New VW Touran unveiled

Volkswagen has revealed its new Touran people carrier, retaining much the same shape as before but boasting increased bootspace and a host of new infotainment features that brings the Touran into line with the likes of the latest Passat and Golf.

The latest Touran, due to go on sale in the autumn, also shares Volkswagen’s highly-regarded MQB platform, which underpins a host of other models from the group. Thanks to this it has increased in length by 130mm and the longer wheelbase means there is an extra 48 litres of luggage space in the five-seat variant, bringing the total up to 1,040 litres when loaded up to the second row of seats. That’s more than enough for even the most clutter-loving family on the move.

Despite its increase in size the new Touran has shed 62kgs compared to the previous version.

The latest engine range features VW’s latest 1.6-litre diesel with a fuel economy of 4.1 l/100km (68.9 mpg).

New features include optional LED lights, replacing the current xenon offering. Inside a new touchscreen system controls various infotainment features, ranging in size from the 5-inch screen at entry-level up to the larger 8-inch version.

The Touran - due for its official public unveiling at next week’s Geneva motor show - is also going to be one of the first VW’s to feature the new system for replicating your mobile apps onto the car’s centre console system.

VW is also planning to feature its AppConnect system with CarPlay for Apple devices and Android Auto for Google operating systems on the Touran.

We got the chance to look at the car last week at a preview event. While the look is decidedly conservative, taking various design cues from the latest Golf and Passat, the interior is noticeably more spacious than before.

We have to admit to being a little disappointed with the various in-car app systems we got the test.

While they are still in development phase they were not as impressive as we were hoping, given all hype surrounding Apple’s CarPlay announcement at the Geneva motor show last year. The test version we got to see was only able to cast six apps to the centre console touchscreen, ranging from Apple Maps to its Music and Podcast apps.

MirrorLink is the other system in use, bringing Volkswagen apps from the likes of Samsung, HTC and Sony phones onto the car's infotainment system. Again the quality or usefulness of these apps seem relatively poor when compared with what's on offer in the average app store these days.

This is not the fault of VW but rather a reflection on the ongoing hurdles the motor industry is facing in marrying smartphones with in-car systems.

The people carrier market has lost out to a surge in crossover sales but the arrival of the new Touran along with BMW’s entry to the market with its 2-Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer should renew interest in this format.