashboard and console from the Mk V Golf. The drab grey interior does threaten to send you into bradycardia though in the test unit, it is slightly livened by the chocolate brown inserts on the seats.
Unlike the Citroen Picasso, the front was the only concession Volkswagen made for the Touran in terms of design. The rest of it though was an exercise in efficiency. Although unimaginative, you can't argue with the volumetric possibilities the box-like dimensions of the Touran offers.
In the rear, the designers tried to liven things here by adding large wrap around taillights to resemble those fitted on the Touareg.
Interior
The inside is where the Volkswagen truly shines and it is here that the Touran trumps its potential competition. Everything here is the usual bomb proof build quality that we've come to expect from Volkswagen over the years.
Here the Touran gets much of the dashboard and console from the Mk V Golf. The drab grey interior does threaten to send you into bradycardia though in the test unit, it is slightly livened by the chocolate brown inserts on the seats.
Settling into the driver's seat, the seat feels comfortably supportive and would stand up well to extended drives up North. From the driver's seat, everything on the centre console is within easy reach for the driver without having to lean forward. The position is also excellent albeit a little high but is expected for an MPV. The highly adjustable steering allows the best position possible though it could do with a soft leather wrap for a better grip.
The dashboard instrument panel will be familiar as the same instruments can be found in the Golf and Polo range. And just like in those models, the dials are highly visible (in day or night) with the indicators in white against a black dial.
At the top of the centre console sits a modest cubby hole for storing random items. The console in general is kept simple with the standard Volkswagen dual zone climate control taking the upper deck. Just below sits the aptly capable audio system that should live up to most audio duties.
The Touran prides itself in having a highly configurable interior which allows you to alternate between carrying more people or cargo. The legroom in the second row of seats is excellent and made even better with the seats being able to slide fore and aft to avail more room for the last row. While the last row is reasonably spacious, we wouldn't recommend putting a full grown adult back here as it can get quite claustrophobic.
The dashboard instrument panel will be familiar as the same instruments can be found in the Golf and Polo range. And just like in those models, the dials are highly visible (in day or night) with the indicators in white against a black dial.
At the top of the centre console sits a modest cubby hole for storing random items. The console in general is kept simple with the standard Volkswagen dual zone climate control taking the upper deck. Just below sits the aptly capable audio system that should live up to most audio duties.
The Touran prides itself in having a highly configurable interior which allows you to alternate between carrying more people or cargo. The legroom in the second row of seats is excellent and made even better with the seats being able to slide fore and aft to avail more room for the last row. While the last row is reasonably spacious, we wouldn't recommend putting a full grown adult back here as it can get quite claustrophobic.
 |
With all seven seats in use, the rear bootspace shrinks quite drastically and you would be hardpressed to put anything more than the weekly shopping here. When the last row isn't needed though, you simply take off the head rests store them under the floor in a specialised compartment and fold the seats flat. This allows the cargo carrying capacity to quadruple to a significant amount.
When maximum cargo carrying is needed, the second row of seats fold away to avail more space. But a neat trick is that they can be removed entirely and left at home if you so choose. They are able to be folded down into convenient modular sections to be stored away until needed again.
The Drive
The Touran's trump card is the award winning 1.4-litre TSI dual charged powerplant that provides the best equilibrium between power and efficiency. The compact four-cylinder unit utilises a supercharger at low revs to provide power while the turbocharger takes care of the middle to higher revs. This method of twincharging gives the Touran impressive low-end torque.
Low-end torque kicks in at just 1250 rpm with 220Nm of torque. The Touran shares the same 1.4-litre TSI powerplant in both versions though the 170bhp engine is detuned to 140bhp in the entry level model. Power delivery is very linear through the rev range though the engine starts to sound a little uninspiring near the redline.
When maximum cargo carrying is needed, the second row of seats fold away to avail more space. But a neat trick is that they can be removed entirely and left at home if you so choose. They are able to be folded down into convenient modular sections to be stored away until needed again.
