Volkswagen Touran Review 2024

Volkswagen Touran At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
There are few MPVs left on the market, yet the Volkswagen Touran ably demonstrates why they are so useful. It is not exciting or aspirational, but the Touran simply gets the job done.

+Hugely practical and flexible interior, with seven seats as standard. Good build quality. Refined driving experience. Economical engines.

-Relatively expensive to buy compared with an equivalent SUV. Anonymous exterior styling. Third-row seats are a tight squeeze for adults. Now petrol engines only.

New prices start from £28,975, brokers can source from £34,001
Insurance Groups are between 10–19
On average it achieves 80% of the official MPG figure

With everybody seeming to want an SUV, the popularity of MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles, also called people carriers) such as the Volkswagen Touran has dropped like a stone. However, for those who need genuine practicality, it has a lot of potential. It immediately outdoes the rival BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Mercedes-Benz B-Class by virtue of coming with seven seats.

When the original Volkswagen Touran was launched in 2003, the MPV was still a popular choice for families. Fast-forward two decades and the rise of the SUV has left MPVs as a niche choice in the new car market.

From the outside, the Volkswagen Touran is not likely to get any pulses racing. It adopts Volkswagen’s typically muted design language, looking like a boxier version of the previous-generation Volkswagen Golf hatchback. Unlike some MPVs, the Volkswagen Touran uses conventional rear doors, rather than sliding ones.

The fuss-free theme continues inside the Volkswagen Touran, with a focus on maximising practicality. With a dashboard that is lifted almost directly from the last Volkswagen Golf, you can be certain that everything will be logically laid-out and easy to use.

Each of the five rear seats in the Volkswagen Touran can be folded down separately, making the interior very flexible. Having three seats in the second row means there should be no arguments about who gets the middle seat, too. Those in the third row are less well catered for – try not to cram any six-foot adults back there.

Folding down all the rear seats flat creates a gigantic cargo capacity, allowing the Volkswagen Touran to double as a very refined van.

In line with the Volkswagen Touran’s sensible exterior styling and interior design, VW has also blessed its MPV with a no-nonsense driving experience. Being unkind, you could describe driving the Volkswagen Touran as dull – but ‘uneventful’ is perhaps more accurate and fair.

There is a decent amount of body control for a tall vehicle, meaning corners are taken calmly. By the same token, there is very little engagement between the Volkswagen Touran and its driver. The ride is also refined, with even R-Line models on larger 18-inch alloy wheels remaining comfortable.

When first released, the Volkswagen Touran came with a host of engine options. Volkswagen has now condensed this down to solely the 1.5-litre TSI petrol. This offers a respectable blend of pace and fuel economy, along with a choice between manual or automatic gearboxes. The only downside will be if your high annual mileage favours a diesel engine, or if your fleet manager requires you to have a company car. If so, cut the Volkswagen Touran from your shortlist.

There are very few real rivals left to the Volkswagen Touran. The Ford S-Max offers seven seats, but is now hybrid-only and substantially more expensive. At the other end of the scale, the bargain-priced Dacia Jogger can seat seven, but cannot compete with the Volkswagen for interior quality or brand cachet.

This all means that, should you need a seven-seat MPV, but still want an upmarket image and a degree of affordability, the Volkswagen Touran is really your only choice. A very sensible option, it shows there is still an alternative to buying an SUV.

Volkswagen Touran handling and engines

Driving Rating
The Volkswagen Touran is an MPV with a family focus, meaning there is little need for it to be engaging to drive. It benefits from decent ride comfort and calm body control, but fun is absent from the experience. At present, only a 1.5-litre TSI petrol engine is available.

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Handling and ride quality

The Volkswagen Touran shares many of its mechanical parts with the previous-generation Volkswagen Golf, meaning it drives much like the famous hatchback. As a result, the experience on the road is one of refinement and comfort, rather than being an MPV that you will enjoy on a twisty road.

