Diesel, without doubt, is the less common species on our local roads. Almost like the new kid at the playground who is getting sneered at, motorists are still displaying a tinge of hesitance in accepting the alternative fuel.
But car dealers aren't pulling the plug just yet. Instead, they seem confident that locals will be convinced of the sows diesels reap, and bite the bait in time to come.
The Touran is one of the many models that are offered here with a diesel heart. And just about the right time too, considering it will fall snugly into the small car COE category, which was revised just recently.
Up close and Personal
The Touran is yet another prim and proper example of a staple offering from Volkswagen. It certainly isn't the most exciting or seductive motoring tool around, or something you would want to flaunt to your friends.
But car dealers aren't pulling the plug just yet. Instead, they seem confident that locals will be convinced of the sows diesels reap, and bite the bait in time to come.
The Touran is one of the many models that are offered here with a diesel heart. And just about the right time too, considering it will fall snugly into the small car COE category, which was revised just recently.
Up close and Personal
The Touran is yet another prim and proper example of a staple offering from Volkswagen. It certainly isn't the most exciting or seductive motoring tool around, or something you would want to flaunt to your friends.
On first glance, the MPV doesn't seem too keen about having sensuous curves that will keep your eyes peeled. Rather, it keeps to an almost mundane template for greater functionality, such as stretched wheelbase for a more spacious cabin and short overhangs for better manoeuvrability.
Like its petrol-driven sibling, the Touran TDI allows for flexibility on board with a slew of clever, easy seat settings. For instance, the middle row can be reach adjusted to allow more leg room for occupants at the last row, or to free up more boot space when the occasion calls for it.
The standalone centre row seats can also be removed completely from the cabin, transforming the Touran into a van for occasional IKEA trips.
The Drive
Like the other hugely powerful diesel cars that we have sampled lately, the Touran TDI would certainly be more delightful with more punch. But that would have defeated the whole purpose of it.
Placing the priority on dollar sense rather than driving pleasure, the 1.6-litre unit churns out a mere 105bhp. The TDI unit, however, makes up with 250Nm of torque from low revs, giving the MPV adequate performance to zip around town.
The standalone centre row seats can also be removed completely from the cabin, transforming the Touran into a van for occasional IKEA trips.
The Drive
Like the other hugely powerful diesel cars that we have sampled lately, the Touran TDI would certainly be more delightful with more punch. But that would have defeated the whole purpose of it.
Placing the priority on dollar sense rather than driving pleasure, the 1.6-litre unit churns out a mere 105bhp. The TDI unit, however, makes up with 250Nm of torque from low revs, giving the MPV adequate performance to zip around town.
Part credit has to go to the seven-speed DSG gearbox that works seamlessly and effectively, engaging the most relevant cog to harness the turbo boost within the short rev range.
Cabin insulation is also decent, with only slight road noise and little buzz from the oil burner past the first row of seats. This ensures that the rest of the family on board can bask in comfort.
Conclusion
While we have seen continental car prices easily soaring past the $200,000 mark, the Touran asks for $155,800 - good value if you consider its load and people lugging capabilities.
The diesel drivetrain, though not the most refined, will also help keep running costs low. And it will definitely make sense to frequent drivers who can offset the higher road tax with fuel cost savings.
Cabin insulation is also decent, with only slight road noise and little buzz from the oil burner past the first row of seats. This ensures that the rest of the family on board can bask in comfort.
Conclusion
While we have seen continental car prices easily soaring past the $200,000 mark, the Touran asks for $155,800 - good value if you consider its load and people lugging capabilities.
The diesel drivetrain, though not the most refined, will also help keep running costs low. And it will definitely make sense to frequent drivers who can offset the higher road tax with fuel cost savings.
