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What is it?
This is Volkswagen's new compact MPV, the Touran. It doesn't look radically different to its predecessor, and nor is it, but it didn't need to be. Family buyers love the seven-seat layout in which the middle three seats are separate and can each house a full-sized child seat. Prices start at €30,500 on-the-road and there is a choice of petrol and diesel engines, though the latter are, by far, the most popular. There are 1.6- and 2.0-litre options with manual or automatic gearboxes. Trim lines are Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and R-Line.
What is it like?
While the exterior of the new Touran is best described as 'refined', it's not going to turn heads. Nonetheless, get closer to the car and you can't fail to be impressed by the quality and fit and finish. This Highline version looks very smart inside and out. More importantly, the interior is hugely versatile, with loads of storage space and movable rear seats. It's a comfortable car on the road too, though the diesel engine could do with being a little quieter. Still, this 2.0-litre unit is powerful and satisfying to drive.
Carzone verdict: 4/5
While the Touran is not a cheap car to buy, Volkswagen's PCP offering at least makes it affordable. Direct rivals include the Kia Carens, Ford Grand C-Max and Toyota Verso. The Ford is more enjoyable to drive, but that's less important than the extra space the Touran brings to the table. The Volkswagen feels of higher quality than the Toyota and it's the Kia that gives the Touran its closest competition, though the Volkswagen is far newer, which may sway buyers. That and the VW badge on the front.