Some might describe driving the Volkswagen Touran as boring. In reality, it just delivers on exactly what most owners will need. Having a soft and compliant ride matters more when all the rear seats are occupied with children, and there should be no complaints from those on board.

If you want a family car that’s a bit more engaging, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer fits the bill – but it does so without seven seats.

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Engines

Since being launched back in 2015, the Volkswagen Touran has been offered with a wide selection of engines. Over time, as market and regulatory demands have changed, Volkswagen has condensed the options down to just one engine.

If you buy a brand-new Volkswagen Touran today, the 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is your only option. That is not necessarily a bad thing, though. This is a smooth engine that balances performance and refinement in equal measure.

With 150PS, it has just enough ability to prevent the Volkswagen Touran feeling overwhelmed when fully loaded. Buyers can at least choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch auto transmission. Both result in the same 0-62mph time of 8.9 seconds, although the DSG transmission can feel hesitant when pulling out of junctions.

Volkswagen previously sold the Touran with a range of diesel options, including the 2.0-litre TDI with 150PS. This was the most recent diesel engine offered, so is likely to be easiest to find on the used market. Its strong torque was a boon when all of the Volkswagen Touran’s seats were in use.

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Safety

When the current second-generation Volkswagen Touran was first launched, it received a full five-star rating from the Euro NCAP safety organisation. Testing has become more stringent since that initial evaluation, however, and when the Volkswagen Touran was re-tested in 2022, it only scored four stars.

It means that although the Volkswagen Touran is still a safe option, it’s not quite on par with the most modern cars. Nonetheless, its interior is packed with airbags, all the rear seats come equipped with Isofix child seat mounts, and there is a standard post-collision braking system.

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Towing

With Volkswagen now offering the Touran with the 1.5 TSI petrol engine only, towing capability is more limited. An official tow bar can be found on the options list, but the Volkswagen Touran 1.5 TSI is only capable of hauling braked trailers up to 1500kg in weight.

The old 2.0 TDI 150PS version of the Volkswagen Touran was more capable at towing, being able to pull braked trailers of up to 1800kg. For those serious about towing, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace SUV might be a better choice. It still boasts seven seats, but can pull up to 2500kg.

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.0 TSI 115 - - 128 g/km
1.2 TSI 51 mpg 11.3 s 126 g/km
1.4 TSI 50–51 mpg 8.9 s 127–133 g/km
1.5 TSI 150 47 mpg 9.3 s 132–150 g/km
1.5 TSI 150 DSG 51 mpg 8.9 s 130–150 g/km
1.6 TDI 110 61 mpg 11.9 s 116 g/km
1.6 TDI 110 DSG 66 mpg - 111 g/km
1.6 TDI 115 61 mpg 11.9 s 116 g/km
1.6 TDI 115 DSG 66 mpg 11.9 s 111 g/km
2.0 TDI 115 DSG - - 127–129 g/km
2.0 TDI 150 61 mpg 9.3 s 116–117 g/km
2.0 TDI 150 DSG 60–63 mpg 9.3 s 125–130 g/km
2.0 TDI 190 DSG 59 mpg - 123 g/km

Real MPG average for the Volkswagen Touran

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

80%

Real MPG

30–64 mpg

MPGs submitted

93

Volkswagen Touran interior

Interior Rating
Practicality is the Volkswagen Touran’s reason to exist, so it’s a good thing the car’s interior delivers this in spades. Every version of the Volkswagen Touran is now a seven-seater, meaning there is plenty of flexibility. Clever storage solutions can be found throughout the cabin, although the infotainment is not the most modern system.
Dimensions
Length 4527 mm
Width 1814–2087 mm
Height 1628–1659 mm
Wheelbase 2791 mm

Full specifications

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Practicality

What makes the Volkswagen Touran so compelling is the fact that all versions now come with seven seats as standard. There are already very few MPVs left on sale, and even fewer capable of accommodating seven people onboard. It leaves the Volkswagen Touran as something of a winner by default.

