Happenings

Volkswagen Launches The Highly Anticipated New Touran

BY Joel Tam

The popular Volkswagen Touran is back! The all-new 7-seater MPV promises to offer bigger space, new tech and much more!

If you're in the market for a German-made mid-size MPV, your choices are few. Aside from the BMW 2-Series GT, there aren't many options for discerning buyers who prefer a car that offers a notch more than the regular Japanese models.

Enter the Volkswagen Touran. No stranger to most savvy car buyers, the Touran has sold more than 1.9 million units worldwide since in debut in 2003. The new car you see here is an all-new second generation model, where the previous models were extensive face-lifts of the first generation car.

The new Touran has gone wider, lower and expanded its interior space and cargo capacity. It has also shaved some weight and features an efficient direct-injection turbocharged 1.4 TSI engine with 150 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, enabling the 7-seater to hit the 0-100 km/h dash in only 8.9 seconds.

New on the the second generation model, is the ability to switch driver modes - a total of four driving profile programmes are available in the new Touran. In Eco mode, the engine control, air conditioning unit and other auxiliary systems are regulated to optimise fuel efficiency. There is also a coasting function which disengages the gears and allows the engine to cruise on long stretches of roads. In Sport mode, the engine response and shifting points of the DSG are configured to be sportier and more responsive. You can even customise these settings to your liking in Individual mode.

Inside, the Touran features a newly developed variable fold-flat seat system (three individual seats in the second row and the two individual seats in the third row that fold down to create a level continuous floor), numerous useful storage compartments and a three-zone Pure Air Climatronic air-con system which includes a new filtering technology that maintains air quality at a consistently high level. This new tech also prevents the infiltration of pollutants, including fungal spores and allergens, creating a perfect and healthy environment for all in the family.

No MPV is complete without a good infotainment system, and the Touran doesn't disappoint. Both the 5-inch Composition Color (Trendline) and 6.5-inch Composition Media (Comfortline) systems have extremely fast processors that ensure rapid operation of all features. Music can be fed in via the CD player, AUX-IN socket or SD card. The Composition Media also has a USB interface and Bluetooth connectivity, plus a proximity sensor.

Enhanced safety is another key selling point for the new car. The Touran has seven airbags as standard, including a driver’s knee airbag. The assistance systems featured for the first time in the Touran include the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard, the Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection system, and Front Assist with City Emergency Braking.

New comfort and convenience features in the Touran include driving profile selection and high-performance LED headlights. The new LED headlights replace the xenon system previously used in the Touran, and feature a dynamic cornering function as well as LED daytime running lights. Another new feature is the electronic parking brake with Auto Hold, which prevents unintentional rolling from a standstill position.

The Touran is available in two equipment levels — the Trendline and Comfortline. Even the Trendline is very well equipped, with leather upholstery, cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, an electronic vehicle immobiliser and the new Pure Air Climatronic system all coming as standard. The Comfortline has even more equipment, including a multi-function steering wheel, rear view camera and panoramic sunroof.

An additional equipment package (EQP) comprising four features — LED headlights, keyless entry and starting, driving profile selection and Front Assist — can be ordered for both the Trendline and Comfortline models.