Volkswagen Routan Unveiled at Chicago Auto Show
Volkswagen's new Routan minivan, product of a joint venture with Chrysler, was officially unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show today. Diehard fans of the VW Microbus, Vanagon and Eurovan who were hoping for something a little less conventional may be disappointed, though the very conservative Routan only resembles the Chryslers in silhouette. Front and rear clips are all Volkswagen, with a hint of Touareg up front and Rabbit at the rear, and the interior has been similarly redesigned with better materials and a more European look than the Chryslers on which it's based. Volkswagen has also retooled the suspension to give the Routan more in-the-family driving dynamics. How different it will really be from the Town & Country, we won't know until a test drive.
Engine choices are all V6, with a standard 3.8 liter making 197 horsepower and an optional 4.0 liter, 253-horse unit. Traction control and ESP stability control are standard equipment. A navigation system with a touch-screen display, a power-folding third-row seat and a power liftgate with a floodlight are also offered. Pricing is expected to start at under $25,000 when the Routan goes on sale.
Smart move if they promote it related to their groundbreaking minibus history. The same way Honda seeks to make thier van cool by referring to the 'cool' vans of teh '70s. I also hope they add thier own diesel engines to the model, chrusler engines are not the best choice.
As much as I hate minivans, most of my immediate family would consider nothing else. It's about time something like this is availible for those who want a taste of German engineering, style, and handling, while still keeping it practical. I think this could really revitalize a segment that has been neglected in favor of silly, inept "crossovers".
Yawn... The problem with minivans is space efficiency is maximized at the cost of everything else. If you want a good handling minvanish vehicle go drive a Mazda 5. Unfortunately you will find it will be too underpowered. This VW looks to be yet another minivan that allows for too many compromises. I'm still disappointed at Chrysler's decision not to compete in this market and I see VW kept the cheap looking plastic panel on the front seat backs. They look like a cast-off from a kids big wheel. The center stack looks OEM Chrysler as well.
'mini'van? Only in the US.