The Drive
The Touran's trump card is the award winning 1.4-litre TSI dual charged powerplant that provides the best equilibrium between power and efficiency. The compact four-cylinder unit utilises a supercharger at low revs to provide power while the turbocharger takes care of the middle to higher revs. This method of twincharging gives the Touran impressive low-end torque.
Low-end torque kicks in at just 1250 rpm with 220Nm of torque. The Touran shares the same 1.4-litre TSI powerplant in both versions though the 170bhp engine is detuned to 140bhp in the entry level model. Power delivery is very linear through the rev range though the engine starts to sound a little uninspiring near the redline.
Despite the slightly lower power output of the entry level model we tested, the century sprint can be accomplished in a smidge over nine seconds.
The Touran comes equipped with the same seven-speed dry clutch DSG box found in the Polo sport. Unfortunately the Touran similarly suffers from the jerkiness experienced in the first two gears when moving off at slow speeds.
Although its stratospheric height might lead you to dismiss its cornering abilities, the Touran takes on the twisty bits surprisingly well. It remains quite composed in the corners with decent feedback from the steering that's quite similar to the Golf. On the roads, the ride remains smooth and compliant even with a full load of passengers.
Conclusion
The Touran has many factors going for it at the moment. Compared to its closest Japanese rival, the lower capacity of the 1.4-litre Touran is a major push factor which helps consumers save on their annual road tax. But despite the lower capacity, the German however doesn't lose out in the power and torque department.
Besides the engine, the Volkswagen trumps in build quality, interior versatility and equipment level. However, the final push factor for the Touran to be the next most loved MPV in Singapore is the $13,000 in savings over the Japanese rival.
Whoever said Wishes don't come true?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Touran comes equipped with the same seven-speed dry clutch DSG box found in the Polo sport. Unfortunately the Touran similarly suffers from the jerkiness experienced in the first two gears when moving off at slow speeds.
Although its stratospheric height might lead you to dismiss its cornering abilities, the Touran takes on the twisty bits surprisingly well. It remains quite composed in the corners with decent feedback from the steering that's quite similar to the Golf. On the roads, the ride remains smooth and compliant even with a full load of passengers.
Conclusion
The Touran has many factors going for it at the moment. Compared to its closest Japanese rival, the lower capacity of the 1.4-litre Touran is a major push factor which helps consumers save on their annual road tax. But despite the lower capacity, the German however doesn't lose out in the power and torque department.
Besides the engine, the Volkswagen trumps in build quality, interior versatility and equipment level. However, the final push factor for the Touran to be the next most loved MPV in Singapore is the $13,000 in savings over the Japanese rival.
Whoever said Wishes don't come true?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The latest turn of events in the local motoring industry has been especially kind to the European makes. With the impossibly high yen exchange at the moment, the Japanese makes are finding it increasingly difficult to survive in the new environment. It was a double whammy as the yen effect took place right about the same period when the government was reducing the COE quotas. This left the Japanese makes in a bit of a pickle as you can imagine.
Gone are the days when you bought a Japanese model because it was affordable and reliable and you put up with the tinny interior because you get what you paid for right? However, the COE prices have changed the game dramatically. The affordable, reliable Japanese makes have been shoved kicking and screaming into the same price range as the better built and better equipped European models.
Gone are the days when you bought a Japanese model because it was affordable and reliable and you put up with the tinny interior because you get what you paid for right? However, the COE prices have changed the game dramatically. The affordable, reliable Japanese makes have been shoved kicking and screaming into the same price range as the better built and better equipped European models.
|
Exterior
When you suddenly find yourself in the showroom looking for an MPV instead of the pulse-raising performance model over there, you know it's over right? Well, my apologies. I have no positive one-liners on that. And yes, your days of wild rides in your mate's tricked out import is well and truly over.
