Boosted: the new VW Touran sports several new features

THE wraps have come off the facelifted VW Touran MPV which gets a new grille, larger bumpers, more prominent headlights, new tail lights and a new tailgate. Inside trim and materials have been upgraded with the addition of the Golf's multi-function steering wheel and new design headrests.

There are three rows of seats (seven seater) with the third row folding into the boot floor to leave 695 litres of space for load carrying. The interior is more user friendly with 39 storage spaces around the cabin.

The engine line-up has been given turbo treatment. The diesel range consists of two 1.6 litre units with 89 bhp and 104 bhp and two two-litre engines with 138 bhp and 168 bhp. The lower powered engines are available with fuel scrimping BlueMotion eco-friendly technology which means the 104 bhp unit is capable of returning 4./5L/100km (60 mpg) and throws out only 121 g/km of C02.

The two petrol power options are the new 1.2 litre TSI 104 bhp unit, used successfully in the Skoda Yeti and the 1.4 litre 138 bhp unit ,previously available.

The Touran goes on sale in September and will be competition for the new Ford C-MAX. Prices are expected to be up on the current model.