LEAKED: Volkswagen Routan

Based on the Dodge Grand Caravan
by Gustavo Henrique Ruffo
February 6, 2008 2:46 AM
Filed Under: Chicago Auto Show, German, Volkswagen
If you saw a brand’s vehicle with another brand’s badge, what would you call it? If you don’t have the faintest idea, you may have to make a decision as soon as you see the new VW Routan, whose first pictures leaked and were first shown in Autobild.de.

Although it brings a different grille and, as we have informed when we published its spy pictures, a different backdoor, with invading taillights, it is basically a Chrysler Town & Country or a Dodge Grand Caravan (you choose). It will be made in the same plant, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and will even share the engines with its Chrysler/Dodge siblings. Its base engine will be the 3.8 V6 that generates 197 hp and the optional 4.0 V6, which counts on 253 hp to move the new VW minivan ahead. The 3.3 V6 delivering 175 hp will not be offered by this new “VW�. There has been no word on the press release about when it will be available for customers, but you may expect that to happen in September.

Since the German automaker intends to have the Routan as a real Volkswagen, it states the minivan has been extensively changed in what relates to finish, with high quality materials, and handling characteristics, with a different touch to the suspension. If the changes have made any difference is something the readers that can check it personally in Chicago and ourselves will only have how to answer in the near future.

Volkswagen has already rebadged other carmaker products, such as the VW Taro, based on the Toyota Hilux, and the VW Apollo in Brazil, based on the Ford Verona. In both cases, results were not as good as expected. Perhaps the Routan can change this routine.
Source: Autobild via AutoBlog.com
Press Release (Click to expand)

PRESS RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS ROUTAN AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

European inspired design and driving dynamics highlight new minivan


CHICAGO – 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.

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Comments

disgrace... putting a european/german badge on a dodge caravan WITH a dodge caravan engine great car that dodge caravan is... but disgrace nontheless lol

by carcrazy1234 | February 6, 2008 3:53 AM
Looks like Honda Accord ????

by german-cars-lover | February 6, 2008 3:53 AM
Man, oh, MAN is that contraption hideous! Let's see, VW could have built the "Microbus" retro-concept from 2003 ... and they SHOULD have. But this badge-engineered conveyance will be a FLOP. Seriously, if you're going to build something, build it the best way you can, with fresh ideas and dramatic styling. If you're going to allow someone to build something FOR you (to which you affix your name and reputation), then AT LEAST get the best. A badge engineered Odyssey would have been of higher quality and would probably have resulted in a better-looking model. BOO, VW, BOO! I expected better results. I believe this gaffe will be short-lived, yet have a detrimental effect on the VW brand here in the States.

by DieselDog | February 6, 2008 4:20 AM
it looks good, i wouldn't mind owning one... i'm just not sold on the motors... but the cockpit with the high mounted navi screen looks very ergonomic... and hte finsih looks good to... but the radio looks chevy/chrysler... i hope VW put one of theirs in there...

and the 2.0TDI of the new clean generation would make me happy!

by smokeonit1 | February 6, 2008 5:14 AM
Love the Tiguan headlamps. But the back looks too fussy and awkward!

by Starscream123 | February 6, 2008 8:07 AM
Oh dear. If VW was serious about this sector then why would they have based it one of the sectors greatest underperformers (although, to be fair, there is no vehicle in this sector worthy of European premium brand badges)? I can only assume this is done in panic to fill a gap in the North American market. I don't think for one second this will come back to the Old World.

by bristol411s3 | February 6, 2008 9:16 AM
lol. what a joke! shame on you VW. I agree with DieselDog. Why don't you make the retro concept? that is really beautiful and original thing, not like this. Ford has done very well in Europe with its two vans in this class.

by Kits | February 6, 2008 10:17 AM
VW sucks. they are the one of the worst companies for lack of design flair. same headlights, boring profiles, yawn inducing grilles.....the list goes on. and then they give us this? the press release says its distinctively designed? what the? i hope this company fails big time.

by asif | February 6, 2008 11:22 AM
when y look to it I see Toyota Sienna.... Y would prefer Toyota instead VW, It is intresting, who will buy this car ??? choosing between Honda odissey, sienna, nissan quest, ???? It is like a ferrari with buick engine... NONSENS....

by serraxtrem | February 6, 2008 1:02 PM
complete mess...couldn't they really make their own new van that could also replace the sharan in europe? Not to mention the engines...the old sharan VR6 had nearly the same power from the 2.8 litre engine as this 3.8. Couldn't they use the TFSI/TSI or even TDI engines?

by afterace2 | February 6, 2008 2:17 PM
Totally lazy, in no way up to the standards you'd expect of VW. Wouldn't the Mitsubishi Grandis (which is geniunely attractive and already has VW diesel) have been a better basis if they're too lazy to make their own? If they'd developed their own they could have done Seat and Skoda versions too and got loads of benefit from one expenditure.

by joelynn | February 6, 2008 4:11 PM
pitiful

by nickkop | February 6, 2008 9:46 PM
fortunately it is only a stepping stone for VW, to gain entry to this market, reduce costs, and allow for them to develop their own iteration of a high-volume production van again... we hope

by nickkop | February 6, 2008 10:02 PM
ive own audi, vw and honda cars... I still own a VW, as well as my sister, father, mother, and my brother having an audi, after years of disappointment in VW, now i am definitely a honda fan again... their cars are just so much better, and they make their own... until i can afford a BMW, anyway..

by nickkop | February 6, 2008 10:05 PM
Rebadged cars make me ill.

by ck314 | February 6, 2008 11:08 PM
Both the car and its name are silly. I predict it will be a success in the US but not here in Europe where midsize minivans like the Touran and the Zafira outsell the big minivans

by djcocum | February 7, 2008 2:18 AM
i think , we have no chance to see it on european streets , it is for amerikans.... A lot of companies make cars only for U.S. market... so, luky us.

by serraxtrem | February 7, 2008 8:42 AM
what a shame!!

by abugatti | February 7, 2008 12:55 PM
one would think that VW would learn from Daimler's mistake. but, NO! Let's rebadge a Chryler Town&Country and sell this awkward box on wheels to our more practical cousins in Europe.

by sroutsis | February 7, 2008 1:45 PM
It looks good to me... and don´t bother me if it´s a Crhysler in VW´s body, I would buy one...

by Paulds | February 7, 2008 11:39 PM
lame

by nickkop | February 8, 2008 8:01 PM
Ok, well seeing as u know tht couldnt u just buy the Dodge and some VW emblems? lol honestly though, i dont like this, at all, in my eyes Volkswagens are cool cars (go figure) but, thanks to this they have lost some cool points and some german-ness, i mean come on germans and americans should never mix, case in point, Mercedes Chysler

by wjaprep | February 20, 2008 12:17 AM
obviously not good enough for europe, but im sure it could do well in america. it is sure to be more expensive that the cars it is based on, and americans historically don't really care about interior quality if we are honest, so why would they stump up the xtra cash for the vw. styling is also a little awkward. lets hope there is a better replacement for the sharan in europe

by worldcarfan87 | February 8, 2008 12:41 AM
Carcrazy1234,

I totally agree with you. I cannot VW would use their name on a Chrysler product!!

by fleuger99 | February 15, 2008 3:27 AM

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