Photo: SB-Medien
The current generation Volkswagen Touran was launched in August 2010, but shares a number of components with the first generation. The German automaker wants to stay competitive in the compact MPV segment and is getting ready for an all-new Touran to battle Citroen's C4 Picasso.
These are the latest spy photos of the 3rd-generation model, taken while it was undergoing road testing somewhere in Germany. It's still fully covered, but new design elements are peaking from underneath the camouflage. One of them is a new set of LED headlights that give this boxy family car a sharp look. A bright strip of yellow at the bottom of the headlights suggests the indicators have been placed there, like those on an Audi. Also, there aren't any fog lights in the lower bumper, since their function has been taken up by the beams.
The outgoing model is based on the PQ35 platform for compact cars, such as the the Golf 6 and Skoda Octavia 2. This newer model will switch to using the same MQB as its Golf 7 brother and will drop a significant chunk of weight, somewhere between 50 and 80 kilograms, depending on the model.
To make this family MPV handle a bit like an executive car, full-independent rear suspension will be available as standard on all but the most basic 1.2 TSI and 1.6 TDI engines. And speaking of engines, they should include everything from a 1.4-liter turbo burning compressed natural gas to a plug-in hybrid drive model supposedly capable of under 2 l/100km.
Diesel versions will include a 120 PS 1.6 TDI, a 150 PS 2.0 TDI and 184 PS 2.0 TDI. Petrol-burners will also be all-turbocharged, starting from the 110 PS 1.2 TSI and leading up to different output versions of the 2.0 TSI.
In a world were most MPVs are starting to look like SUVs, it's refreshing to see Volkswagen is keeping the Touran's car-like proportions. All the windows are huge and the rear quarter glass makes seeing through the D-pillar easy. In case you're worried about parking, be aware that a reversing camera and Park Assist will be available, as will radar and camera based safety systems.
The outgoing model is based on the PQ35 platform for compact cars, such as the the Golf 6 and Skoda Octavia 2. This newer model will switch to using the same MQB as its Golf 7 brother and will drop a significant chunk of weight, somewhere between 50 and 80 kilograms, depending on the model.
To make this family MPV handle a bit like an executive car, full-independent rear suspension will be available as standard on all but the most basic 1.2 TSI and 1.6 TDI engines. And speaking of engines, they should include everything from a 1.4-liter turbo burning compressed natural gas to a plug-in hybrid drive model supposedly capable of under 2 l/100km.
Diesel versions will include a 120 PS 1.6 TDI, a 150 PS 2.0 TDI and 184 PS 2.0 TDI. Petrol-burners will also be all-turbocharged, starting from the 110 PS 1.2 TSI and leading up to different output versions of the 2.0 TSI.
In a world were most MPVs are starting to look like SUVs, it's refreshing to see Volkswagen is keeping the Touran's car-like proportions. All the windows are huge and the rear quarter glass makes seeing through the D-pillar easy. In case you're worried about parking, be aware that a reversing camera and Park Assist will be available, as will radar and camera based safety systems.
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