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New Touran in SA

(MOSTLY) ALL NEW: The VW Touran's shape recognisable, although this is the latest generation of the MPV. The doors have been carried over, though...
(MOSTLY) ALL NEW: The VW Touran's shape recognisable, although this is the latest generation of the MPV. The doors have been carried over, though...
Volkswagen starts 2011 on a rocking note with the launch in South Africa of its new-generation Touran MPV, the first in the local line-up to feature the manufacturer's new 1.2 TSI engine.

Apart from restyling that makes the Touran instantly recognisable as a member of the Volkswagen family, there are a raft of additional changes, too.

The front section includes a new bumper and grille, with the grille finished in a black gloss with chrome trim. The new headlights can be optioned with bi-xenon lamps that come with LED daytime running lights and an adaptive front lighting system that allows the lamps to turn and cast light into bends.

At the rear, the Touran’s attractive new light cluster is now contained in a two-part module that mimics the units seen on the recently-launched (and more imposing) Amarok bakkie and Toureg SUV models.

SPACE AND COMFORT


By contrast, the Touran measures just under 4.4 m long, is 1.8 m wide and about 1.7 m high. The single tailgate unit swings to open about 2 m off the ground; high enough for most adults to stand beneath it, but probably pure agony for shorter drivers to shut.

Things are expected to be less of a stretch in the cabin where the five-seater’s modular single seat system rules.

The three seats in the second row can be moved forward and backward, shifted to the side, folded or removed completely, depending on the requirements. A single seat weighs about 17kg, according to VWSA.

Handy additional details include pockets and cupholders, a middle seat that doubles as a folding table, and storage bins under the front seats and in the doors. Additional storage space can be found in the cargo area’s carpeted side walls.

Touran can be ordered with a third row of seats where the individual seats can fold forward and into the floor of the rear boot space. The third row adds seven centimetres to the height of the floor height.

As a five-seater, the luggage space extends from 695 litres up to 1989 litres with the second row of seats removed.

SOFT TOUCH: New features and equipment and a more upmarket interior distinguish this Touran from its predecessor.

EQUIPMENT

The MPV’s new interior shows off new materials and instruments, and revised controls.

Three trim levels –Trendline, Comfortline and Highline –  are offered. Chrome detailing for cabin accents and interior switches are standard on Comfortline and Highline models, along with Golf-inspired white backlit instruments, new three-spoke steering wheels, and 16-inch alloy wheels. The single DSG version’s gearshift and gaiter have been restyled, too.

The entry-level Trendline model is equipped with daytime running lights, automatic hazard light activation under emergency braking, six airbags for those seated in the front and centre rows and Isofix mountings, amongst other items.

Safe travels are further facilitated by ESP with ABS, EDS, ASR, countersteer assistance, brake assist and a trailer stability system.

Standard features on Trendline include air conditioning, an audio system with MP3 functionality, multifunction display, electric windows all round, cruise control, leather steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever, rain sensor and new fabric upholstery.

Comfortline models add lumbar support for the front seats, new fabric covers, front seat storage pockets, a luggage compartment cover for concealing stowed goods and a luggage net for securing smaller items.

The range-topping Highline models have interiors finished in Alcantara upholstery, heated front sports seats, aluminium-like trim, dual-zone air conditioning, privacy windows, chrome bump strips, fog lamps with cornering light function and a full-sized spare wheel.

Optional extras on Touran include a sunroof, touch screen navigation system with voice control, Park Assist for easy parallel parking in tricky situations, rearview camera, rear park distance control and leather seats.

ON CHARGE: Smaller, force-fed petrol engines with reduced emissions and fuel consumption figures are the tricks up Touran's sleeve. How will South Africa respond?

DOWNSIZING

Three turbocharged engines with direct injection are specified for the new Touran range in South Africa. According to VWSA, the two petrol TSI engines and single TDI are in line with the company’s “downsizing principle” of smaller, forced induction engines that produce lower emissions and fuel economy, but generate a higher degree of torque.

The entry-level four-cylinder 1.2 TSI generates 77kW at 5500rpm and torque of 175Nm between 1500 and 4100rpm.

VW says its fuel consumption and emissions are benchmark-setting for MPVs: 6.4 litres per 100 km and 149 g/km CO2.

It has a top speed of 185km/h.

By the same token, the twin-charged 1.4-litre 16-valve TSI engine in develops 103kW at 5600rpm and develops its peak torque of 220Nm between 1500 and 4000rpm.

VWSA claims fuel consumption of 6.8 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 159g/km. Top speed for the 1.4 TSI version is 202km/h.

The petrol TSI engines come standard with six-speed manual transmissions.

The single common rail turbodiesel engine in the range is the 2.0 TDI with 81kW and 250Nm on tap from 1750rpm. Fitted with the six-speed manual transmission, the TDI emits 144 g/km of CO2 and consumes 5.4 litres per 100km of diesel. It has a top speed of 185km/h.

PRICES:

 
Petrol
1.2 TSI Trendline R260 300
1.4 TSI Highline R299 800
 
Diesel
2.0 TDI Comfortline R286 500
2.0 TDI Comfortline DSG R301 000
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