You've grown up and now you need a car that'll fit your three kids, the spouse and the maid (or grandparents) plus other family paraphernalia.
|
The Volkswagen Touran is perhaps one of the most sensible MPVs on the market and the styling reflects how serious the Germans are about maximising its efficiency. From the front, the Touran shares the corporate design DNA that is now on most Volkswagen models in the fleet. In this case, the front closely resembles that of the Mk VI Golf.
Unlike the Citroen Picasso, the front was the only concession Volkswagen made for the Touran in terms of design. The rest of it though was an exercise in efficiency. Although unimaginative, you can't argue with the volumetric possibilities the box-like dimensions of the Touran offers.
In the rear, the designers tried to liven things here by adding large wrap around taillights to resemble those fitted on the Touareg.
Interior
The inside is where the Volkswagen truly shines and it is here that the Touran trumps its potential competition. Everything here is the usual bomb proof build quality that we've come to expect from Volkswagen over the years.
Here the Touran gets much of the dashboard and console from the Mk V Golf. The drab grey interior does threaten to send you into bradycardia though in the test unit, it is slightly livened by the chocolate brown inserts on the seats.
Unlike the Citroen Picasso, the front was the only concession Volkswagen made for the Touran in terms of design. The rest of it though was an exercise in efficiency. Although unimaginative, you can't argue with the volumetric possibilities the box-like dimensions of the Touran offers.
In the rear, the designers tried to liven things here by adding large wrap around taillights to resemble those fitted on the Touareg.
Interior
The inside is where the Volkswagen truly shines and it is here that the Touran trumps its potential competition. Everything here is the usual bomb proof build quality that we've come to expect from Volkswagen over the years.
Here the Touran gets much of the dashboard and console from the Mk V Golf. The drab grey interior does threaten to send you into bradycardia though in the test unit, it is slightly livened by the chocolate brown inserts on the seats.
Settling into the driver's seat, the seat feels comfortably supportive and would stand up well to extended drives up North. From the driver's seat, everything on the centre console is within easy reach for the driver without having to lean forward. The position is also excellent albeit a little high but is expected for an MPV. The highly adjustable steering allows the best position possible though it could do with a soft leather wrap for a better grip.
The dashboard instrument panel will be familiar as the same instruments can be found in the Golf and Polo range. And just like in those models, the dials are highly visible (in day or night) with the indicators in white against a black dial.
At the top of the centre console sits a modest cubby hole for storing random items. The console in general is kept simple with the standard Volkswagen dual zone climate control taking the upper deck. Just below sits the aptly capable audio system that should live up to most audio duties.
The Touran prides itself in having a highly configurable interior which allows you to alternate between carrying more people or cargo. The legroom in the second row of seats is excellent and made even better with the seats being able to slide fore and aft to avail more room for the last row. While the last row is reasonably spacious, we wouldn't recommend putting a full grown adult back here as it can get quite claustrophobic.
The dashboard instrument panel will be familiar as the same instruments can be found in the Golf and Polo range. And just like in those models, the dials are highly visible (in day or night) with the indicators in white against a black dial.
At the top of the centre console sits a modest cubby hole for storing random items. The console in general is kept simple with the standard Volkswagen dual zone climate control taking the upper deck. Just below sits the aptly capable audio system that should live up to most audio duties.
The Touran prides itself in having a highly configurable interior which allows you to alternate between carrying more people or cargo. The legroom in the second row of seats is excellent and made even better with the seats being able to slide fore and aft to avail more room for the last row. While the last row is reasonably spacious, we wouldn't recommend putting a full grown adult back here as it can get quite claustrophobic.
|
With all seven seats in use, the rear bootspace shrinks quite drastically and you would be hardpressed to put anything more than the weekly shopping here. When the last row isn't needed though, you simply take off the head rests store them under the floor in a specialised compartment and fold the seats flat. This allows the cargo carrying capacity to quadruple to a significant amount.
