Volkswagen Reveals First Details Of Compact MPV

Volkswagen has today revealed the first official details and picture of its forthcoming compact MPV, the Touran.

Set for launch in Germany early next year, with UK sales beginning in the summer, the Touran is further evidence of Volkswagen’s intention to extend its presence into market segments in which it was previously not represented.

The second multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) from Volkswagen, following the larger Sharan, is a strong, individual design based on the platform of the next generation Golf. Notable features of the Touran – which is 4390 mm long, 1790 mm wide and 1630 mm high – include a highly versatile interior layout that can be specified with seven seats.

Touran will be available with a wide choice of engines, including advanced FSI and TDI powerplants that will be equipped with six-speed gearboxes as standard. A rigid bodyshell combined with electro-mechanical power steering and entirely new four-link rear suspension mean that Volkswagen will be at the forefront of vehicle dynamics in this growing market sector.

In the compact MPV class, practicality is of prime importance. With this in mind, the Touran has five seats as standard and a well-planned, versatile interior layout. Three individual seats in the second row can be repositioned, folded or removed altogether, while the optional two full-size seats in the third row can be folded down into the floor. With five seats in use, the load area has a capacity of over 600 litres.

Safety is class leading, with active front-seat head restraints, plus front airbags and side airbags for the front and second rows of seats. Three-point seatbelts are provided for all seven seats, while ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and BAS (Brake Assist System) are further active safety features. The fully galvanised body with laser-welded seams results in exceptional rigidity and strength.

The name ‘Touran’ is derived from the words ‘Tour’ and ‘Sharan’. ‘Tour’ symbolises long distance comfort for large groups of people, while the ending ‘-an’ is used to indicate Volkswagen’s multi-purpose vehicles.

Further technical and pricing details will be available closer to launch.