THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Volkswagen's Touran 7-seater compact MPV has sharpened up its act. Jonathan Crouch checks out the 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 60

Volkswagen's much improved MK3 model Touran is designed to compete with the best that the compact 7-seater MPV class can offer. Underpinnings from a Golf hatch bring with them highly efficient engines that complement neat design and general quality that can't be bettered in the Scenic and C-MAX sector. Here we look at the popular 2.0 TDI 150 diesel version.

Backgroundword count: 149

The Touran is the vehicle to which your Volkswagen dealer is most likely to direct you if you've a growing family and need an MPV to suit - though these days, the German brand does offer quite a choice of 7-seater options. Buyers needing something more utilitarian have the Caddy Life MPV, while those in search of more space have the Sharan, a step down from the enormous Caravelle which really is designed for people who've qualified for their own private parking bay at the maternity ward. For most of us most of the time though, this Touran should be about right, positioned directly against rivals like Vauxhall's Zafira Tourer and Renault's Grand Scenic at the larger end of the compact-MPV sector. His much improved third generation version is smarter, cleverer and more efficient than before and it's the version we're looking at here in 2.0 TDI 150PS guise.

Driving Experienceword count: 222

Though not quite SUV-like, the driving position is slightly higher than you'd find in an ordinary hatchback, offering a better view both of the road ahead and around the glassy cabin - which certainly makes parking easier. Otherwise, the driving experience is much as this car has always served up, solid, reassuring, if not especially rewarding. As are the engines on offer, a selection of the very best of the current VAG Group crop. Most Touran buyers will be wanting a diesel - and will probably look first at the 110PS 1.6-litre TDI unit. We opted though, for the pokier 2.0-litre TDI diesel option in 150PS guise for this test, though there's also a 190PS variant with the clever 7-speed DSG semi-automatic gearbox that's optional on other models for urban-bound motorists wanting an alternative to the slick-shifting 6-speed manual 'box. The 2.0 TDI 150PS variant makes 62mph from rest in 9.3s en route to 129mph. This car isn't really aimed at driving enthusiasts, but for the few buyers that are, there's the option of ACC adaptive chassis control, one of those systems that individually adjust the dampers at each wheel to give better body control, improve ride comfort or try and achieve a workable combination between the two should the driver over-ride the normal setting and select either 'Sport' or 'Comfort' modes.

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