The Touran is Germany’s most successful compact MPV. It’s a highly versatile companion for all journeys, characterised by an impressive use of space and meticulous attention to detail throughout.
Volkswagen is now launching a new generation; completely re-conceptualised version of this popular all-rounder, which has already hit sales of some 1.9 million units in Europe, Asia and Africa. Dr Heinz-Jakob Neußer, Board Member for development of the Volkswagen brand, says: “The new Touran is the first multi-variable MPV to be built on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) basis developed by Volkswagen. This brings many advantages as far as design and construction are concerned – including, for example, much more powerful-looking exterior proportions and a distinctive long wheelbase with very short body overhangs enabling us to achieve a groundbreaking use of space.” At the same time, Volkswagen has succeeded in reducing the weight of the new Touran, as it has already done with other MQB-based models. “And that is despite a 130 mm increase in the overall vehicle length as well as greater demands on safety and comfort,” says Dr Neußer. “We saved up to 62 kg in weight compared with the predecessor.” This weight reduction was achieved through the use of innovative lightweight construction technologies in the drive systems and bodywork.
The reduction in weight results directly in a drop in fuel consumption. The same is true of the excellent aerodynamics.
Volkswagen has also completely revamped the vehicle’s design, right down to the last detail. Klaus Bischoff, Head Designer for the Volkswagen brand, says: “The Touran’s new powerful and precise design picks up the reductive clarity of the previous model. We refined the design concept, reinventing it in places to give it a sharper look while retaining a strong underlying continuity. What emerges is an original with a much enhanced light and sporty look thanks to the long side windows and precise lines.”
The Touran looks particularly sporty when fitted with the new R Line exterior equipment range from Volkswagen R. The R Line exterior package includes special R Line bumpers among other features. Inside, the R Line interior package contains highlights such as the exclusive seat covers.
The designers have also completely restyled the high grade interior. The design concept here also aimed to achieve a reduction in weight, which was accomplished thanks to the newly developed fold-flat seat system. The second row seats are now much lighter, for example, and can be folded down to merge flat with the luggage compartment floor. This enables the Touran to provide a maximum amount of space on the smallest footprint. Even with five people on board, this MPV has 1,040 litres of luggage space when loaded up to roof height – so no one need have any reservations about setting off on holiday with five people aboard.
The MPV comes in three equipment lines: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. Along with details such as air conditioning, fold-flat seating and up to nine airbags, the basic Trendline includes a more powerful TSI engine (110 PS instead of the previous 105 PS), black gloss B-pillar panels, ISOFIX child seat fixtures on all rear seats, seatbelt detection in the second and third seat rows as well as at the front, decorative chrome trims for the air vents and instrument cluster, easy-open and roll-up luggage compartment cover, an extensive range of active safety systems (including XDS and Automatic Post-Collision Braking), the new Composition Touch radio system and an electric parking brake that is also a new feature. The Touran Comfortline now comes with Front Assist including City Emergency Braking, the Composition Colour radio system (with media compartment on the passenger side) and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. For the Touran Highline you can add details such as chrome-framed side windows, 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting and a new 3-zone automatic air conditioning system (including control unit in the second seat row). The Touran can now also be equipped with LED headlights for the first time. For those after something even more sporty, there are the R Line exterior and interior packages (available with Comfortline and above).
The distinctive details of the Touran’s “face” – the front section – lend it a new and unmistakable depth of class. The front is organised into a number of detailed horizontal sections which help to emphasise the sense of width. The lines all complement each other logically and harmoniously. For example, the cross pieces of the radiator grille extend naturally into the headlights to form a single, cohesive element. The headlights themselves are much slimmer than those of the previous model, and have a more three-dimensional shape; they also act as a common theme that unifies the front and the side sections. Furthermore, the Touran is the first Volkswagen MPV to offer LED headlights as an option. The Touran is characterised throughout by fine, carefully executed details. At the front, these include the slim lower breather opening, which serves to accentuate the Touran’s width and low centre of gravity.
The character line draws the distinctive rear section of the Touran naturally into the overall design. Level with the VW badge, another line flows into the tail light cluster (LED lights as an option) and forms an aerodynamic trailing edge. The number plate frame is a downward-facing trapezium which complements the sweep of the tail light clusters far into the vehicle silhouette, adding to the sense of width and giving a pleasant appearance to the rear. The narrow tail light clusters blend harmoniously into the linear framework of the rear. The light signature displays a newly developed segment-specific graphic; the reflectors are positioned low and wide, effectively shifting the visual centre of gravity downwards. Rounding off the rear section is the stylised diffuser in black.
The new Touran will be available to order in summer 2015
Ten key facts about the new Touran:
1. The completely redeveloped Touran is the first MPV to be based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB)
2. Advantage of MQB: it was possible to pass on almost the full increase in overall vehicle length (+ 130 mm) to the wheelbase (+ 113 mm)
3. Longer wheelbase increases the amount of room inside the Touran (including an extra 48 litres luggage space in 5-seater)
4. Five-seater version of the Touran has the biggest luggage compartment (1,040 litres) in its class (when loaded roof-high up to 2nd seat row)
5. Despite significant gain in overall length, weight has been reduced by 62 kg
6. Newly developed fold-flat seat system in 5-seater or 7-seater MPV is highly versatile and extremely easy to configure
7. Up to 47 storage compartments and new Pure Air Climatronic system make the 5-seater and 7-seater Touran perfect for everyday use
The new Touran / World Premiere / Volkswagen / February 2015 3
8. New spectrum of infotainment systems; MirrorLink™, CarPlay (Apple) and Android Auto (Google) featured for first time
9. The new Touran boasts the biggest range of assistance and comfort systems in its class
10. TSI and TDI engines up to 19 per cent* more economical; Touran 1.6 TDI with DSG consumes just 4.1 l/100 km*
