Volkswagen Touran mini MPV

Drive

There are two petrol engines available – a 138bhp 1.4 TSI and a 101bhp 1.2 TSI. Our favourite, the 1.4, is punchy and economical, while the 1.2 is better suited to short journeys and city driving. Two 2.0 TDI diesels are also on offer with 138bhp and 168bhp. Both have plenty of mid-range shove. The 138bhp version is also available as an eco-friendly BlueMotion model with ultra-low running costs. The 168bhp is the flagship of the range and, although not quite as economical, it's fast. There are two further 1.6 TDI diesels with 89bhp and 101bhp. All models feature a six-speed manual gearbox, while an automatic seven-speed DSG gearbox is available with the 1.4 TSI, 1.6 TDI 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 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 a bit, especially the 89bhp 1.6 TDI. The suspension feels firm at low speeds, but for the most part the Touran is very comfortable.

Reliability

Every Touran comes with twin front, side and curtain airbags, while a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating for adult occupants is impressive. Anti-lock brakes, remote central locking, deadlocks and electronic stability control are standard, too. Build quality is very good, although reliability seems average. The Touran finished 65th overall in the 2010 JD Power Satisfaction survey. Owners praised its practicality but found that the cruise control, stereo systems and door locks could be problematic.

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 on top-spec models.

Value for money

Basic Tourans are affordable and fairly well equipped, but specced up versions can be more expensive than equivalent versions of the Vauxhall Zafira and Renault Scenic. All models get alloy wheels, remote central locking, air-conditioning and all-round electric windows and mirrors. Cars in SE specification add a leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel, roof rails, parking sensors and the automatic parking system - called Park Assist. As it's a Volkswagen, the Touran tends to hang on to its second hand value better than most rivals.

Running costs

The 1.6-litre BlueMotion diesel engine is the least expensive of the range to run with 61.4mpg and 121g/km of CO2, so Road Tax costs £95 per year. At the other end of the scale is the 1.4 TSI petrol, which offers 41.5mpg and 159g/km, meaning £165 per year in Road Tax. Insurance groups range from around 10 to 20, which is about average.