Volkswagen Touran mini MPV

Drive

There are two petrol engines available – a 138bhp 1.4 TSI and a 101bhp 1.6. Our favourite, the 1.4, is punchy and economical, while the 1.6 is sluggish and best avoided. Two 1.9 TDI diesels are also on offer, with 89bhp and 103bhp. Both have plenty of mid-range shove. The 103bhp version is available as an eco-friendly BlueMotion model with ultra-low running costs. A 2.0 TDI engine with 168bhp is the flagship of the range and, although not quite as economical, it's fast. All models feature a six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic seven-speed DSG gearbox is available with the 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines for super-quick gearchanges. There's very little body roll on the move and the steering is light and easy to use around town, but it becomes reassuringly heavier at speed and is very accurate.

Comfort

On the motorway, road and wind noise are very well insulated, and the 1.4 TSI engine is quiet. But a word of warning – the diesels can clatter and the 1.6 petrol needs to be worked hard, so it's noisy, too. The suspension feels firm at low speeds, but for the most part the Touran is supremely comfortable.

Reliability

On the motorway, road and wind noise are very well insulated, and the 1.4 TSI engine is quiet. But a word of warning – the diesels can clatter and the 1.6 petrol needs to be worked hard, so it's noisy, too. The suspension feels firm at low speeds, but for the most part the Touran is supremely comfortable.

Practicality

Practicality is the Touran's strong point. There are seven seats as standard, which leaves little in the way of boot space (121 litres), but it's easy enough to fold the seats into the floor. Volkswagen will remove them completely and sell you the car as a five-seater at no extra cost, should you need space over passenger capacity. There are 39 storage areas in the front of the cabin, including a sunglasses holder, under-seat boxes and a large glovebox. An automatic parallel parking system is also available.

Value for money

Basic Tourans are affordable and well equipped, but high-spec versions can be more expensive than equivalent versions of the Vauxhall Zafira or Renault Scenic. All models get alloys, remote central locking, air-conditioning and electric front windows and mirrors. Match specification adds all-round electric windows, parking sensors and the auto parking system. The Touran tends to hang on to its value better than most rivals.

Running costs

The 1.6-litre petrol engine is the most expensive of the range to run with 34.9mpg and 193g/km of CO2, so road tax costs £235 per year. At the other end of the scale is the 1.9 TDI BlueMotion, which offers 52.3mpg and 144g/km, meaning £125 tax. Insurance groups range from 11 to 21.