|
Summary
The Volkswagen Routan is a family friendly minivan with a higher quality interior than its parent, the Chrysler Town & Country. However, it lacks some of the best seating and storage features of the Chrysler. It rides smoothly, but handling and power are not as good as that of its competitors. And yet pricing matches the tops in the class, so the Routan may not be the best value in a very competitive market. The one advantage the Routan does have, however, is Volkswagen's three-year, 36,000-mile free maintenance plan.Kirk Bell filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from Chicago.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
|
Model Lineup:
|
Volkswagen Routan S ($24,700); SE ($29,600); SEL ($33,200) |
|
Engines:
|
4.0-liter sohc 24-valve V6 |
|
Transmissions:
|
6-speed automatic |
|
Saftey Equipment (standard):
|
dual-stage front airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags, tire-pressure monitor; ABS with brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control |
|
Saftey Equipment (optional):
|
rear park assist, rearview camera |
|
Basic Warranty:
|
3 years/36,000 miles |
|
Assembled In:
|
Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
Specifications As Tested
|
Model Tested (MSRP):
|
Volkswagen Routan SEL Premium ($38,400) |
|
Standard Equipment:
|
leather upholstery; three-zone automatic climate control; interior air filter; leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls; 8-way power adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment; heated first and second-row seats; power adjustable pedals; memory for the driver's seat and pedals; high-line front floor console with adjustable storage; second-row removable captain's chairs; power folding, stowable, split folding third-row bench seat; power side doors; cruise control; conversation mirror; power, heated, auto-dimming exterior mirrors; power first and second-row windows; power door locks; remote keyless entry; remote engine starting; 506-watt, 9-speaker, AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer; auxiliary audio input jack; 115-volt power outlet; overhead storage system; premium driver information center; second- and third-row sunshades; universal garage door opener; security alarm; power rear liftgate; automatic high-intensity discharge headlights; auto-dimming rearview mirror; rear park assist; Bluetooth hands-free cell phone link; fog lamps; sunroof; three years or 36,000 miles of free maintenance; P225/65R17 tires on alloy wheels |
|
Options As Tested (MSRP):
|
Entertainment Package ($2725) includes rear-seat DVD entertainment with dual rear screens, wireless headphones and remote, JoyBox 30-gigabyte hard drive, one year of Sirius satellite radio, USB port; Navigation Package ($2475) includes DVD-based navigation system with touchscreen |
|
Destination Charge:
|
690 |
|
Gas Guzzler Tax:
|
|
|
Price As Tested (MSRP):
|
44290 |
|
Layout:
|
front-wheel drive |
|
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
|
253 @ 6000 |
|
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
|
262 @ 4100 |
|
Transmission:
|
6-speed automatic |
|
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
|
17/25 |
|
Wheelbase:
|
121.2 |
|
Length/width/height:
|
202.5/76.9/68.9 |
|
Track, f/r:
|
65.0/64.8 |
|
Turning circle:
|
38.0 |
|
Seating capacity:
|
7 |
|
Head/hip/leg room, f:
|
37.2/57.6/40.6 |
|
Head/hip/leg room, m:
|
39.7/64.8/36.3 |
|
Head/hip/leg room, r:
|
37.9/48.7/31.8 |
|
Cargo volume:
|
144.0 |
|
Payload:
|
|
|
Towing capacity:
|
3500 |
|
Suspension, f:
|
independent MacPherson struts with coil springs over shocks and stabilizer bar |
|
Suspension, r:
|
twist beam axle with coil springs, track bar, shocks |
|
Ground clearance:
|
6.1 |
|
Curb weight:
|
4621 |
|
Tires:
|
P225/65R17 |
|
Brakes, f/r:
|
disc/disc with ABS and Brake Assist |
|
Fuel capacity:
|
20.5 |
|
Add your own review or comments