The inside of the Volkswagen Touran is truly Tardis-like, fitting seven seats onto a platform not much larger than a Volkswagen Golf. Space for those in the front is particularly generous, with plenty of headroom and legroom.

Moving further back, the middle row of seats is the Volkswagen Touran’s big selling point. There are three individual chairs, rather than a single bench, aided by a flat floor to make it more comfortable. The two seats in the third row are a little tighter on space, and need a squeeze to clamber into. They will be fine for children, but any adults back there may complain.

Utilising all seven seats does reduce the Volkswagen Touran’s boot space to only 187 litres. Drop the third row down and this improves to 927 litres, while flattening the second row leads to a van-like 1,857 litres. There are also plenty of other clever storage cubbies throughout the Volkswagen Touran’s interior.

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Quality and finish

Helping justify the Volkswagen Touran’s semi-premium price tag is an interior that feels genuinely high in quality. Most of the touchpoints feature plush, soft-touch materials, and there’s an overall feeling of solidity throughout the front of the cabin.

Moving into the rear of the Volkswagen Touran, the materials used become a little less upmarket. Some items, like the rear tray tables, don’t exactly exude granite-like quality, but they should still resist the effects of unruly children.

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Infotainment

All Volkswagen Tourans come equipped with an 8.0-inch Discover Media Navigation multimedia touchscreen. Mounted in the centre of the dashboard, it makes use of physical buttons for adjusting the volume and zooming in the map on the standard sat-nav system. DAB radio and a subscription to Volkswagen’s Car-Net interactive service are also included.

The touchscreen works well, being quick to respond and more user-friendly than some of Volkswagen’s more recent efforts. It’s good to have normal buttons and dials for the climate control, too.

SEL and R-Line versions offer wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices. Those with the SE Family version will have to make use of the Touran’s USB-C port instead.

Like many new Volkswagens, the Touran now comes equipped with a digital instrument panel in place of traditional dials. The SE Family model has an 8.0-inch display, while SEL and R-Line versions gain a more substantial 10.25-inch screen. This offers plenty of customisable views, and helps make the cabin look more modern.

Volkswagen Touran value for money

Value for Money Rating
The Volkswagen Touran looks expensive compared with the newer BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, although the BMW obviously does without seven seats. Standard specification is strong in the Volkswagen Touran, however, and running costs should be reasonable.

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Prices

Prices for the Volkswagen Touran now start at around £36,000: quite a lot of money for an entry-level MPV. However, Volkswagen has dropped the SE trim level, meaning the more generously appointed SE Family is now the starting point.

For comparison, the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer starts from around £33,500. While the BMW is only a five-seater, it is newer and comes with the added appeal of a BMW badge on the bonnet. For seven seats without any fuss, the Dacia Jogger costs from £18,000.

Of course, there is always the option to search for a Volkswagen Touran on the used market. This can lead to discounts on nearly-new and pre-registered models, along with avoiding any waiting lists.

Volkswagen Touran 2024: Running Costs

With the Volkswagen Touran now sold with just one choice of engine, it means there is limited flexibility when it comes to running costs.

Fortunately, the 1.5 TSI 150 engine is relatively economical for a turbocharged petrol, so fuel bills should not be too extortionate. The Volkswagen Touran’s laid-back nature may also discourage drivers from using its performance more than necessary, and promote a more frugal approach. To discover how efficient the 1.5 TSI engine can be in the real world, check out our Real MPG reports.

The 1.5 TSI 150 is officially capable of averaging up to 43.5mpg, with the choice of a manual or automatic transmission having no impact on fuel economy. Opting for the sportier R-Line version does reduce potential economy slightly, though.

Previously, the most efficient Volkswagen Touran had a 2.0 TDI 150 diesel engine. This model was capable of delivering up to 53.3mpg, aided by a standard DSG automatic transmission.