When maximum cargo carrying is needed, the second row of seats fold away to avail more space. But a neat trick is that they can be removed entirely and left at home if you so choose. They are able to be folded down into convenient modular sections to be stored away until needed again.
The Drive
The Touran's trump card is the award winning 1.4-litre TSI dual charged powerplant that provides the best equilibrium between power and efficiency. The compact four-cylinder unit utilises a supercharger at low revs to provide power while the turbocharger takes care of the middle to higher revs. This method of twincharging gives the Touran impressive low-end torque.
Low-end torque kicks in at just 1250 rpm with 220Nm of torque. The Touran shares the same 1.4-litre TSI powerplant in both versions though the 170bhp engine is detuned to 140bhp in the entry level model. Power delivery is very linear through the rev range though the engine starts to sound a little uninspiring near the redline.
When maximum cargo carrying is needed, the second row of seats fold away to avail more space. But a neat trick is that they can be removed entirely and left at home if you so choose. They are able to be folded down into convenient modular sections to be stored away until needed again.
The Drive
The Touran's trump card is the award winning 1.4-litre TSI dual charged powerplant that provides the best equilibrium between power and efficiency. The compact four-cylinder unit utilises a supercharger at low revs to provide power while the turbocharger takes care of the middle to higher revs. This method of twincharging gives the Touran impressive low-end torque.
Low-end torque kicks in at just 1250 rpm with 220Nm of torque. The Touran shares the same 1.4-litre TSI powerplant in both versions though the 170bhp engine is detuned to 140bhp in the entry level model. Power delivery is very linear through the rev range though the engine starts to sound a little uninspiring near the redline.
Despite the slightly lower power output of the entry level model we tested, the century sprint can be accomplished in a smidge over nine seconds.
The Touran comes equipped with the same seven-speed dry clutch DSG box found in the Polo sport. Unfortunately the Touran similarly suffers from the jerkiness experienced in the first two gears when moving off at slow speeds.
Although its stratospheric height might lead you to dismiss its cornering abilities, the Touran takes on the twisty bits surprisingly well. It remains quite composed in the corners with decent feedback from the steering that's quite similar to the Golf. On the roads, the ride remains smooth and compliant even with a full load of passengers.
Conclusion
The Touran has many factors going for it at the moment. Compared to its closest Japanese rival, the lower capacity of the 1.4-litre Touran is a major push factor which helps consumers save on their annual road tax. But despite the lower capacity, the German however doesn't lose out in the power and torque department.
Besides the engine, the Volkswagen trumps in build quality, interior versatility and equipment level. However, the final push factor for the Touran to be the next most loved MPV in Singapore is the $13,000 in savings over the Japanese rival.
Whoever said Wishes don't come true?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Touran comes equipped with the same seven-speed dry clutch DSG box found in the Polo sport. Unfortunately the Touran similarly suffers from the jerkiness experienced in the first two gears when moving off at slow speeds.
Although its stratospheric height might lead you to dismiss its cornering abilities, the Touran takes on the twisty bits surprisingly well. It remains quite composed in the corners with decent feedback from the steering that's quite similar to the Golf. On the roads, the ride remains smooth and compliant even with a full load of passengers.
Conclusion
The Touran has many factors going for it at the moment. Compared to its closest Japanese rival, the lower capacity of the 1.4-litre Touran is a major push factor which helps consumers save on their annual road tax. But despite the lower capacity, the German however doesn't lose out in the power and torque department.
Besides the engine, the Volkswagen trumps in build quality, interior versatility and equipment level. However, the final push factor for the Touran to be the next most loved MPV in Singapore is the $13,000 in savings over the Japanese rival.
Whoever said Wishes don't come true?
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Benjamin G, Kline
Car Information
Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI DSG (A)
CAT B|Petrol|15.2km/L
Horsepower
103kW (138 bhp)
Torque
220 Nm
Acceleration
9.5sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Touran
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