Volkswagen Touran 2.0 TDI 140 CV DSG, road test (Engine, performance, handling and consumption)

The Volkswagen Touran is a reference in the MPV segment, having been fighting since 2003, when it went on sale, and ten years later it remains on sale with plenty of strengths that make it an appealing people carrier. Since 2003 it has received two updates, in 2006 and 2010, although the design has aged very gracefully.

The model we are testing today offers an almost perfect combination: the Touran with the 2.0 TDI 140 CV diesel engine coupled to the DSG dual-clutch gearbox is a pairing with respectable performance, good consumption and a gearbox that stands out for its comfort and responsiveness. The Touran also features the latest safety systems from the German brand, although we will discuss those in the third part of this test.

Everything is in its place and lives up to the expectations we have of the car, and that is what best defines the Touran. Inside, it offers the option of five or even seven seats, and space is another of its strong points.

Engine and performance

The diesel range of the Volkswagen Touran starts with the 1.6 TDI 90 CV engine, followed by the 105 CV and moving up to the 2.0 TDI with 140 CV and 177 CV. Therefore, the 140 CV Touran we tested is a more than interesting middle ground between performance and consumption.

Moreover, we are talking about an MPV, so it doesn’t need sports-car performance, and this 140 CV engine copes perfectly in every situation. We will have no problem making an overtake or driving on the motorway, with the full confidence that the car responds as soon as we press the pedal.

The response is typical of a turbo engine, which starts delivering at 1,800 rpm and keeps pushing the Touran up to 4,000 rpm. The car is very well insulated, but the typical sound of a diesel engine can be noticed.

The gearbox is a dual-clutch (DSG), and it stands out for its comfort and speed when engaging each gear. It also has paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a Sport mode that keeps the engine revving higher to improve responsiveness. Downhill, we really like the ability of the DSG gearbox to hold back the Touran.

Handling

The Touran manages to make talking about an MPV not mean talking about the opposite of sportiness, today there are other models (even newer ones) that display overly soft suspension or certain body roll that constantly reminds you that you are driving a people carrier. Well, this does not happen in the Volkswagen Touran.

It strikes a well-judged balance between extreme firmness and extreme comfort, so it can tackle rough sections without sacrificing comfort, while maintaining very composed and stable behaviour on country roads or motorways.

As for the steering , it is electrically assisted, with a correct feel, as are the brakes, which stop the VW Touran with confidence. In dynamic terms, it allows us to drive in a somewhat more fun way than other similar MPVs.

Consumption

On the motorway, over a journey of more than 1,000 km (Madrid > Vigo > Madrid), it recorded an average consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 km. On country roads it is easy to hover around 6 litres per 100 km, and we can even bring that figure down noticeably, as long as we do not drive heavily loaded and keep a relaxed driving style.

Meanwhile, in town, our test recorded a consumption of 8 litres per 100 km. In the second part of the test we will analyse everything related to the Touran’s design, as well as review the interior and the practicality of this MPV.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

MinivanVolkswagen Touran9 versions · from 34,200 €