Volkswagen Touran (2010 – 2015) Review

Volkswagen Touran (2010 – 2015) At A Glance

3/5

+Sharper styling and revamped interior. Range of frugal engines including turbocharged chain cam 1.2 TSI. Seven seats as standard and a versatile interior.

-Not the smart new model that was expected.

Insurance Groups are between 10–21
On average it achieves 85% of the official MPG figure

The 2010 Volkswagen Touran isn't an all-new model, rather a heavily revamped version of the previous Touran that was launched in 2003. But thanks to a fresh new look, it's different enough to be more than a 'facelift' and draws on the new Volkswagen design seen on the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and the larger Volkswagen Sharan. The changes include redesigned front wings, bonnet and a front bumper which are joined by new wing mirrors, rear lights and a restyled tailgate and bumper.

There are significant changes inside too with fresh climate and stereo functions, a new sporty-looking three-spoke steering wheel and restyled instrument dials too. But one thing remains unchanged and that's the Touran's impressive versatility.

As before, it comes with seven seats as standard (although you can opt for a five-seat option for the same price) and the extra two at the back fold flat into the floor when not in use, leaving you with a generous boot space.

From behind the wheel the Touran is everything you'd expect from a Volkswagen people carrier. It's easy to drive rather than exciting, simple to park thanks to light steering at low speeds and good all round visibility plus it's very comfortable over long distances with a relaxed ride.

For the first time, the Touran is available with the 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine. Despite a modest size, the turbocharged unit develops 105PS while returning a claimed 44.1 mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 149g/km of CO2.

In BlueMotion Technology form, complete with Stop/Start and battery regeneration, the 1.2-litre TSI engine is capable of returning a claimed 47.9mpg while emitting an estimated 139g/km of CO2. Other engines in the line-up include the frugal 1.6 TDI (essentially the replacement for the 1.9 TDI in the old Touran) and the 2.0 TDI with either 140PS or 170PS.

Real MPG average for a Volkswagen Touran (2010 – 2015)

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

85%

Real MPG

33–64 mpg

MPGs submitted

210

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

My VW Touran has required several expensive repairs with potentially more to come, is it time to sell?

"I've just paid £685 to have a fuel injector replaced on my 64-plate Touran with 49,800 miles on the clock. Earlier this year I had to have all the glow plugs and a wheel sensor replaced (£700+). The car has been properly serviced at the required intervals. My mechanic (VW specialist independent) has told me that when an injector starts to fail it stresses out the other injectors and they all tend to fail. He's also muttered something about needing to be careful with the diesel particulate filter because that is usually the next thing to need replacing (more than £1k). He said they see quite a lot of 1.6 engines with the same issues. And of course I need to have the timing belt replaced around now - another £700. I've driven VWs for 40 years and never known anything like it. I'm presuming that the best thing to do is valet it and PX it immediately. Thoughts, please, on the situation and what to replace this pristine-looking pig of a car with."
Unfortunately this can be a common occurrence, and even a well-cared for vehicle can go through a series of faults that require expensive fixes. It is tempting to consider selling the vehicle and changing it for something else, but it is important to consider that you may be exchanging one set of potential problems for another. If your Touran is otherwise the right vehicle for you and you would potentially keep it long term, you may wish to consider investing to keep it going for another five years at least. Alternatively if you do wish to swap it for something else you may wish to consider a non-turbocharged petrol engine. 50,000 miles is a low mileage for a car approaching ten years old, so if you frequently make short journeys the increased fuel consumption compared to diesel may be worth the trade off to own a vehicle that won't suffer problems with turbochargers and DPFs. They are far from exciting choices, but the Kia Carens, Toyota Verso and Toyota Prius+ could provide the same space as your Touran but with potentially much better reliability.
Answered by David Ross

Which is the best value used seven-seater for the school run?

"Can you recommend a six/seven-seater car? It will be used solely for the school run (a couple of miles each day). The kids are primary school aged. I'm ideally looking for something under £10,000 but could stretch to a bit more if the car was right."
I'd go for the Volkswagen Touran. It has seven seats that have plenty of room for adults and the cabin is very well designed – you get good access to the third row and the seats' folding mechanisms won't take your fingers off like they do in some of the VW's rivals. Interior quality is good for the price, the VW has excellent infotainment and the engines are strong. Your budget will get a 2010 1.4-litre petrol (ideal for short journeys because there's no DPF to clog) model with fewer than 60,000 on the clock.
Answered by Russell Campbell

I need a ULEZ-compliant family car. Could you make some suggestions?

"I live just outside London and my car is about to be rendered useless by the ULEZ. I have a Ford S-MAX (diesel 2.0-litre) and although I'm used to the space, I don’t really need a 7-seater. I'm totally lost by the amount of choice out there! I have 3 teenage children (4 of us altogether) and we tend to do one really long summer trip abroad in the car. I love the power of the S-MAX and the boot space but otherwise, I have no idea what kind of car I need. My budget is about £12k-13k. Please help!"
We'd recommend a BMW 2 Series Active Tourer or Volkswagen Touran. They're very versatile five-seat people carriers available with punchy ULEZ-compliant engines. If you'd prefer more space, take a look at the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer.
Answered by Andrew Brady

I'm planning to buy a Volkswagen Touran that hasn't had the emissions fix - is this a good idea?

"I'm planning to buy a 2012 Volkswagen Touran that hasn't had the emissions fix. Is it okay to buy the vehicle and not get the emissions fix? Will I be able to get on peacefully with it? It's done 52,000 miles so far."
Ill advised. Volkswagen did a tricky thing. To avert various class actions, mid-way through 2017 it issued a statement that it would remain responsible for any problems consequential of the fix for two years from the fix and up to 160,000 miles. That's okay for people who have had the fix. But if a car now goes in for a late fix and something is found to be wrong with it prior to the fix (such as a gummed up EGR) Volkswagen will not necessarily pay for that to be rectified before the emissions fix is carried out.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Volkswagen Touran (2010 – 2015) cost?