Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Touran review

The Volkswagen Touran is a practical MPV, but it looks dated next to newer rivals

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£38,865 £42,285
Avg. savings
£3,527 off RRP*
  • Excellent build quality
  • Very spacious
  • Efficient engines
  • Engine noise
  • Small third row
  • Can get expensive
Find your Volkswagen Touran
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

The Volkswagen Touran is never going to be a desirable car, but while it fails to appeal to the heart, customers who buy with their heads will be impressed with the car's sheer functionality. It sits underneath the larger Mutlivan in Volkswagen's range, and while it misses out on that car's sliding doors, it matches up pretty well for size and space.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Crucially, for a relatively small car, it's a genuine seven-seater, and the whole interior has been designed to work better than it did on the previous car. That also means increased safety and more gadgets to play with, however the Touran is starting to look rather dated In VW’s line-up. That’s because it shares its features with the Mk7 Golf, rather than the Mk8 that’s currently on sale.

Volkswagen Touran vs Citroen C4 Grand Picasso

However, base S models were just that – pretty basic in terms of toys – and the slightly better equipped SE is now the most affordable trim. But moving higher up the Touran tree sees plenty of creature comforts loaded in, albeit at a cost that pushes the MPV past the £34,000 barrier.

With a typically intelligent selection of Volkswagen’s excellent turbocharged engines, smooth gearboxes and a comfortable ride, the Touran feels like the classy upmarket sort of product you’d expect from the German company, but none are electrified, let alone plug-in hybrid for really low running costs. So while its occasional rear seats mean it won't suit the largest families (the Multivan has that covered), for most buyers it will be more than practical enough for their everyday needs.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

It's difficult to believe that the original Volkswagen Touran was on sale for 12 years. The first seven seater MPV was replaced by the Mk2 in 2015, so this version of the Touran is unlikely to match its record – especially as SUVs continue to grow in popularity.

But if you want a car that offers space and aren't bothered about following the herd and going for an SUV, the Touran still has a lot going for it. The seven-seat interior is more spacious than you'll find in any seven-seat SUV, and there will be more storage space, too.

Best MPVs and people carriers

Due to the decline in popularity of MPVs, the Touran has a mix of rivals that it goes up against. Amongst its main opponents are the Citroen Grand C4 SpaceTourer and upmarket BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer.

But that's not all. In terms of maximum space, the latest Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life van-based MPVs are a big step forward in terms of quality and are offered with seven seats. And then there are the SUVs. Cars like the Skoda Kodiaq, Peugeot 5008, Hyundai Santa Fe and SEAT Tarraco offer flexible seating in a more desirable body. Whichever way you slice it, the VW Touran is going to struggle against this variety of models that are either newer, cheaper to buy and run or more spacious.

The current Touran uses the MQB platform familiar from the Mk7 Golf and a host of other VW Group models, but it’s one of the last to be updated to the brand’s latest technology, which may put some buyers off. The Touran still drives well for its size, and space has been optimised inside. All cars are front-wheel drive - there's no 4MOTION option in the UK - and while power previously came from 1.0 or 1.5 TSI petrol engines or 1.6 and 2.0 TDI diesels, only the larger petrol is now offered. A six-speed gearbox is fitted to most models as standard, with VW's seven-speed DSG auto offered as an option with the 1.5 TSI.

The model range comprises S, SE, SE Family, SEL and R-Line, with prices starting from around £32,500. Standard kit on all cars includes a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available, Bluetooth and DAB radio, individual rear seats and plenty of storage.

SE trim gets tinted windows, auto lights and wipers and adaptive cruise control, among others. Keyless entry and a powered tailgate can be added for £720, while a panoramic sunroof is an additional £1,360.

SEL adds three-zone climate control, ambient lighting, microfibre seat trim, while R-Line features a sportier look with 18-inch wheels and sporty trim inside. However, get this high in the range and you're looking at prices well over £35,000.

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Touran MPV visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI EVO SE Family 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £38,865
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 TSI EVO SE Family 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £38,865
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI EVO SE Family 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £38,865
Select car

Our latest car deals

Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran

RRP £38,865Avg. savings £3,527 off RRP*Compare Offers
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,710Avg. savings £2,338 off RRP*Compare Offers
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £21,210Avg. savings £1,862 off RRP*Compare Offers
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £18,395Avg. savings £2,695 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on Touran

Show me:
Best used MPVs and people carriers to buy now
Best used MPVs - header image

Best used MPVs and people carriers to buy now

If you’ve got a growing family to ferry around, the best used MPVs and people carriers will do just that for a bargain price
Best cars & vans
21 Nov 2024
Best people carriers and MPVs to buy 2024
Best MPVs - header image

