Skip advert
Advertisement

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.

Overall Auto Express rating

1.0

How we review cars
RRP
£39,960 £42,285
Avg. savings
£3,581 off RRP*
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

Driving:
The Touran's driving experience strikes a good balance between comfort and cornering ability. It rolls a little and doesn't change direction quite as keenly as some sportier alternatives, but always feels stable and composed, while the steering is fluid and well weighted. VW includes stability control as standard. Crucially, a cosseting ride means the cabin is well isolated and the whole driving experience is relaxing. Engines will be familiar to VW owners - diesels sell best but, as the 1.9-litre TDI is getting on, we'd recommend the freer-revving 2.0-litre TDI. The 1.6-litre petrol is refined but needs to be worked hard, while the 1.4-litre TSI is an intriguing choice with lots of low-down shove and fair economy if driven steadily.

Marketplace:
The Touran has been a big success for VW - but most would agree it falls short in the looks department. The boxy shape and flat tailgate give it a van-like appearance; a facelift in early 2007 may have seen the company's latest corporate face grafted on, yet it's still visually unexciting. The Touran has some big-name seven-seat rivals, including Vauxhall's highly successful Zafira, the Renault Grand Scenic. Citroen C4 Grand Picasso and Toyota Corolla Verso. Sister company SEAT offers the cheaper Altea XL (using a similar platform and engine range), but this can seat only five.

Owning:
The Touran may be unexciting from the outside, but the interior has stood the test of time. It's clear to see the quality and simplicity of the design. The large dials and high-mounted controls for the air con and audio systems are all well placed, plus the materials used throughout are good quality. There's also lots of cabin stowage, with large door pockets, a decent-sized glovebox and three small roof-mounted cubbyholes. In the middle row, the individual chairs offer fine shoulder room when seating three, and overall comfort is excellent. The additional pair of seats pull out of the boot floor easily, and although leg and headroom is tight, adults can squeeze into the back row. With the sixth and seventh chairs folded into the floor, luggage capacity is a commendable 695 litres - and even if the chairs are used only occasionally, they're worth having, as they don't cost a penny. The only drawback is that with seven people on board, boot space tumbles to just 121 litres.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £39,960
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £39,960
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    1.5 TSI EVO Match 5dr
  • Gearbox type
    Manual
  • RRP
    £39,960
Select car

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Touran

Volkswagen Touran

RRP £27,285Avg. savings £3,581 off RRP*Used from £11,450
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,172
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,464 off RRP*Used from £10,695
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025