• CarStore
• Used Cars
• Volkswagen
• Touran Review (2015-present)

Independent review by Peter Hayward from Driving Force

4-minute read

Engines

Petrol engines start with a 1.0-litre TSI turbo, which has 115bhp and is capable of no less than 50mpg. Who says petrol cars aren’t catching up with diesels?

This replaced a 1.2-litre turbo with 110bhp and that’s just as economical and both have a decent turn of speed too, managing the 0 to 60mph sprint in about 10.5 seconds.

The Touran built from 2015 first had a 1.4-litre turbo next up the list, with 150bhp and 0 to 60mph in 8.8 seconds. This was soon replaced by a 1.5-litre with similar performance and economy – around 49mpg.

On the diesel side of things – and these are the majority you are likely to find on the used car market – there is a 1.6-litre TDI with 110bhp at first and then 115bhp.

This takes 11.7 seconds to reach 60mph, so it’s a bit pedestrian, but it is rated at 64 mpg.

And finally there is the well-known 2.0-litre TDI fitted across the VW/Audi/Skoda/SEAT ranges with either 150bhp or 190bhp.

The lower powered model covers the 60mph sprint in a good 9.0 seconds and of course the 190bhp lowers that by about a second, making it a real sporting diesel.

Both also have huge urge through the gears, giving excellent mid-range acceleration and they're capable of around 60mpg.

The best engine, although they hold their price well, is the 2.0-litre diesel, which is smooth and reasonably quiet and offers very good performance with excellent economy. It’s a gem, with enough pace for most enthusiastic drivers.

That said, all of the petrols also feel peppy and willing, pulling from low revs with a sweet and tuneful soundtrack.

Driving Experience

They drive just like the Golf – on which they’re based – despite the extra bulk, with a ride that’s firm but always comfortable and road holding and handling to match the best, and they're such good all-rounders.

The steering and other controls are superb, with a light clutch, a sweet gearchange and marvellous brakes.
Peter Hayward

Equipment and Practicality

Inside, this is a versatile and spacious MPV. It will seat seven in comfort and even cope with two adults in the third row seats, although they are more suited to kids.

This third-row folds flat into the floor to leave a large load area and the middle row tips or folds and can also be removed altogether to create enough space for a small bowling alley.

Lower order models can be a bit sparse on equipment, but most will have had spec added by earlier owners.

All models have electric windows and remote locking, traction control, plenty of airbags, DAB radio with Bluetooth, and very good seat and column adjustment.

Mid-range SE adds air conditioning, parking sensors, audio remote, CD player, alarm and alloy wheels.

Find Your VW Touran your way with CarStore

If you're after a well-made seven-seater that's still rather compact when compared to the textbook large MPVs, then the VW Touran is well worth a look. Being based on the excellent VW Golf, it also drives very well, a trait not normally found in an MPV.