Volkswagen Touran 2003-2015

The Touran a much better looker since they added the Passat-style front end and decked out most models in nice alloy wheels. The sides are still a little flat and slabby side but at least the detailing is eye catching these days.

The 1.6 reaches 100km/h in 11.9 seconds but the 1.4 TSi can scorch to 100km/h in less than 10 seconds. The 140hp 2.0 TDi needs just 10.2 for the 0-100km/h sprint, which is quick, while the 170hp 2.0 TDi gets to 100 in a zippy 9.0 seconds.

The Touran rides with accomplishment and handles a little better since its facelift as well. It’s very safe and secure but it still doesn’t enthrall the way an S-Max does. There isn't enough responsiveness or feel in the steering although body-roll has been quelled.

The Touran’s interior is your typical modern VW cabin: crisply styed and ergonomically excellent, with very little to complain about. Storage space is excellent, the dials are easy to read, though the red dash illumination can be hard on the eyes.

The Touran might handle better these days but the ride quality has suffered slightly so it's not quite as comfy as it was before. It still feels like a well-made and solid machine, though, with mostly nice plastics and quality materials used throughout.

Front, side and curtain airbags are all standard, as are ESP and ISOFIX seat mounts. There are no belt reminders for the rear seats, though, and parking sensors are optional, but Xenon lights are available for improved night visibility. It has 5 NCAP stars, too.

The 5-seater Touran is no more - all are 7-seaters now even if that means all 5 rear seats are quite cramped. The seats are awkward to fold into the floor, too, while space, visibility and access for rear-most passengers is also poor.

The Touran should be a reliable and thrifty partner, though servicing and parts are pricey and the Touran is, relatively speaking, a little expensive to buy. It should be desirable on the used market though, particularly the post facelift seven-seat models.

Even the basic Concept model is unusually well specified for a VW - air conditioning, cruise control, roof rails, a trip computer and rear electric windows are all standard. A sporty 1.4 TSi version can be yours for less than €30k, which is excellent value.

The Touran is powered by a wide range of engines these days. The picks of the range would be the 1.4 TSi petrol, the 115hp 1.6 and either the 140hp or 170hp 2.0 TDi. The 1.4 is fast yet frugal while the 1.6 is the conservative choice. The diesel are fast but a little vocal.