Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Spy Photos, Minivans/MPVs, Volkswagen
Spy Shots: Volkswagen Routan vannin' around
by Dan Roth on Feb 1st 2008 at 8:58AM 
Priddy and Company stumbled across a dolled up VW Routan and managed to capture a shot. Earth shattering revelation here: it looks like a Grand Caravan. It'd be natural to assume some similarities, there's only so much you can do to the basic body shell when badge engineering, but when the spy photogs almost pass it right by, that says something. The boys in the camoflage department deserve a little something extra in their envelope this week, because there aren't too many clues as to what the undisguised version will look like (besides, say, a Chrysler minivan.) The most noticeable element that we can discern are taillights that are subtly reshaped and have different lenses. It might just be the angle, but it's possible that the rear quarter windows and back hatch are reshaped, as well. It almost looks like there's a little more rake in the aft pillars and you can be sure that the bumper and back hatch have been redone. Ever since a '74 Kombi stole my heart, I've been waiting for a new Microbus, especially with Volkswagen's penchant for the retro. We'll wait until Chicago to pass final judgement, and give props to Chrysler for finding someone to take some of their production volume and keep the lines rolling.
[Source: Jalopnik, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
calebe 9:26AM (2/01/2008)
I hope VW designed the dash. Chrysler could learn how to do interior design from them.
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MemphisNET 9:42AM (2/01/2008)
Haven't seen the Dodge interior (I can't imagine it being much different) but the T&C's was pretty good, especially compared to the old one.
I wonder what the suspension tuning will be like. The Eurovan wasn't exactly a corner-carver like the rest of their lineup - and if anything transmitted a little too much back to the driver - not fun in a comfort vehicle.
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Jared 9:51AM (2/01/2008)
VW has terrible quality control problems, but at least their vehicles are generally very attractive, inside and out. So who do they source their minivan from? Chrysler -- known for their own quality control problems as well, but they are also known for vehicles that are ugly inside and out.
Another brilliant move by VW. Idiots.
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Atomicbri 9:58AM (2/01/2008)
Disappointed VW used the cheap route at giving America a minivan, no problem to me though as I would not be caught ever driving one. Chrysler needs the volume and VW needs (?) a minivan so I guess the pair worked a deal, too bad they didn't do it with, say, Honda.
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DJ 10:11AM (2/01/2008)
wow, another minivan, i can hardly contain my excitement.....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.............
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Chris 10:16AM (2/01/2008)
I especially love the gigantic watermarks that render the image useless. Thanks, Jalopnik!
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Scott 11:19AM (2/01/2008)
I'd take the VW over the Chrysler version any day. Of course, having said that, I'd like to indicate that I, am, in no way defending VW for their choice for an engineering partner. I'm just banking on the VW being a little nicer than its Chrysler counterparts, especially if VW uses THEIR parts suppliers and not Chrysler's. Plusher leather, perhaps?
I guess we can't hold out for an AWD version
with the DSG tranny, can we? LOL
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scooter 1:56PM (2/01/2008)
History is littered with failed mash-ups like this. Acura SLX, anyone? Early 90's Dodge Monaco, hello?
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cameron42985 2:32PM (2/01/2008)
It'll be as hard to find on the road as the Pheaton. Can anyone pronounce these awful US failures?
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Heel5man 1:17PM (2/02/2008)
I have seen the van in person at the VW dealer meeting last month in Orlando and it's much different than the Chrysler. Actually VW ended up with the better end of the deal because the van looks like a better looking Odyssey instead of a Chrysler. The interior is similar to the Touareg, so no apologies there. It will be priced with nice options in the high-20s so it should be competitive.
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