VED (vehicle excise duty, better known as road tax) for the Volkswagen Touran isn’t hugely expensive. With only the 1.5 TSI engine on offer, CO2 emissions range between 147g/km and 155g/km.

The 151g/km benchmark is important, as owners of Volkswagen Tourans above this point will pay £645 in the first year, versus only £255 for those below. A standard rate of £180 will be due each year thereafter.

Volkswagen sells the Touran with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty as standard. Compared with other car manufacturers, this cover is starting to look a little ungenerous.

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Volkswagen Touran models and specs

Volkswagen has made the Touran particularly well equipped, with even the entry-level SE Family absolutely packed with features. These start with 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome front grille inserts, silver anodised roof rails and rear privacy glass.

On the inside, all seven seats are finished in ‘Lasano’ cloth upholstery, with ‘New Brushed Design’ interior trim inserts and three-zone climate control. The front seats are of a ‘comfort’ design, with the steering wheel being wrapped in leather. There is also a height-adjustable multifunction centre console, an overhead storage compartment in the roof, and tray tables for the rear passengers. A panoramic sunroof brings extra light, while manual sunblinds are fitted in the rear.

Adaptive cruise control, a hill-hold function, front and rear parking sensors and an electronic parking brake are fitted. Along with the 8.0-inch colour multimedia touchscreen, there is an 8.0-inch digital instrument panel with satellite navigation as well. DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB-C socket are also included.

The SEL model brings more kit, with 17-inch alloy wheels, extra trim for the front bumper, chrome window-surround trim and a chrome exhaust tailpipe. Front fog lights and electrically folding side mirrors are other notable features.

Velour and microfibre upholstery brings extra luxury to the interior, along with front and rear carpet mats, chrome instrument surrounds and Piano Black trim. There is also ambient lighting, a colour multifunction display and wireless smartphone connectivity. The digital instrument panel increases in size to 10.25 inches.

Topping the Volkswagen Touran range is the R-Line version. Whether an MPV needs to look sporty is perhaps a moot point, but the Touran R-Line gains 18-inch alloy wheels, a bespoke bodykit and special R-Line exterior badges.

On the inside, the R-Line boasts seats finished in a combination of cloth and microfibre upholstery. The front seats feature R-Line logos, just in case you forget which model you had picked. There is also a racy black headlining, Black Lead Gray interior trim and stainless steel pedals.

A special R-Line steering wheel is wrapped in leather, with grey stitching, and has paddle shifters for DSG-equipped models. A set of stainless steel R-Line sill protectors are the finishing touch.

Dimensions
Length 4527 mm
Width 1814–2087 mm
Height 1628–1659 mm
Wheelbase 2791 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1436–1660 kg
Boot Space 137–1857 L
Warranty 3 years / 60000 miles
Servicing 18000 miles
Costs
List Price £28,975–£36,390
Insurance Groups 10–19
Road Tax Bands C–F
Official MPG 47.1–65.7 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

Currently on sale

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5 TSI Evo 150 SE Family 5dr £28,975 47.1 mpg 9.3 s
1.5 TSI Evo 150PS R-Line 5dr £30,410 - -
1.5 TSI Evo 150PS R-Line DSG7 5dr £36,390 - -
1.5 TSI Evo 150PS SEL 5dr £30,410 - -
1.5 TSI Evo 150PS SEL DSG7 5dr £29,175 - -
1.5TSI Evo 150 SE Family DSG7 5dr £30,235 51.4 mpg 8.9 s
Match 1.5 TSi EVO 150 BlueMotion Start/Stop 5dr - - -
Match 1.5 TSi EVO 150 DSG BlueMotion Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - -

On sale until January 2024

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.5 TSI Evo 150PS SE 5dr £27,810 47.1 mpg 9.3 s
1.5 TSI Evo 150PS SE DSG7 5dr £29,070 51.4 mpg 8.9 s

