Volkswagen Touran: A ‘muy simpatico’ German MPV

TOURAN TO THE BANK OR NOT? Before judging this P1.775-million piece of moving engineering, test-drive one.

There’s that saying that it was the Germans who taught cars how to walk. Followers of the development of German automotive engineering will know that the saying has a loud ring of truth to it.

Veteran auto expert Peter Ruch, who has spent much of his time analyzing Germany’s legendary cars, said that even though Toyota and General Motors have been locked in ferocious battle for the title of “world’s best manufacturer,” a much higher honor must go to Germany’s carmakers, for “they truly are the leading car manufacturers, in terms of technical feasibility, quality and image.”

HOW much to load? That all depends on the seat layout. TESSA SALAZAR

Along that line of reasoning, Ruch especially mentioned Volkswagen as showing “the best performances” in various segments. That could very well now include the multipurpose vehicle (MPV) segment.

Volkswagen came rather late in the game in the compact van segment when it introduced the Touran in 2003—the smaller version of its large MPV Sharan, which was already in existence in the mid ’90s. The Touran, whose design was derived from the Golf Mk5, got its name from the shortened combination of the word “tour” and Sharan.

Automobile Central Enterprise Inc., the official distributor of the Volkswagen brand in the Philippines, now offers the seven-seater MPV Touran. The local market may find the Touran’s size just right. But then, its looks, which is rather dull, could initially distract buyers from the vehicle’s real worth.

For a few days, this writer took the Touran for a spin, with the primary objective of being able to see past the blah exterior and getting to experience first-hand what long-term Touran owners from Europe have been raving about.

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Stuck in evening rush-hour traffic in a six-speed A/T Touran 2.0 TDI DSG Comfortline powered by a four-cylinder in-line common-rail turbo direct injection diesel engine, this writer found maneuvering in Bonifacio Global City and Makati City traffic with relative ease.

Considering that the Touran was “overloaded” that night with nine souls, the “springiness” of the acceleration—even at just the “D” shift level, was still tangible. Furthermore, not one passenger complained that their bones ached after a three-hour traffic odyssey.

This brings to mind what veteran UK auto reviewer Andrew Frankel once described the Touran as: “A midsized MPV with impeccable engineering credentials and the structural integrity and design flair of a nuclear bunker.”

What Car? Magazine chronicled the Touran as “having a spacious cabin, great engines and good to drive.”

Both work and play

True to its MPV design, the Touran is intended to be used for both work and play. It has space for lots of company and cargo. Cargo space can be from 121 to 1,913 liters, depending on the seat layout. There are more than 500 different seating configurations, considering the second and third row folding seats, not to mention the several stowage spaces you will discover above, in the front between the driver and front passenger seat, and even beneath the seats themselves.

THE FUEL tank can take in 64 liters, but do read the “label.” TESSA SALAZAR

The middle-row seats need some getting used to when it comes to folding them, though. Friendly advice to would-be owners: Do read the manual and explore all corners so you can find out the little niceties, such as hidden stowage areas and the technicalities of seat folding.

The Touran is the first vehicle to be powered by Volkswagen’s 2.0 TDI engine. According to ACEI, “drivers of diesel vehicles know the advantages of a compression-ignition engine in terms of fuel consumption when driving and changing gears at the lowest possible revs. The increased pulling power at lower revs for maximum pulling power ensures that the engine torque required is always available. The electronics do the rest.”

Exploiting fuel efficiency

The Touran exploits this fuel-efficiency advantage to the hilt. On the straight highway run, this writer was able to eke out a frugal 24 kilometers per liter, while on the stop-and-go city runs, the fuel management system was still able to maintain a surprising 14 kpl. The large fuel tank (64 liters) combined with this superior fuel management system would mean less fuel stops for owners.

The fuel tank lid indicates that biodiesel is not allowed. Asked to clarify, ACEI quoted Volkswagen headquarters in Germany: “This label pertains to 100 percent synthetic diesel and not related to the use of organic additives. VW AG has approved the use of TDI engines in PH with the current biodiesel content level.”

It would also do well for would-be Touran owners to study the unique tire repair kit, because—don’t scream now—the Touran does not come with a spare tire. ACEI explained: “It is a matter of educating the end-user. Previously, customers, especially those of the luxury brands, had to adjust to the run-flat tire. In line with this, our sales and service staff are more than capable of explaining (the Touran tire repair kit), and its operation, to the customer.”

ACEI added: “The kit can be used in certain conditions in the same way that run-flat tires are only applicable for certain operating conditions. As with other types of tires, it will still be best to take a proactive approach and ensure that the tires used are in good working condition.”

For its price of P1.775 million, power-folding side mirrors should’ve been standard. VW also chose knob adjusters (which is time-consuming to use) instead of levers for the seat incline adjustment. ACEI said it would consider feedback from owners for future model improvements.

ACEI said that parts availability of the Touran “is definitely assured,  as it can easily source out once we have the requirement. As for parts pricing, we will definitely be competitively priced against competition.”

Verdict: This German MPV carries all the “oohs and ahs” of German engineering. Its size is just perfect for Asian physiques and even more svelte Philippine roads. The amazing frugality in fuel, combined with the engine power, will definitely win not a few fans here. For its price, though, the Touran needs to have that “X factor” in the looks department. First impressions do last, especially in this neck of the woods.

The Volkswagen dealership is located at Bonifacio Global City (938 28th Street City Center) with the service center at Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong. For 2014, ACEI plans to open at least three more dealerships in Quezon City, Alabang and Cebu.