From this angle, the Touran doesn’t look like a typical multi-purpose vehicle. (xy-za ochoa)
If there’s one vehicle in the market whose design takes into consideration each family member, it would be the Volkswagen Touran.
It seems that this compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) from the German automaker has a special place for every member of the family within its spacious confines.
This seven-seater vehicle offers adjustable seating configurations, more than twenty possible storage compartments, as well as generous cargo space that makes it a very versatile MPV.
Volkswagen Cebu allowed Cebu Daily News to use a Wild Cherry Red Metallic-colored 2.0-liter turbodiesel Comfortline Plus variant for a weekend to test its versatility.
We took the Touran around the city for different purposes such as a rendezvous in the supermarket with the wife, a late-night treat with friends in uptown Cebu and a trip to check out a family-owned lot in the northern part of Cebu.
Surprisingly, the German automaker designed its MPV precisely as a family-oriented vehicle, prioritizing comfort and power which made the different trips stress free.
It looks small but you’d be surprised that it can actually fit seven passengers. (CDN PHOTO/ BRIAN OCHOA)
Its interior versatility was highlighted in our trip to the supermarket as we managed to fit all we bought in its spacious cargo area after folding flat its third-row seats.
More space can be had by removing the second-row seats, a relatively easy procedure. But we didn’t have to that as all our shopping bags—good for a week’s consumption—fit with only the third row folded down.
Our late-night rendezvous with friends later that day showed off the Touran’s stylish exterior, representative of the German automaker’s distinctive take on the fast-rising MPV category.
We noticed that the Touran turned heads with its simple yet unique styling. Its compact size and low stance makes it more attractive as it makes the MPV look like a big hatchback.
But the true strength of the Touran is its ability to ferry seven passengers comfortably during long trips.
The leather seats are contoured to the human body thus alleviating incidence of back pain.
And the second row doesn’t have the dreaded “hump” that middle passengers really hate. All three second-row occupants will now share the same comfort all throughout a trip. This is because the second row features three separate bucket seats that move independently.
The third row, as expected, isn’t that spacious for adults but kids would enjoy that area a lot.
During our trip up north, we didn’t notice the hour-long travel time—traffic jams included— because of the comfort we felt all throughout.
Typical Volkswagen styling: simple yet elegant. (CDN PHOTO/ BRIAN OCHOA)
Good news for designated drivers like me is that spirited driving can be achieved with the Touran, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbo direct injection diesel engine with a 6-speed direct shift gearbox.
The power plant produces 110 ps (108.49 HP) of power and 280 newton meter of torque from as low as 1,750 rpm. This combination gives the Touran good accelerating power that is needed especially when loaded with seven passengers.
With ample power, flexible seating configurations, generous load space, and numerous safety features, we think the Touran is one MPV that can ensure an enjoyable and comfortable everyday driving experience for all members of the family.
One can try the Touran at the Volkswagen Cebu dealership along A. Soriano Avenue at the North Reclamation Area in Cebu City.