New for 2011 is the facelifted Touran compact MPV. The Touran made its public debut at the Leipzig motor show back in April. After selling more than 1.13m units across the world and dominating nearly 50% market share (in its segment) in Germany, the Touran ranks among the top five in its class in Europe.
The facelift consists of a restyled grill, bigger front body-coloured bumper and a set of new headlights, all of which echo the Golf Mk6. At the rear, the Touran now gets LED tail-lights as well as a new spoiler for better aerodynamics.
Internally, major changes start with the new multi-function steering wheel, improve cabin materials with more use of chrome and enhanced front-seat headrests, all of which are also borrowed of the Golf Mk6.
Under the hood on the petrol side is VW's new-developed 1.2 litre TSI with 105bhp and 175Nm (129lb/ft) of torque. Combined fuel economy is rated at 44.1mpg (6.4l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 149g/km. In Bluemotion form, 47.8mpg (5.9l/100km) combined can be achieved, with CO2 emissions of 139g/km. The 1.2 TSI will feature alongside the previous 138bhp and 168bhp 1.4 litre engines.
On the diesel end, the arrangement stays the same with two 1.6 litre engines with 89bhp (90PS) and 104bhp (105PS) and two 2.0 litre TDI diesels with 138bhp (140PS) and 168bhp (170PS). The 1.6 TDI CR 90PS engine will return 55.3mpg (5.1/100km) combined. The Touran Bluemotion uses a 1.6 TDI CR 104bhp engine and has a combined fuel economy of 61.4mpg (4.6l/100km), while emitting 121g/km of CO2. The 2.0 TDI CR 170bhp is mated to a 7 speed DSG gearbox, while it’s optional on other engines, which gets a standard 6 speed manual.
A new feature added to the Touran is VW's Dynamic Light Assist, which helps control the headlamps' lighting so it doesn’t dazzle oncoming vehicles, while not compromising visibility for the driver. Standard features vary with each trim-level but include air-conditioning, radio/CD with MP3, x4 electric windows, light & rain sensors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, chrome interior trim, black roof rails, multi-function leather steering wheel, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, multi-function colour display and Alcantara interior.
Optional features consist of adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, metallic paint, panoramic glass sunroof, rear-view camera, RNS 315 touch-screen satellite navigation system and DCC dynamic chassis control.
The VW Touran will also see its price rise to £17,000 (€19,367) from £15,800 (€18,000) when it goes on sale during August in Germany, Autumn for rest of Europe.
