What We Like
Diesel powerplant ensures excellent fuel economy
AdBlue solution reduces emissions
Practical and spacious
Extremely smooth ride
What We Dislike
Slightly less enthusiastic to drive than its predecessor
Volkswagens and diesels are bedfellows that haven't had the best of times lately. Although the Dieselgate scandal's impact on Singapore has been relatively limited, it is nonetheless still a blow to Volkswagen's image as a leading light of the technology.
Whatever you may think of diesels now, there is no question that a few facts remain true. Diesels are still highly efficient in terms of fuel consumption, and on a day to day basis, they are definitely cheaper to run if you are a heavy user, or make regular long-distance trips up North. These are practical considerations that tend to have a greater effect on buyer behaviour, as compared to tailpipe emissions, which probably have less of an influence on everyday drivers.
Family favourite
The Volkswagen Touran has long been a favourite among families looking for a value-for-money proposition. The previous model's TDI variant in particular was a huge hit, at least until Dieselgate struck. It offered a premium-class people carrier with the prospect of low running costs and affordability thanks to its Cat A powerplant, while the diesel's impressive range meant that it appealed to those who made regular family trips into Malaysia.
The new Touran TDI aims to make a triumphant return to those glory days, and its appearance here in Singapore is significant. Not only does it signal the Touran's re-entry into the Cat A Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment (the 1.4 TSI petrol is a Cat B car), but it is also the first new diesel Volkswagen car to be offered for sale post-Dieselgate.
As such, it has a huge responsibility in helping to rebuild Volkswagen's reputation, and convince sceptics of the merits of diesel once again.
Blue solution
To that end, a few changes have been made in order to comply with the new standards that have been imposed on the brand.
Open up the fuel filler cap, and you'll notice a blue cap alongside the regular one where you stick your fuel pump in. This blue cap is where you pour in the AdBlue solution, which is a urea-based fluid that is injected into the exhaust system to convert harmful NOx into nitrogen and steam, thereby reducing NOx emissions significantly.
It is a necessary measure that Volkswagen has implemented in order to lower overall emissions of its diesel models, but rest assured that it has no bearing on how it affects the car's drivability and usability. The only thing to note is to top up the AdBlue solution when it is running low, but a full tank of AdBlue is good for a range of about 8,000km, as indicated on the car's onboard computer.
Smooth mover
Everything else about the Touran is as you were, and it remains as compelling a prospect as ever. The 1.6-litre TDI turbodiesel engine may produce a mere 114bhp, but it feels more than adequate for your daily driving needs. More importantly, the diesel unit's 250Nm of torque ensures that overtaking on the highway is effortless and smooth, which are great attributes to have for those who like to travel up North.
For a diesel, the Touran's refinement is absolutely top-notch, with barely any sign of the classic rattle that afflicts most diesel cars. Even on the outside, the rattling is hardly noticeable, which is a testament to Volkswagen's dedication in sound-proofing the Touran for maximum comfort.
But more importantly, the Touran TDI is able to clock an average of 22.7km/L in fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer's figures. With a 58-litre fuel tank, this means a theoretical average range of 1,316km. For most drivers, however, provided they don't have a heavy right foot, 1,000km should be easily achievable with every fill-up, which is still a mightily impressive achievement.
The Touran TDI is pleasing in many other ways too. While it doesn't quite feel as zippy and energetic as its predecessor, the trade-off is a vast improvement in ride comfort and quality. The new Touran soaks up bumps extremely well, even on badly surfaced roads, which should be a delight for drivers who travel along the pockmarked roads of Malaysia, or even tackling our road works-ridden local streets.
Redemption points
When it comes down to it, the Touran is still a practical people mover at the end of the day. And it fulfils its duty well in that aspect, scoring high on the practicality and features front.
The test car's Comfortline EQP trim comes equipped with a whole host of features, including a full-length panoramic sunroof, flip-out tray table for the second row occupants, and even autonomous braking for collision avoidance. The third-row seats are able to accommodate two adults comfortably, and they fold down flat into the floor to offer even more boot space, up to 834 litres in fact, should you require.
All in all, the Touran TDI proves to be extremely good value for money, and if you remain a believer in diesels, then perhaps you ought to give this Volkswagen a chance.
Everything else about the Touran is as you were, and it remains as compelling a prospect as ever. The 1.6-litre TDI turbodiesel engine may produce a mere 114bhp, but it feels more than adequate for your daily driving needs. More importantly, the diesel unit's 250Nm of torque ensures that overtaking on the highway is effortless and smooth, which are great attributes to have for those who like to travel up North.
For a diesel, the Touran's refinement is absolutely top-notch, with barely any sign of the classic rattle that afflicts most diesel cars. Even on the outside, the rattling is hardly noticeable, which is a testament to Volkswagen's dedication in sound-proofing the Touran for maximum comfort.
But more importantly, the Touran TDI is able to clock an average of 22.7km/L in fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer's figures. With a 58-litre fuel tank, this means a theoretical average range of 1,316km. For most drivers, however, provided they don't have a heavy right foot, 1,000km should be easily achievable with every fill-up, which is still a mightily impressive achievement.
The Touran TDI is pleasing in many other ways too. While it doesn't quite feel as zippy and energetic as its predecessor, the trade-off is a vast improvement in ride comfort and quality. The new Touran soaks up bumps extremely well, even on badly surfaced roads, which should be a delight for drivers who travel along the pockmarked roads of Malaysia, or even tackling our road works-ridden local streets.
Redemption points
When it comes down to it, the Touran is still a practical people mover at the end of the day. And it fulfils its duty well in that aspect, scoring high on the practicality and features front.
The test car's Comfortline EQP trim comes equipped with a whole host of features, including a full-length panoramic sunroof, flip-out tray table for the second row occupants, and even autonomous braking for collision avoidance. The third-row seats are able to accommodate two adults comfortably, and they fold down flat into the floor to offer even more boot space, up to 834 litres in fact, should you require.
All in all, the Touran TDI proves to be extremely good value for money, and if you remain a believer in diesels, then perhaps you ought to give this Volkswagen a chance.
