Volkswagen introduced the 2010 Touran seven-seater MPV based on the same platform as the Golf VI and continued the saga of the successful compact German minivan.
Even though the European MPV market was not even close to the hatchback segment in terms of volumes, Volkswagen charged with the Touran since 2003, trying to catch the French and Italian carmakers. The Germans won on their home-ground and managed to sell 1.13 million units from the first Touran generation. With the 2010 model, they pushed forward with a new generation, based on a new platform and new powerplants.

With a front fascia that resembled the Golf, Touran featured angular headlights and a chromed, two-slat grille. Its wrapped-around bumper sported a pair of fog lights and a broad grille between them. The short and steep hood was continued by an even steeper windshield that started the tall greenhouse’s shape. At the back, the carmaker made a vertical drop for the tailgate, with horizontal taillights.

Inside, the carmaker installed high-mounted seats with room for seven people. The flat-folding rear seats and the folding middle row increased the trunk size up to 1,989 liters (67.6 cu-ft) of space in the five-seat configuration and the removed second row. Even the right passenger’s seat featured a folding seatback for longer loads. On the other hand, with all the seats in place, it could hold just 137 liters (4.8 cu-ft) of luggage. Starting with the 2010 model, Volkswagen introduced a new RNS 315 touch-screen infotainment system on the Touran.

The 2010 Touran joined the downsizing trend and introduced a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter TDI unit. Power ranged between 90 hp and 170 hp, and either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic were on the offer.