Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new Touran people carrier – which is now available in five and seven-seat guises. This family-friendly MPV has grown in size by 13cm over its predecessor, with nearly all of that extra length being found between the axles – maximising the amount of interior space available.

Unlike many people carriers the Touran will also be able to accommodate five child seats, across the second and third rows of seats, making it a practical choice for families with a number of younger children. The Touran offers the largest boot in its class, while the middle seats can slide 200mm back and forth and recline to ensure there is enough space for those in middle and rear rows. There are also no fewer than 47 cubby holes located around the cabin to cater for family paraphernalia. Three petrol and three diesel engines will be available in the new Touran – 1.2-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol units, developing 109bhp to 178bhp and a 1.6-litre diesel with 109bhp along 2.0-litre units with 148bhp and 187bhp.

68.9mpg

108bhp

Most frugal of all is the 1.6-litre diesel when equipped with Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’ automatic gearbox, returning claimed combined fuel consumption of 68.9bhp. Of the petrols, the 1.4-litre 148bhp unit is the most economical, with an official figure of 52.3mpg in conjunction with the DSG gearbox. All models bar the entry-level 1.2-litre 108bhp petrol can be fitted with DSG gearbox while the most powerful petrol and diesel versions are not available with manual ‘boxes.

Three specifications will be available – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. All cars include a touchscreen media system, air conditioning, flat-folding seats, ISOFIX child seat fittings on all middle and rear seats and an electric parking brake, while Comfortline adds automatic city braking, 16-inch alloy wheels and folding tables on the back of the front seats. Top-spec Highline cars, meanwhile, include 17-inch alloy wheels and three-zone air conditioning. Buyers can also get sporty R Line styling modifications as optional extras.

The new VW Touran goes on sale in Europe from September onwards.

Picture: Volkswagen