Every time a new minivan is introduced, or an existing one gets a redesign, the inevitable question is always asked: "How long will it last?" Over the years, what was once a trendy family vehicle in the '80s is now one not many people care for. I don't recall any new rock bands coming out claiming their music and appearance are inspired by Warrant or Poison.
So why is Volkswagen launching a minivan this year? Maybe they believe American families still head out on road trips across the country and need a living room on wheels. And let's face it; a minivan is the most practical vehicle to have when you have several children, or when you're the drummer of a rock band that performs Bon Jovi covers across the province.
But actually, the North America-only Routan isn't a big gamble, since it's basically a restyled Chrysler Town & Country. Volkswagen will be quick to point out to us that they are indeed quite different, but still, the Chrysler minivan isn't a bad starting point for it.
Gutsy engine, high consumption
The Routan retains Chrysler's 4.0-litre V6 engine, which develops 253 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, as well as the excellent 6-speed automatic that includes a manual shift mode. Zero to 100 km/h sprints take 9.5 seconds, which is fine for such a heavy vehicle.
But with so much power driving the front wheels and so much weight behind, the Routan really needs its traction control system in winter to control wheelspin. The van's steering is as vague as Kiss' recollections of the night before and unusual for a Volkswagen, but under normal driving, it serves the driver well.
What's a shame about the Routan's engine is that it consumes a considerable amount of fuel. Honestly, not many minivans today are fuel-sippers, but our average of 14.9 L/100 km is only slightly better than with Mötley Crüe's old tour bus.
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| Our fully-loaded Execline test vehicle is listed at $49,975. |
So why is Volkswagen launching a minivan this year? Maybe they believe American families still head out on road trips across the country and need a living room on wheels. And let's face it; a minivan is the most practical vehicle to have when you have several children, or when you're the drummer of a rock band that performs Bon Jovi covers across the province.
But actually, the North America-only Routan isn't a big gamble, since it's basically a restyled Chrysler Town & Country. Volkswagen will be quick to point out to us that they are indeed quite different, but still, the Chrysler minivan isn't a bad starting point for it.
Gutsy engine, high consumption
The Routan retains Chrysler's 4.0-litre V6 engine, which develops 253 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, as well as the excellent 6-speed automatic that includes a manual shift mode. Zero to 100 km/h sprints take 9.5 seconds, which is fine for such a heavy vehicle.
But with so much power driving the front wheels and so much weight behind, the Routan really needs its traction control system in winter to control wheelspin. The van's steering is as vague as Kiss' recollections of the night before and unusual for a Volkswagen, but under normal driving, it serves the driver well.
What's a shame about the Routan's engine is that it consumes a considerable amount of fuel. Honestly, not many minivans today are fuel-sippers, but our average of 14.9 L/100 km is only slightly better than with Mötley Crüe's old tour bus.
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| The Routan's 4.0-litre V6 engine, which develops 253 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. |