Best people carriers and MPVs to buy 2024

These cars are loaded with family-friendly features and acres of space
Best cars & vans
20 Sep 2024
Used Volkswagen Touran review
Used Volkswagen Touran - front

Used Volkswagen Touran review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Volkswagen Touran covering the Touran Mk2 (2015-date)
Used car tests
1 May 2019
Volkswagen Touran - best 7-seater cars
Volkswagen Touran - cornering

Volkswagen Touran - best 7-seater cars

It's not a particularly exciting buy, but the Touran is still a practical seven-seater with a premium interior
Car group tests
28 Apr 2017
Toyota Verso vs Volkswagen Touran
Toyota Verso vs Volkswagen Touran - header

Toyota Verso vs Volkswagen Touran

We see if the versatile Toyota Verso MPV has what it takes to beat its VW rival
Car group tests
1 Jun 2016
Volkswagen Touran vs Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
Volkswagen Touran vs Citroen Grand C4 Picasso - head-to-head

Volkswagen Touran vs Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Is the new Volkswagen Touran the best seven-seat MPV for a growing family? Or does Citroen’s Grand C4 Picasso still reign supreme?
Car group tests
5 Feb 2016
VW Touran 2.0 TDI DSG automatic review
VW Touran 2.0 TDI DSG - front

VW Touran 2.0 TDI DSG automatic review

Has latest-generation Volkswagen Touran shaken off staid and sensible image?
Road tests
22 Dec 2015
Volkswagen Touran (2011-2015) review
Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran (2011-2015) review

VW Touran offers a spacious and flexible cabin, comfortable ride and a great range of engines
In-depth reviews
13 Apr 2015
Geneva debut for larger and more efficient VW Touran MPV

Geneva debut for larger and more efficient VW Touran MPV

Next Volkswagen Touran will be up to 19 per cent more economical, sharing its platform with Golf and SEAT Leon
News
3 Mar 2015
VW Touran vs Renault Scenic
VW Touran vs Renault Grand Scenic

VW Touran vs Renault Scenic

Can Volkswagen’s new Touran take the seven-seat compact-MPV class by storm? We find out as it faces Renault’s Grand Scenic...
Car group tests
29 Oct 2010
Volkswagen Touran
Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran

People carrier is sharpened up to fend off challenge from improved rivals
Road tests
8 Oct 2010
Skip advert
Advertisement
VW Touran BlueMotion
VW Touran BlueMotion

VW Touran BlueMotion

VW MPV, complete with eco tweaks, makes strong case for itself
Road tests
4 Jun 2010
Volkswagen Touran HyMotion
VW Touran Hymotion

Volkswagen Touran HyMotion

German brand gives glimpse of fuel cell future with hydrogen powered MPV.
Road tests
24 Nov 2008
Volkswagen Touran CCS
Volkswagen Touran CCS

Volkswagen Touran CCS

The Touran's engine features the new Combined Combustion System, and it seems practical and economic
Road tests
2 Jul 2007
Volkswagen Touran (2003-2010) review
Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran (2003-2010) review

The Touran looks dull and won't fire up enthusiasts, but it's a fine family car. It's versatile and the strong cabin can handle anything.
In-depth reviews
12 Feb 2007
VW Touran 2.0 TDI Sport

VW Touran 2.0 TDI Sport

The Sport model of the Toucan lacks the wow factor of the Picasso but is otherwise decent
Road tests
16 Jan 2007
VW Touran 1.9 TDI Sport
VW Touran 1.9 TDI Sport

VW Touran 1.9 TDI Sport

Meet the VW Touran that’s giving a new meaning to the term ‘hands-free’
Road tests
28 Nov 2006
VW Touran TSI SE

VW Touran TSI SE

New VW Touran uses turbo and supercharger to push a 1.4-litre engine to the limit
Road tests
26 Jul 2006
Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran

Radio-controlled cars may be only a fraction of the size of the real thing, but when you have to transport 20 of them (for our forthcoming Christmas t…
Long-term tests
23 Nov 2004
Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran

Who said our long-term cars have it easy? The Volkswagen Touran is certainly being made to earn its living, particularly after it was pressed into ser…
Long-term tests
7 Sep 2004
Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI DSG

Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI DSG

Although VW won't admit it, the launch of the new Golf hasn't gone entirely to plan. Sales have been slower than expected and the car has been critici…
Road tests
16 Jun 2004
Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran

New race season - new paddock bus. But while the Uniroyal Team Challenge race series is expanding, our circuit HQ is getting smaller. In successive ca…
Long-term tests
18 May 2004
Tour of duty

Tour of duty

Here's another people carrier that aims to save you money on fuel. Buy any Volkswagen and you are usually better off going for the costlier TDI models…
Road tests
19 Aug 2003