Volkswagen’s all-new Touran has arrived in Ireland, with pricing commencing from €29,725. All models are equipped with seven seats, customers can choose from one petrol and two diesel variants. The petrol-powered Touran utilises a 1.2-litre TSI engine that produces 110hp, the diesel line-up consists of a 1.6-litre TDI (From €31,970) with 110hp and a 150hp 2.0-litre TDI engine (From €36,185).
This new Touran is 130mm longer than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase resulting in improved interior space. There is also increased headroom and legroom with the interior length gaining an additional 63mm. The second and third row of seats can be folded flat to reveal an immense 1,857 litres of luggage capacity. There is a vast array of storage compartments throughout the Touran for front and rear seat occupants. Three trim levels are offered to Irish motorists, Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The entry-level Trendline model comes equipped with a 5-inch composition colour radio system, manual air conditioning, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and 16-inch steel wheels. The mid-range Comfortline is expected to contribute the majority of sales, it gains 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, park distance control, a 6.5-inch composition media radio system, cruise control and a folding front passenger seat. The range-topping Highline Touran comes complete with 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, adaptive cruise control, Pure air 3 zone climatronic air conditioning and a colour multifunction display.
We drove both diesel models at launch, the 1.6-litre TDI turbocharged diesel variant we tested was equipped with Volkswagen’s slick seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. This new Touran has a refined driving experience, it handled the mixture of surfaces we drove on with confidence. The DSG transmission is a gem, especially when in traffic, taking the strain out of stop start manoeuvres. The Touran drives very much like a car and not a seven-seat MPV which you might expect. The quality of the switch gear is excellent, as ever from Volkswagen. The 2.0-litre TDI does offer an additional 40hp, to be honest we were satisfied with the 110hp variant and believe this will be the key seller.
As a special introductory offer Volkswagen Ireland is offering customers who purchase a new Touran to upgrade to a technology pack for just €161, this is normally €2,700. The technology pack includes a panoramic sunroof, park assist and front fog lights on a Trendline model or light assist on Comfortline and Highline models.