On sale until November 2022

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 TDI 150 SE Family DSG7 5dr £32,125 61.4 mpg 9.3 s
2.0 TDI 150PS R-Line DSG7 5dr - 61.4 mpg 9.3 s
2.0 TDI 150PS SE DSG7 5dr £29,660 61.4 mpg 9.3 s
2.0 TDI 150PS SEL DSG7 5dr - 62.8 mpg 9.3 s

On sale until July 2022

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2.0 TDI 115PS R-Line DSG7 5dr - - -
2.0 TDI 115PS S DSG7 5dr - - -
2.0 TDI 115PS SE DSG7 5dr - - -
2.0 TDI 115PS SE Family DSG7 5dr - - -
2.0 TDI 115PS SEL DSG7 5dr - - -
2.0 TDI 150 SE Family 5dr - 61.4 mpg 9.3 s
2.0 TDI 150PS R-Line 5dr - 61.4 mpg 9.3 s
2.0 TDI 150PS SE 5dr - 61.4 mpg 9.3 s
2.0 TDI 150PS SEL 5dr - 61.4 mpg 9.3 s

On sale until March 2020

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 TSI 115ps S 5dr - - -
1.6 TDI 115 SE Family Bmt 5dr £27,475 61.4 mpg 11.9 s
1.6 TDI 115ps S Bmt 5dr £24,600 61.4 mpg 11.9 s
1.6 TDI 115ps S Bmt DSG7 5dr £25,900 65.7 mpg 11.9 s
1.6 TDI 115ps SE Bmt 5dr £25,990 61.4 mpg 11.9 s
1.6 TDI 115ps SE Bmt DSG7 5dr £27,290 65.7 mpg 11.9 s
1.6 TDI SE Family Bmt DSG7 5dr £28,775 65.7 mpg 11.9 s

On sale until August 2019

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.2 TSI 110 SE Family Edition BlueMotion Technology 5dr £26,405 51.4 mpg 11.3 s
1.2 TSI 110ps S BlueMotion Technology 5dr £23,565 51.4 mpg 11.3 s
1.2 TSI 110ps SE BlueMotion Technology 5dr £25,240 51.4 mpg 11.3 s
2.0 TDI 190ps R-Line BlueMotion Technology DSG6 5dr £33,275 58.9 mpg -
2.0 TDI 190ps SEL BlueMotion Technology DSG6 5dr £32,280 58.9 mpg -

On sale until April 2019

Medium MPV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.4 TSI 150ps R-Line BlueMotion Technology 5dr £29,130 49.6 mpg -
1.4 TSI 150ps R-Line BlueMotion Technology DSG7 5dr £30,390 51.4 mpg 8.9 s
1.4 TSI 150ps SEL BlueMotion Technology 5dr £28,135 49.6 mpg -
1.4 TSI 150ps SEL BlueMotion Technology DSG7 5dr £29,395 51.4 mpg 8.9 s
1.6 TDI 110 SE Family Edition BlueMotion Technology 5dr £27,165 61.4 mpg 11.9 s
1.6 TDI 110ps S BlueMotion Technology 5dr £24,290 61.4 mpg 11.9 s
1.6 TDI 110ps S BlueMotion Technology DSG7 5dr £25,590 65.7 mpg -
1.6 TDI 110ps SE BlueMotion Technology 5dr £25,680 61.4 mpg 11.9 s
1.6 TDI 110ps SE BlueMotion Technology DSG7 5dr £25,945 65.7 mpg -
1.6 TDI SE Family Edition BlueMotion Technology DSG7 5dr £28,465 65.7 mpg -
2.0 TDI 150ps R-Line BlueMotion Technology DSG6 5dr £32,280 60.1 mpg -
2.0 TDI 150ps SE BlueMotion Technology DSG6 5dr £29,930 60.1 mpg -
2.0 TDI 150ps SEL BlueMotion Technology DSG6 5dr £31,285 60.1 mpg -
2.0 TDI SE Family Edition BlueMotion Technology DSG6 5dr £31,095 60.1 mpg -

Model History

February 2015

Touran R-Line launched

The range-topping new Touran R-Line is available with a selection of potent yet frugal turbocharged petrol or diesel engines ranging in capacity from 1.4-litre TSI to 2.0-litre TDI, and with outputs of between 150PS and 190PS. These are mated to a similarly broad selection of transmissions which, depending on engine choice, comprise either six-speed manual or six- or seven-speed DSG.

