Name: Volkswagen Touran Review
Item: Volkswagen Touran
Author: Gumtree.com

The Volkswagen Touran is a practical, economical and solidly built people carrier that can carry seven. So, it’s an ideal choice for larger families. Launched in 2003, it’s now in its third iteration (since 2015) which means there’s a used buy for every budget. Since its launch, the Touran has come with a range of efficient petrol and diesel options, though some may be disappointed that there still isn’t a hybrid version. With renowned VW quality and reliability paired with easy, comfortable driving, the Touran should be on the list for anyone in the market for an MPV.

Visit the Volkswagen Touran model page to explore available vehicles.

What we think about the Volkswagen Touran

It’s not the cheapest or most exciting MPV around, but the Touran is a practical, economical and reliable choice.

Pros

Practical and versatile

Efficient and reliable

Sturdy and safe

Cons

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Not a very exciting drive

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Cheaper MPVs are available

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Back row is tight on space

In this review, we’re focusing on the latest Touran (from 2015 on). This model has the choice of two petrol and two diesel engines with the latter achieving up to 65 mpg. It’s available in a number of trims – the S, SE, SE Family and SEL – as well as the sporty R-Line from 2016.

Driving performance of the Volkswagen Touran

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

The Touran offers a comfortable ride – as with any car though, this is reduced with the larger alloys. You can get adaptive suspension for an even more cushioned feel on the road, but it’ll be a little too pricey to justify for most. The Touran handles well and is surprisingly hatchback-like. There’s some slight body roll on corners, but that’s to be expected – not even VW can cheat physics. Comfort and ease-of-driving are certainly emphasised, so don’t expect much in the way of thrills. Meanwhile, all of the engines are capable, but the smaller ones can need a little pushing to overtake.

Safety and reliability of the Volkswagen Touran

Our Safety Rating9 / 10

The Touran was given a Euro NCAP safety rating of the full five stars in 2015, so you can rest assured that your family is well protected. As well as the usual airbags, there’s a host of tech to help prevent accidents, including automatic emergency braking. In terms of reliability, this is a Volkswagen, so there shouldn’t be much to worry about. The build quality is solid, and VW parts are tried and tested across the whole of the group.

Under the bonnet of the Volkswagen Touran

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

There are four choices of (turbocharged) engine, two petrol and two diesel variants. Petrol engine options start with a 110-bhp 1.2-litre unit that does 0-62 mph in just over 11 seconds. It’s pretty peppy but does need working to get up to higher speeds. The 1.4-litre with 150 bhp gets from 0-62 mph in under nine seconds. Many buyers will go for the more fuel efficient 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels, and their performance is fairly close to the petrol engines. Being diesel, there’s more torque, so the extra low-down grunt will help with towing if needed.

What you'll find in the Volkswagen Touran

Our Design Rating7 / 10

The design of the Touran hasn’t changed enormously since its launch, which is good news if you’re buying an older used model. The focus here is on practicality and functionality rather than winning design awards, so it’s not exactly a thing of beauty. But its style is reasonably attractive and distinctly Volkswagen. The more-recent R-Design trim’s bodykit and 18″ alloys do give it an edge, but the improved looks come at a price, with the bigger alloys impacting on ride comfort. It’s worth noting that the Touran is smaller than some rivals, making it easier to park while still seating seven.

Comfort and interiors in the Volkswagen Touran

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

As you’d expect from Volkswagen, the interior feels refined and high quality. The R-Design trim even has additional touches like headrest detailing. In terms of practicality, the Touran will seat five comfortably but has two extra seats in a third row for smaller passengers or short trips. Just be aware that older kids and adults won’t be very comfortable back there for any length of time. With seven onboard, boot space is compromised to just 137 litres but, on the other hand, with all seats folded down, there’s a whopping 1857 litres for load carrying.

What features you'll find in the Volkswagen Touran

Our Features Rating9 / 10

Transporting a family around with ease is a big focus of the Touran, and there are plenty of impressive features to help with that. On higher trims, inbuilt speakers and microphones let the driver easily talk with passengers, even in the back row. There’s also the option to fit a GoPro camera that displays on the dashboard, so you can keep an eye on them too! Matching up with most cars at this price point, the centre of the infotainment system is an eight-inch touchscreen with DAB, Apple Play and Android Auto.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Volkswagen Touran

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

The 1.6-litre TDI has a claimed 65 mpg and is the one to go for if fuel efficiency is your top priority. The 1.2 petrol claims 51 mpg and still has plenty of power, but lacks a little oomph in comparison to the base diesel. That has to be factored into its likely cheaper purchase price though. Both engines were tested for fuel efficiency using pre-2017 standards, so be aware that real-world figures will come out a little lower than these numbers. Even with that in mind, this is an efficient seven-seater.

Running costs of the Volkswagen Touran

Our Cost Rating9 / 10

With good fuel economy, plus that VW reliability hopefully keeping you out of the garage, running costs are unlikely to be high. Generally low insurance groups will also help to keep money in your pocket. Servicing costs shouldn’t be too shocking and there are plenty of VW specialist garages that are cheaper than main dealers. Buying the Touran in the first place may cost more than some rivals, but it’s likely to maintain its value when it comes time to sell it on.

Our verdict of the Volkswagen Touran

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

If you're looking for a practical, reliable and efficient car for a growing family, the Touran is up there with the best.

Volkswagen Touran Review