The second gen of Volkswagen's best-selling MPV is now sharper and sportier

First revealed in March last year at the Geneva Motor Show, the all new Volkswagen Touran is now available for sale in Singapore.

According to Volkswagen Singapore's Product Trainer Ernie Chua, the Touran has since sold 1.9 million units over the 12 years that it has been in the market. Its no doubt then, that Volkswagen is anxious to see if this second generation can mimic the success of the first as the best-selling Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) in Germany.

For Singapore, potential buyers have a choice of two trims, the Trendline and Comfortline. Both are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine which produces 150bhp and 250Nm of torque, giving it a century sprint of 8.9 seconds - not too bad considering this MPV was designed specifically for families with children in mind.

The new Touran is bigger than its predecessor. At 4,527mm by 1,829mm, it is 130mm longer and 36mm wider than the previous model - thanks to the new MQB platform which it is based on. The same platform is seen in the Golf and Golf Variant, Passat and Tiguan, and is said to be stiffer and stronger, and thus safer.  

If you go with the Trendline variant, you'll get leather upholstery, cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, an electronic vehicle immobiliser, the new three-zone (driver, front and rear) 'Pure Air Climatronic' system, and a 5.0-inch touchscreen as standard. Top up an extra $12,000 for the Comfortline trim, and you can brag about the Equipment Package (EQP) that comes with it. This means that you will get LED head lights, Driver Profile Selection, Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, an automatic panoramic roof, rearview camera and a 6.5-inch touchscreen.

Prices as of press time (inclusive of COE)

Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI DSG (A) Trendline - $138,300
Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI DSG (A) Comfortline with EQP - $150,300