Volkswagen Touran MPV - Engines, drive & performance

The Touran is a smooth and easy car to drive – particularly with the optional seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox fitted – although it's far from the most exciting thing on four wheels. It's perhaps a little too noisy on the motorway, but deals with most urban and rural roads without fuss. A drop in weight compared to the previous-generation Touran has made this version a little lighter on its feet.

Volkswagen Touran petrol engines

In the past, buyers of a car like this wouldn't have considered anything but diesel power. But recent emissions concerns and developments in turbocharging technology have seen the pendulum swing back towards petrol – especially for lower-mileage drivers.

Now, the only choice in the petrol range is the 1.5-litre TSI and it offers the choice of manual or automatic gearbox. It produces a healthy 148bhp, for a sprightly nine-second 0-62mph time, and is reasonably economical when paired with either gearbox. This engine also includes cylinder deactivation technology, so it can run on just two of its four cylinders when full power isn’t required. Previously, a 108bhp 1.2-litre engine was offered, while the 1.5-litre engine effectively replaced the old 1.4-litre.

Diesel engines

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There's only one diesel engine available for the Touran and that’s a 2.0-litre TDI producing 148bhp. This is powerful enough if you regularly travel with the car fully loaded or if you intend to use your Touran for towing. Performance is brisk enough for this type of car, managing 0-62mph in 9.3 seconds. A 113bhp version of the 2.0-litre engine and a 1.6-litre TDI were available in the past but both have now been discontinued.

The diesel Touran is only available with VW's DSG twin-clutch automatic gearbox after the six-speed manual was discontinued in early 2021. The automatic suits the Touran, as it changes gear swiftly and smoothly, boosts efficiency and makes driving in stop-start city traffic much easier than with a manual.