Model tested: Touran 2-litre Sport TDI (7 seats)
Price: £26,462
Date tested: July 2007
Road tester: Adrian Hearn

Overall rating: 82%
Having a family doesn't mean you can't have a hot car – just look at the Volkswagen Touran Sport. It's a member of the new breed of MPVs offering practicality, safety, comfort and performance.

1. Looks
The Touran looks conservative but it's still a pretty car with alloy wheels, chrome roof-rails and bi-xenon lights. The bumpers and side skirts are body-coloured and the front grille has an anodised chrome finish.
8/10

2. Looks inside
The interior has an excellent build quality and the dials are easy to read. Our top-end model had a sat-nav multi-function computer, which is a good-looking addition to the centre console.
8/10

3. Practicality
The Touran is practical and can easily be converted from five to seven seats. Seating seven, the Touran's luggage capacity is 695 litres, but can be increased to 1,989 litres.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
It's a high car but it handles like a hatchback. The ride is firm and cornering is exceptional for an MPV; we were seriously impressed with the lack of roll and abundance of grip.
9/10

5. Performance
The Touran isn't short of oomph, the 2-litre turbodiesel producing 168bhp and 258lb/ft of pulling power. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 9 seconds and on to a top speed of 133mph.
9/10

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6. Running Costs
The Touran manages a combined 42.8mpg, and with CO2 emissions of 174g/km, expect an annual tax bill of £165. But the Sport model is in insurance group 12, making premiums above average.
7/10

7. Reliability
Volkswagens are reliable cars and we'd expect the Touran to follow the trend. Inside, the trim felt well put together. However, the Touran is covered by Volkswagen's three-year/60,000-mile warranty.
8/10

8. Safety
The Touran has brake assist, ESP, electronic differential lock and traction control, plus driver and passenger airbags, curtain airbags for front and second row passengers and front seat side impact airbags. There's also a five-star EuroNCAP rating.
9/10

9. Equipment
All Tourans have electric windows and dual-zone climate control, CD player and the option of a six-CD auto changer.
8/10

10. X-Factor
More and more people are opting for an MPV as a practical and safe alternative to a hatchback, saloon or estate. The Touran Sport offers performance as well, making it a strong contender for any petrolheaded parent.
8/10