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 In
the era of Ferdinand Piech, Volkswagen poured too much resources into
ambitious
plans like Phaeton, W12 supercar, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti.
This
sounded exciting to car enthusiasts, but did nothing good to
Volkswagen’s
own business. The most apparent is its failure to get on the trend of
MAC
(Multi-Activity Cars, or mini-MPV). For 7 long years since the debut of
Renault Scenic, Volkswagen did not have any products to compete in this
big-selling segment. This was not changed until the arrival of new boss
Bernd Pischetsrieder and Volkswagen Touran.
The
Touran is the first car in Volkswagen group to use the new A5 platform,
or more commonly known as "Golf V platform". The biggest advantage of
this
platform is the use of multi-link rear suspensions and a rigid
bodyshell.
Other new technologies include electric power steering, FSI direct
injection
gasoline engines, 16-valve diesel engine and 6-speed gearbox. Besides,
the Touran also offers an optional third row of seats to make it a
7-seater.
On paper, no other MAC can rival it.
In
real world, does it deliver what it promised?
The
Touran is actually a well engineered car. Its sophisticated suspensions
give it good handling and ride. Its body control remains excellent on
bumpy
surfaces. Its terminal understeer suits the driving style of MAC
drivers.
Its steering is precise and well weighted, despite of lacking feel. It
is rigid and tightly screwed together, although old customers will be
disappointed
that Volkswagen saves money by using many low-rent plastics in the
cabin.
Its diesel engines are strong and performance is class-leading.
But
in the end, the Touran fails to win hearts. The problem is its
designers
didn’t know what make people buy MAC. Look at its blend, boxy shape and
you know why. The Touran is by no means fun to look. Enter the cabin
and
the disappointment is even greater - the dashboard design is dull, the
plastics are gray, the ambience is dark. This is not a happy place for
your family and kids to spend a weekend travelling.
The
designers also failed to make the third row of seats right. Access to
there
is difficult. Head and legroom is unbearable for adults, even for short
journeys. The seat can be folded flat onto the luggage floor, but
unfortunately
you have to detach the headrests first. For comparison, Renault Scenic
is cleverer. Its 7-seat version has a longer wheelbase to provide the
necessary
extra room.
More
unfortunate to Touran is that Renault Scenic now offers a
higher-quality,
more expensive-feeling and far more desirable cabin. Volkswagen’s
products
used to shine in quality contest. Now no more in Touran.
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