As the weather in Germany turns for the miserable, Volkswagen's test engineers have picked up their tools and moved shop to sunny Souther Europe, where development of a new Touran MPV model is underway.
The current generation Volkswagen Touran was launched in August 2010, so it's technically only four years old. But it shares a number of components with the first generation and could thus need an all-new platform, especially when its French rival, the C4 Picasso, is so frensh.
The Touran is expected to be launched some time next year and could move from its current PQ35 underpinnings shared with cars like the Beetle and Audi Q3 to the new MQB that's found under the new Golf and Passat.
But even if Volkswagen decides against giving this low-volume car a new platform, the Touran will certainly receive a whole host of engines and other technologies that were developed for the Golf 7.
The engine range will start with updated 1.2-liter TSI turbos, but most buyers will probably want one of three available 2-liter units that comply with the Euro 6 regulations and deliver 120, 150 or 184 PS.
Even though the prototype is covered in camouflage, eve over its windows, we can tell that styling for the new Touran will be simplistic, in stark contrast with that of the C4 Picasso, which is very futuristic. Volkswagen will target a totally different type of customer, one who is attracted to the German tech.
The Touran will be equipped by a radar-based detection system, LED headlights, the latest in-car connectivity features and the BlueMotion energy-saving tech, including brake energy recovery and a costing function that cuts the engine from the gearbox. That small mark at the top of the windshield, behind the mirror, is a camera that sees road markings and speed limits signs as well.
The Touran is expected to be launched some time next year and could move from its current PQ35 underpinnings shared with cars like the Beetle and Audi Q3 to the new MQB that's found under the new Golf and Passat.
But even if Volkswagen decides against giving this low-volume car a new platform, the Touran will certainly receive a whole host of engines and other technologies that were developed for the Golf 7.
The engine range will start with updated 1.2-liter TSI turbos, but most buyers will probably want one of three available 2-liter units that comply with the Euro 6 regulations and deliver 120, 150 or 184 PS.
Even though the prototype is covered in camouflage, eve over its windows, we can tell that styling for the new Touran will be simplistic, in stark contrast with that of the C4 Picasso, which is very futuristic. Volkswagen will target a totally different type of customer, one who is attracted to the German tech.
The Touran will be equipped by a radar-based detection system, LED headlights, the latest in-car connectivity features and the BlueMotion energy-saving tech, including brake energy recovery and a costing function that cuts the engine from the gearbox. That small mark at the top of the windshield, behind the mirror, is a camera that sees road markings and speed limits signs as well.