Instantly recognisable outside, the new Touran R-Line benefits from a selection of exterior design enhancements including unique front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, and side skirts; plus chrome mouldings for the rear bumper, and 18-inch ‘Marseille’ alloy wheels. Unique R-Line badging completes the external additions.

Inside, the sporty new Touran adds ‘Black Lead Grey’ decorative inserts in the dash, centre console and front doors; a black roof lining and grey stitching on the leather-trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, which also includes aluminium inserts and R-Line logo.

The seating, meanwhile, includes contrasting microfibre side bolsters and front seats with R-Line logo on the rear backrests. Completing the stylish upgrades are stainless steel pedals, and unique R-Line sill protectors.

The new Touran R-Line is available to order from Volkswagen Retailers now, with prices starting at £27,740 RRP for the Touran R-Line 1.4-litre TSI six-speed manual.

February 2015

New Volkswagen Touran launched

The five-seater Touran has the biggest luggage compartment (1,040 litres) in its class (when loaded roof-high up to 2nd seat row). Despite significant gain in overall length, weight has been reduced by 62kg and drag coefficient to 0,296 and this results in a drop in fuel consumption of up to 19%.

4,527mm long x 1,814mm wide x 1,628mm high on 2,791mm wheelbase.

110PS 1.2 TSI, 50PS 1.4 TSI, 180PS 1.8 TSI, 110PS 1.6 TDI, 150PS 2.0 TDI, 190PS 2.0 TDI engines.

The most economical petrol model is the Touran 1.4 TSI, which delivers 150PS with an ECDC combined avarage of 52.3mpg.

All models feature Stop/Start and battery regeneration (brake energy recuperation) systems as standard.

The second row seats are now much lighter that the previous Tourans and can be folded down to merge flat with the luggage compartment floor. Even with five people on board, the 2015 Touran has 1,040 litres of luggage space when loaded up to roof height. With two people abourt luggage volume is 1,857 litres loaded to the roof.

There is a total of up to 47 storage compartments distributed throughout the interior of the 2015 Touran; these include a large removable container in the Jumbo Box under the front centre armrest and the luggage compartment light which can easily be snapped out for use as a torch. All aspects of the air-conditioning system have also been carefully thought-through.

The Touran's dash panel has been redesigned with a more driver-oriented layout. The upper area of the panel is made of a slush-moulded soft-touch material and contains a closable storage compartment. The chrome-trimmed air vents (above the centre console) and the switch for the hazard warning lights occupy a central position.

The longer wheelbase of the new Touran also benefits passengers in the frequently used second seat row, who will appreciate the added 40 mm of play available when adjusting the three individual seats. The second row seats can be adjusted lengthwise with a total travel of 200 mm. The backrest inclination can also be adjusted, with a choice of three positions. If the seats in the second row are being used, a seat belt indicator lets the driver know whether the passengers have fastened their seat belts.

For the first time in the Touran there are heated rear seats and also three-zone automatic air conditioner in the rear (Pure Air Climatronic as an option). Another new feature is the armrest built into the centre seat, for the use of passengers in the outer seats. There is the option of sun protection in the form of roller blinds integrated in the doors - an important detail when young children are aboard. Meanwhile, the newly designed fold-flat seats improve seating ergonomics and add 6 mm to the headroom.

