Car Statistics: Volkswagen - Touran Series 03 (3 stars)

Styling (2 stars)

The Touran has always been an anonymous looking beast, and giving it the same front end as the rest of the Volkswagen range hasn?t helped this. If you want to blend in, this is perfect though.

Handling (4 stars)

While the Touran is not as agile as the Golf it is based on, it is still remarkably easy to manoeuvre for a car that can carry seven. Add in the parking assist function that comes as an option and this is a car that feels smaller than it looks.

Comfort (3 stars)

The ride is comfortable, but the basic and hard plastics that make up some of the seats mean that you won?t feel you are wafting in resplendent glory.

Quality (4 stars)

The Touran is solidly assembled and from a series of hard-wearing materials, but the interior doesn?t quite have the premium feel that some of the latest VWs offer.

Performance (3 stars)

None of the engines bestowed on the Touran are particularly blessed with pace, as only the larger diesels and the 1.4 TFSI get a sub-10 second 0-62mph time. The frugal 1.6-litre diesel is good for economy, but needs planning for overtaking.

Roominess (3 stars)

There is plenty of space for the front five passengers, but the back two will be cramped, and boot space is non-existent when the third row is in place.

Costs (4 stars)

Residual values are decent at the lower end of the range, although the plusher and more expensive models hold their values less well. Diesels turn in good fuel economy, too.

Value (3 stars)

The entry-level models might be more affordable, but offer little in the way of equipment. Move up the range and the price heads past £20,000 very easily.

Stereo (4 stars)

The stereo offers the decent sound quality you would expect, even if it is a basic system at the lower end of the range. Pretty much every connection ? iPod, aux, Bluetooth ? is available though.