Test drive VW Touran 1.6 TDI: family friend

First impressions of the new release of the best-selling van from Wolfsburg

The first generation VW Touran has been on the market for twelve years and has sold around 1,9 million vehicles. To put it mildly, a solid success of the van, which never shone with any provocations to the public, but instead won the hearts of a huge number of people who need the most practical family car, the size and price of which does not go beyond the usual framework. compact or middle class.

Further development of a successful concept

The model's successor remains true to its predecessor, and it could hardly be easier to explain - the VW Touran is now the recognized specialist in functionality and comfort in everyday life, where the technological avant-garde is hidden in the details, not on display. . Based on a new modular platform for transverse-engined models, the MQB boasts even more optimal use of interior volume than before – a five-seat nominal load capacity of 743 liters (double that of the standard Golf hatchback) and up to two almost 2000 liters when the seats are folded down. second row. The seats themselves fold down with a button in a matter of seconds, each one sinking into the floor without leaving a single millimeter of unevenness on the bottom of the car. The possibilities of partial folding, adjustment of seat or backrest parts are almost inexhaustible, the same applies to the range of options offered to provide additional comfort when traveling and transporting luggage and objects. Fully up to date, the car's infotainment capabilities are state-of-the-art, offering easy connection and integration of external mobile devices, intuitive controls, rich functionality and a wide range of ways to provide entertainment and information for everyone. board.

The layout and arrangement of the interior are typical of Volkswagen - the design is unobtrusive and clean, the quality of materials and workmanship is at a very high level, and service functions, figuratively speaking, can be performed with your eyes closed. An additional plus of a high seating position is excellent visibility from the driver's seat, which, combined with good maneuverability, makes the VW Touran unexpectedly convenient for maneuvering in tight spaces.

Balanced road behavior

On the road, the new VW Touran 1.6 TDI performs exactly as most family van buyers would expect from it – the chassis settings are primarily concerned with the comfort and peace of mind of all on board, and this includes both pleasant driving comfort and and are reduced to an achievable minimum in such a body vibration machine; The steering system is pleasantly direct for safe and precise driving, and stability is equally impressive on curved roads and on the highway. Impressive acoustic comfort certainly contributes to a pleasant journey - the drive and suspension are really cultured, while aerodynamic noise is very low.

1.6 TDI is a great solution for pragmatists

1,6-liter diesel with 115 hp Of course, that doesn't make the VW Touran a fan of head-spinning sprints and full throttle driving, but the truth is, that's not the main idea behind the compact van. Undoubtedly, those who need more solid reserves on the drive side and especially more impressive dynamics should focus their choice on one of the two versions of the two-liter TDI, but quite objectively, on a smaller car. enough for a more relaxed driving style and not overwhelmed when you need to use its full potential. The high torque and pleasantly even power distribution (the latter was not achieved without the presence of a perfectly matched six-speed transmission with extremely precise gear shifting) make the 1.6 TDI for some, perhaps an unexpectedly suitable alternative to the Touran transmission. The balance sheet becomes even more complete if you add impressive fuel consumption, which, with an economical driving style and relatively optimal conditions, is in the range of about or even slightly less than five liters per hundred kilometers, but even in the classic combined cycle most often. remains below six percent.

CONCLUSION

The VW Touran has remained true to its predecessor's philosophy - behind its simple exterior hides sophisticated technology and amazing functionality that make it an almost perfect family car. The VW Touran 1.6 TDI is a truly versatile vehicle with an impressive powertrain.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Arturo Rivas