Europe's VW Touran is coming with a new look, new technologies and a new top TSI engine for 2007. The next generation of the bestseller will be presented in a world premiere at the Paris Motor Show next week. The European market launch will be taking place in the middle of November. The van will be the first Volkswagen available with "Park Assist", unique in its technical design; the parking system that makes parking a snap, even in tight spots.

At first glance the new Touran is recognisable from the front by its Volkswagen crest radiator grille in chrome design, a new bumper and precisely cut headlights; the optional lights available as bi-xenon adaptive headlights follow the stylistic design of the Eos. At the back, the new rear lights and the bumper modified along the lines of the front section allude to the second Touran generation. Numerous interior modifications and expanded standard equipment top off the extensive package of measures. Starting in the northern spring 2007, the highest performance petrol direct injection engine, a Twincharger with 125 kW, will be available in the Touran for the first time. The gears of this sporty as well as thrifty 1.4 TSI are changed via the standard DSG direct shift gearbox. The 103 kW strong Touran 1.4 TSI, whose Twincharger is also optionally available with DSG, will get started right at market launch.

Park Assist guides the Touran into that space under 15 seconds

Another technology highlight of the Touran is the optional parking guidance assistant (including Park Pilot/distance warning front and back). Developed by Volkswagen, "Park Assist" enables automatic parking. "Park Assist" is activated at the push of a button. While driving by at speeds of up to 30 km/h an ultrasonic sensor system detects all parking spaces on the right and left that are parallel to the driving lane; a control unit calculates the ideal path for parking. "Park Assist" notifies the driver about the starting position via display in the instruments. After engaging reverse gear the van manoeuvers into the parking space in under 15 seconds. During the entire parking process the driver only has to accelerate and brake – the Touran does the steering.

The latest generation of the van bestseller

Stainless steel, new materials and uncompromising safety features

New upholstery fabrics and appointments breathe new life into the interior of the next generation Touran, lending it a more refined feel. The middle plate of the instrument panel, for example: It is now crafted in a stainless steel design. The same is true for the area around the standard storage compartment above the middle console. In addition, the base model, "Conceptline", is refined by the new "Media" interior trim. The "RCD 300" radio-CD system with integrated MP3 mode is standard on-board equipment. Also true in terms of safety: no compromises. Front, side and head airbags are included as standard features, as well as the ESP Electronic Stabilisation Programme including counter-steering feature and trailer stabilisation.

New features also refine "Trendline" and "Highline"

The stainless steel theme is even more enhanced in the next highest equipment version: The décor strips here also exhibit this design. It has a sporty character matching the new "Energy" interior trim. The Touran Trendline now comes with the semi-automatic "Climatic" air-conditioning system as standard equipment (previously a Highline equipment feature). Taken from its predecessor are practical details such as the folding front passenger backrest with table and load-through facility.

At Volkswagen "Highline" traditionally refers to the most exclusive equipment version. In the case of the updated Touran this includes, among other features, newly designed 16" light-alloy wheels ("Magny Cours" design), the refined "Mando" interior trim, an air-conditioning system (Climatronic instead of Climatic), the most powerful version of the "RCD 300" audio system with eight speakers and ParkPilot for the back.

Innovative extras for an all-round automotive talent

In addition to "Park Assist", "Hill-Starting Assistant", daytime running lights and bi-xenon headlights with cornering light, the new optional equipment for the second generation Touran includes a variable luggage compartment floor with two integrated storage compartments and a DVD-based radio navigation system ("RNS MFD DVD").

Twincharger with DSG direct shift gearbox

The new top petrol engine is, as described earlier, the Twincharger 1.4 TSI with 103 kW, first used in the Golf GT. In combination with the new Touran the dual charged high-tech engine (charged via compressor and turbocharger) enables a top speed of 198 km/h while running on an average of only 7.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The basic version engine Volkswagen offers for the Touran is a 1.6 litre petrol engine with 75 kW.

A 125 kW TDI engine is at the top of the diesel engine range. The entry level here is a TDI with 66 kW. In the next TDI performance levels Volkswagen offers the new Touran with 77 kW and 103 kW . Another innovative way of saving without forgoing driving pleasure is the 80 kW natural gas version of the Touran, the "EcoFuel", that will also be available at market launch. A world-wide novelty in the van segment: All TDI and TSI engines (at least 77 kW) can be combined with the DSG direct shift gearbox – in the eyes of many experts (including the Next Car team) and customers the sportiest and most economical automatic transmission in the world.

Interior concept with up to seven seats and 1,989 litres of storage volume