Volkswagen's Next-generation Touran Arrives in Singapore

Volkswagen's Touran is very popular in Germany and for good reason: it can take both families and single people anywhere, anytime. The Touran is so popular that over 1.9M have been purchased since it debuted in 2003. Now, the newer version of this great vehicle was made available just last week in Singapore.

At 4,527mm long, the new Touran is 130m longer than the previous model. However, an innovative approach to car design allows it to retain a compact exterior look, even with the larger cargo capacity. The extra car length is applied to its 2,7911mm wheelbase, which is now 113mm longer than that of the previous model. Combining the advantages of maximum utility and minimal vehicle footprint is only possible by the Modular Transverse Matrix.

The new Touran also has a slightly wider body measuring 1,829mm (36mm wider than the previous model), but has a lower body height of 1,628mm (6mm lower). These changes gives the new Touran a more dynamic-looking proportion that designers were able to capitalize on.

New design

The new Touran's design got its powerful and precise lines from the older version, but these were improved upon to give it a sharper look without straying too much from its predecessor. Long sider windows, precise lines, and more aerodynamic proportions, the new Touran looks lighter and sportier.

Another obvious change in the new Touran's design is the front section. Horizontal sections emphasize the vehicle's wider body, and the cross pieces of the radiator grille now extent to the headlights, which are now slimmer and features a more three-dimentional look.

When viewed from the side, you'll notice that the windows still extend from the A-pillar all the way back to the D-pillar, but this time, the shapes are flatter. There is also a new, glossy B-pillar, and a narrower C-pillar which adds to the sense of exclusivity. Wheel arches and horizontal lines seve as visual accents, completing the new Touran's look.

Aside from the model's updated design, the new Touran boasts an expanded interior space and cargo capacity. Combine it with lower overall weight and an efficient new engine and you have a 7-seater MPV in a class of its own.

Extra cargo on the go

The new Touran features a highly variable fold-flat seat system. By folding down the three seats in the second row and two more in the third row, you get a nice, flat area to accommodate more cargo. Combine it with the new Touran's 1,779mm interior length and you can get up to 1,857 litres of cargo space - more than enough to carry all but the biggest cargo without the need for modifications.

Clean and Comfortable

The Touran's all-new three-zone Pure Air Climatronic system is the first of its kind. Using an air quality sensor and an active biogenic filter, unwanted air particles such as pollutants, fungal spores, and allergens are filtered out.

The dashboard has also recieved a significant upgrade, now designed with a driver-oriented layout. The centre console is sloped up towards the front, allowing it to provide better visibility without sacrificing aesthetics. The upper area of the panel contains a closable storage compartment, and is made of a slush-moulded soft-touch material.

Safety on the road

To help minimize injuries and damages during accidents the Touran has a crash-optimised body that includes high-strength steels, providing a more rigid frame. It also comes equipped with seven airbags, which includes a driver's knee airbag. Other safety features include Automatic Post-collision Braking System, Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, and Pre-crash Proactive Occupant Protection System. For safer parking, the new Touran also has the new Auto Hold feature, which prevents the vehicle from rolling while idle.

Power and efficiency

With a direct-injection turbocharged 1.4 TSI engine capable of producing 150PS and 250Nm of torque, the new Touran has an acceleration rate of 0-100km/hr. Despite its power, the new engine has an impressive fuel efficiency of only 5.6L/100km in the combined driving cycle. Other standard features include automatic engine stop/start and battery regeneration systems.

Different driving profiles

The new Touran provides you with four driving profile programs in order to tailor to your driving and comfort needs. These profiles are Normal, Eco, Sport, and Individual. Eco mode regulates ACU and auxilliary power consumption for better fuel efficiency, aside from an optional DSG coasting function which puts the engine on idle during downhill stretches. The sports profile gives the Touran a more dynamic engine response and DSG shifting points.

The Touran comes in two equipment levels: Trendline and Comfortline. Trendline features leather upholstery, cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, an electronic vehicle immobiliser and the new Pure Air Climatronic system, while Comfortline features all of those, plus a multifunction steering wheel, rear view camera, and panoramic sunroof.

Furthermore, you can get the additional equipment package for either Trendline or Comfortline models, which includes LED headlights, keyless entry and starting, driving profile selection, and Front Assist.

The prices for the new Touran is $138,300 for the Trendline, while Comfortline with EQP is priced at $150,300.

Credits: