First Drive
Volkswagen Touran BlueMotion
Test date 18 November 2008
Price as tested £18,619
What is it?
This is the Volkswagen Touran Bluemotion, with the mid-sized MPV having been called in for the eco treatment.
As with every other Bluemotion model, the Touran uses a range of small changes to make its ecological case, rather than complicated hybrid technology.
This means that longer gear ratios, a revised ECU, low rolling resistance tyres and lower suspension.
But unlike its larger brother the Sharan Bluemotion, the Touran Bluemotion also gets a modified undertray to help manage the airflow around the car and improve aerodynamic efficiency.
The SE model tested here definitely isn’t hair-shirt motoring however - it gets a decent kit count that includes VW’s impressively intuitive touch-screen infotainment system.
What’s it like?
The 103bhp direct-injection turbodiesel is as gruff as it is in its other VW group applications. It also doesn’t haul the Touran along with a great deal of vigour, and the long gearing further hinders rapid progress.
Having said that, performance is adequate, largely thanks to the fact that the Touran Bluemotion is, at 1482kg, the second lightest Touran variant.
As with other Bluemotion models, the ride quality suffers from the low rolling resistance tyres and the lowered suspension, always feeling jittery and brittle, especially around town.
The rest of the car is standard Touran fare, meaning secure handling, solid but leaden controls and unadventurous styling inside and out.
Should I buy one?
As a practical, economical car for a growing family, the VW Touran Bluemotion makes a lot of sense.
You’re most likely to choose a Touran with your head rather than your heart, and if you look at it that way, the Touran is the most sensible proposition in an eminently sensible range. Just don’t expect to fall in love with it.
Matt Rigby
First drive data
How much?
- Price as tested £18,619
- Price as tested TBA
How fast?
- 0-62 mph 13.5 sec
- Max speed 110 mph
How big?
How thirsty?
- Combined 52.3 mpg
- CO2 emissions 144 g/km
Engine
- Layout 4 , 1896 cc
- Max power 104 bhp at 4000 rpm
- Max torque 184 lb ft at 1900 rpm
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