The third seat row offers another two seats. The legroom here has also been improved (by an extra 54 mm). Entry and exit have also been optimised, with the second seat row being equipped with an easy entry function allowing the seats to slide forward. There is also more headroom (an extra 13 mm).

September 2015

Prices for the Volkswagen Touran start at £22,240 for the 1.2 TSI 110 S, and rise to £30,510 for the 2.0 TDI 190 SEL.

October 2019

Updates for 2020 Volkswagen Touran

The Touran gets two new alloy wheel designs – 16” Karlstad replaces Trondheim wheels on SE and SE Family trims, while the 17” Stockholm alloy wheel design is replaced with Alexandria wheels for SEL specification. Both of these new wheel designs are available optionally on the lower specifications. SE and SE Family Tourans now gain a VW Connect Dongle as standard, while a DSG-equipped 2.0-litre, 115PS TDI engine is now available.

January 2024

Volkswagen Touran Match launched

The new VW Touran Match sits above SE Family trim and has additional equipment including larger alloy wheels, metallic paint, tinted windows, rear view camera and keyless entry.

What to watch out for

25-01-2016:

City Stop system of new Touran found not to be working. When the dealer checked, Front Assist, along with City Stop and ACC were not working. Diagnostics showed there were parts missing from the system.

25-07-2018:

Report of high pitched metallic rattling, noise from engine of 2018 VW Touran 1.4TSI 150. Dealer says noise is coming from high pressure fuel pump and within acceptable limits. Owner is worried.

27-11-2018:

Report of prospective purchaser ordering a new VW Touran on 13th July 2018. It finally arrived at the dealership on 14th November. They can't register it with the DVLA as they claim there are issues between the DVLA and VW over the new engine emission certificates. We received a similar srory the same day concerning a VW Golf estate. We guess VW must be producing and delivering cars on spec that they can get them through WLTP testing. This is what I told the other reader: "WLTP certification is causing a catastrophe for German manufacturers. It's not just the straight certification. It's because WLTP tests show a much more honest level of CO2 compared to the old NEDC tests, and where a manufacturer's corporate average CO2 is above the level set for the manufacturer it has to pay an EC fine of 95 Euros for every gram over the limit for every car. So, unless the manufacturer can increase its prices to cover that, it starts to lose money and that's why the Germans are testing and re-testing and testing again to try to get their cars through WLTP at lower levels of CO2. If you are not prepared to put up with this nonsense, cancel the deal and try to find a car that can actually be registered."

22-12-2018:

Rattling from offside rear of 2018 Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSi 150 BlueMotion Start/Stop SEL 5dr manual resolved by dealer who says he "removed the O/S/R wheel & arch + under trays, hoovered, fuel tank and fitted damper rings to block, fuel line. Rebuilt & tested no noise heard." But rattling noise is still emanating from the dash on the drivers side.

15-07-2019:

Ongoing issues with the 1.5 TSI engine with no resolution from Volkswagen.

04-08-2019:

Problem reported of battery of 2015 VW Touran 1.6TDI Bluemotion (bought from an independent dealer) constantly discharging, even while driving. On owner's third RAC call out he was told there was a drain of 1.9 amps but by the time he had returned the car to the dealer it had cured itself. Dealer has now had the car for 2 weeks. Probably needs an expensive new stop/start battery.

03-09-2019:

Report of 'kangarooing' when pulling away since new by April 2019 by VW Touran 1.5 TSI EVO DSG. Also "dreadfully sluggish going up hills, frequently requiring changing down into first gear. It sometimes stalls on hills and struggles to get going again without a huge number of revs. The straw that broke the camel’s back was a week or so ago, when it stalled as I was driving round a sharp bend on a steep country lane and wouldn’t start again. After several attempts... I ended up having to reverse down the hill about 50 metres, reverse into someone’s drive and go back the way I came."

What does the Volkswagen Touran cost?

Buy new from £34,001(list price from £37,670)