Volkswagen Routan Unveiled at Chicago Auto Show
February 7, 2008 – 8:59 am by Dan Volkens
Filed under Events, Featured, Volkswagen Routan
Here it is folks in the ferrous flesh. My thoughts? Wait for it… waaaaaiiittt fooor ittt….
BLEEUUEUGUUGGHHGH!!!!!!! I mean, seriously. Can they just slap the new Volkswagen waterfall grill on the front of a Chrysler Town & Country? Oh wait, that’s what they did. After we have concepts like the Microbus that most of the entire customer base says they’ll buy the moment it hits dealer shelves… we get this. Allllllllllrighty then.
Ok ok, they did put a more Volkswagen-like interior in the thing, but even that looks a bit watered down to me. I’ll let you guys be your own judge. Take a gander at the photos. And yes, I know this was probably how it was going to turn out anyway with a partnership between Volkswagen and Chrysler. :P
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Volkswagen of America today unveiled the Routan, an all new seven-passenger minivan. It delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value.
The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish. While pleasing and contemporary, the interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function.
Second row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.
The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 251 hp and 259 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan. The Routan comes with a host of unique features, including:
- Conversation Mirror
- Rear seat entertainment system with two 9 inch screens for second and third row, wireless headsets, and remote control
- Dual power sliding doors with power windows
- Touch screen navigation with twenty meg hard drive
- Power lift gate with flood lamp
- Thirteen cup holders
Volkswagen delivers a competitively priced entry into this high volume segment with prices starting below $25,000. The Routan will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario.
With Routan, Volkswagen dealers add a vehicle that will provide additional, incremental growth in the market. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners.
Volkswagen Routan Unveiled at Chicago Auto Show
February 7, 2008 – 8:59 am by Dan Volkens
speaking of slapping a grill on it.. check out the video of the design concepts… GRRR!
WE don’t buy new vehicles but I was seriously hoping for this one but there’s no reason as its really doesn’t off much for the VW enthusiast.
The Touran should have been brought over! Period. It even has seating options up to 7 people.
I know there is some economic reason for working with
Chryslerbut come on…Back to looking for a Eurovan MV!
Exactly oneighturbo. I would absolutely rock a Touran, but this? No way. Awesome video though!!
I (almost literally) held my breath hoping that this wouldn’t suck. I really don’t know how VW can be proud of this product.
Once a year, I put pen to paper and ask VW to reconsider the Microbus concept. It has everything that I want in a people mover: flexibility (seats from 2 and a stack of 2×4s up to 7 and groceries), functionality (went to the beach and brought the beach into the car with you? No worries, just hose it out!), and more than a little swagger. This thing makes me throw up in my mouth.
What is obvious to me is that VW couldn’t stomach the risk of the Microbus failing. So they instead built something that they thought was a sure bet… something that was //safe//.
As I told VW, “if I wanted a minivan, I would own a minivan — which I don’t.”
I was really hoping for something VW when I was hearing the rumors about the Routan. A diesel Microbus would have been heavenly but I should have known better. Your quote is right on the nose, VW doesn’t understand their audience (still).
Both you guys hit the nail on the head. :]
Well, to be quite honest with everyone - I like it. I think it’s a great way for VW to tap into the minivan market just as GM and Ford are leaving. The partnership with Chrysler is welcomed. It’s a good way for VW to produce a minivan without sinking time and money into a minivan - right away. Okay, so there are some things wrong with it - it’s a Chrysler, oh wait - they’ve had the best selling minivan for years.
As far as I can see from the pictures, I can only attest to being bothered with 2 items. 1) The dash doesn’t look anything like a Volkswagen, I’ll admit that it looks more like a Chrysler dash with a enclave scooped out for a Navi. 2) The tail lights don’t look like a VW design. I was expecting more of a Tiguan/Rabbit design to the tail lights.
But, considering the Routan is their first mini-van in 11 years (ending with the Eurovan in 1998), it’s a pleasant, modern look that I’m sure will work fine in the U.S. market - so long as it’s advertised better than the Chrysler.
The whole Chrysler partnership deal is relatively simple. VW wanted to expand their presence in the U.S. market - which is more than welcomed -but they needed a cost-effective way to produce a minivan, that’s fine, it gives them a contracted agreement to test the minivan market and it’s acceptance of a ‘European’-marketed/badged minivan, gives the market a chance to accept the idea. It’s just VWs way of checking the market and not pouring millions into designs, plants, engines, etc.
The Microbus concept was just that - a concept. The reality (and failure) of the Microbus was that it would be technically ‘The World’s Smallest Retro-Designed Minivan’ - people are willing to say “I’ll buy one!” but once it boils down to price and size, it would’ve been a HUGE loss for VW. I’m not saying it was bad from the start, it just needs major reengineering to fit into the market, and be a worthy and serious competitor - while attracting new buyers every year. But the Microbus faces yet another failure point - it’s retro design. Much like it’s New Beetle sister, it’s a retro design, and how long is it really going to last? VW has already said that it’s going to pull the Beetle in a few years because they aren’t selling as well as they used to. And VW isn’t the only one faced with this Retro-designed failure, Chrysler’s PT Cruiser, Chevy’s HHR, Ford Mustang and T-Bird are the first ones that pop into mind as Retro-designed, but doomed for termination.
But, after a few years of marketing and sales, I would hope (and expect) the Routan 2 would be redefined and actually built on VW platforms, with VW engines and transmissions.
My only hope is that by mid- to late-2010, VW will offer a diesel motor with it’s 7-speed DSG transmission.
As for the Touran - I agree, they should’ve brought that over with the 2005/2006 model change (from Mk4 to Mk5/B5.5 to B6) as ‘The All-New Touran’ - that way they could’ve gotten a feel for the market, and have a better judgement for either going with the Chrysler product or making their own. Only time will tell what will happen.
Oh - and if you really want to think about the demographic, I’m a 23 years old Male, I (still) live at home with my parents, I drive a 2000 Golf, and I work as a graphic designer, I don’t have kids - or even a girlfriend - and if I could afford this van, I would get one. :-)
Wow - that was long.
But I just found this link - more photos.
http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/volkswagen_news/article_2215.shtml
Great post Mathew and welcome to VB! Man, you had to get all mature and really weight out the options and all that. :P Just kidding! hahah What I really would have liked to see is Volkswagen just bring over the Touran, but let’s see how this plays out.
I’m interested to know how people will view this new contender in the minivan market when Chrysler/Dodge pretty much have it wrapped up. Will people look at it as an upscale option, more like Honda and Toyota? Price point and options are gonna be huge.
Okay, so it’s built on a Chrysler platform - so what? As Matthew Maher pointed out, it’s the only cost-effective way VW can get back into the U.S. minivan market these days. Besides, I think the Routan looks very much like a VW. The only similarity I see with the Chrysler products is in the main body structure. The nose and tail look different from Chrysler’s, and the interior looks pretty much like it’s from VW.
I say we give the Routan a chance, instead of automatically turning our noses up at it just because VW partnered with Chrysler on it.
Tell you the truth, I wasn’t even sure this minivan was going to be built until today, seeing as how VW made the deal with Chrysler back when they were still a part of Daimler. When Chrysler was sold back to those American investors, I was sure the VW minivan deal was off. Guess I was wrong about that.
Yes yes, guys. I’m quite sure it will sell. What I wonder is will it sell well given the competition? And I still stand by my word that it could have looked a LOT better than this. ;) I don’t turn my nose up at it because they partnered with Chrysler. I do because I think it’s ugly! hahahahaha But alas, it IS a decent vehicle, I will give it that. *sheepishly* I might even consider getting one since family could be on the way soon. */sheepishly* :D
Well, Dax, I think the Routan looks a lot better than the EuroVan or the Vanagon ever did. I can understand your not liking its design; you’re entitled to your opinion, and I respect you for it. But just remember: a lot of folks thought the original VW Beetle was repulsive when it first came to the U.S. more than 50 years ago. Did VW care? No - they even joked about it in one of their magazine ads - “Ugly is only skin-deep.” That ad is one of the classics written by Doyle Dane Bernbach when they had the VW account back in the 1960’s. And VWs have indeed proven the truth about that phrase down through the years.
Hey Dax, and thanks for the welcomed introduction to VB. I think that was the longest post I’ve ever written.
I would also like to see the Touran brought over, but I don’t think VW has enough cash flow to regulate the Touran’s engine, transmission, and emissions for the US Market. The Touran alone would be an awesome addition to VW’s line up, but as I mentioned earlier, the deal with Chrysler is great because Chrysler already has the regulated engines, transmissions, and emissions for the US market, which makes VWs entry back into the mini-van market in the US a welcomed one.
And Bill Jorns is right, the VW Routan looks like it’s part of the family, not just a masked-over Chrysler van. I was also afraid that “Project-M” (as a VW corporate representative called it a few years go) was going to get axed after hearing about the Daimler-Chrysler split.
I’m looking forward to the Atlanta Auto Show - the Routan is rumored to be on display on a roped-in turntable.
Well I was disappointed at the Auto Show. Not only did they have only one Tiguan, which was roped off, they didn’t even have a Routan on display at all! Oh well.
Write up of the AJC Auto Show in ATL on my website soon… (sorry for the self publicity, but I need visitors ;-) )
Hey Mathew, don’t worry about that at all. :D Yeah, when Matt and I went to the Cincinnati Auto Show, Volkswagen had a pretty weak offering as well.