Chicago 2008 preview: Volkswagen Routan leaks out
by Damon Lavrinc on Feb 5th 2008 at 3:28PM 
Click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Routan.
Well, thanks to the German pub Autobild you can now see the collaborative efforts of Chrysler and Volkswagen in the form of the VW Routan. Unfortunately, the V-Dub van hardly harkens back to the time of the mini-bus, as everything between the A- and D-pillar is a dead ringer for the Chrysler/Dodge on which it's built. The new front fascia is attractive enough, with swooping headlamps, well-proportioned air dams and a chrome grille fitted with the VW logo, while the rear benefits from a similar tail lamp design as seen on the Touareg and Golf.
Power comes courtesy of a 3.6-liter V6, with 197 hp and 230 lb.-ft. of torque routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can upgrade what's under the hood with a 4.0-liter V6 producing 251 hp and 259 lb.-ft. of torque. Traction control and ESP will be standard, along with dual power sliding doors, power windows and thirteen (13!) cupholders. Some of the options include a touch screen nav with a 20 gig hard-drive, power lift gate and a rear seat entertainment system with two, nine-inch screens.
Volkswagen plans to price the base Routan below the $25,000 mark and sales are expected to begin later this year.
Volkswagen's press release is available in full after the jump.
Gallery: Volkswagen Routan
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
pdpablo 3:33PM (2/05/2008)
kinda looks like a honda accord from the front
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Scott 3:33PM (2/05/2008)
OMG... Like turning Barbara Walters into Heidi Klum... with a little German know-how
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Mercury Fan Forever 3:35PM (2/05/2008)
Looks much better than it's Chrysler and Dodge siblings.
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Fosterdad 3:36PM (2/05/2008)
This is how Chrysler should have made the front end of the new T&C and Caravan. I love the interior of the new T&C/Caravan, but can't stand the front end. It's awful. This is a huge improvement. We may be in the market for a minivan later this year, if the pricing is similar to the Mopar version, I'd seriously consider it.
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Jimesq 3:36PM (2/05/2008)
I am thinking VW may have been better off without this on their dealer lots.
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davido 3:38PM (2/05/2008)
Wow! Looks like a...like a...like a minivan. Yeah!
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Josh 3:41PM (2/05/2008)
It's too bad VW couldn't get their interior electronics in there... DC's parts bin stereo, nav and steering wheel aren't nearly as nice as the in-house VW versions. Overall this weirds me out.
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Scott 3:41PM (2/05/2008)
I went to Autobild... checked out the galleries... the interior is virtually un-touched... I would've liked to ate least see the VW-style blue/red instrumentation behind a more VW-like steering wheel... and no DSG (I wasn't holding my breath or anything on that one, though).
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Cip 11:16PM (2/11/2008)
Wow do i see the sebring in a minivan form. lol THis is uglyyyyyyyyyyy. lol
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calebe 3:42PM (2/05/2008)
The front looks good, the back well, hmmm, not sure. The interior looks really nice. BUT, i will have to see the plastics in person.
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greg 3:42PM (2/05/2008)
to me it looks like a oddesey this looks soooo much better then then the new chrysler vans
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Trace 3:45PM (2/05/2008)
I remember passing a Dodge Caravan with driving my brand new Eurovan and feeling so ... different. I had a Vanagon also, just not sure what to think of this except that buying replacement mechanicals for this from Dodge has to be a heck of a lot cheaper than from VW. Will this me offered in an L, GL and MV version? Offer me a Synchro-Diesel version and you will have me $$$ attention.
Back to my diesel Beetle for now.
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Andrew Tanasescu 3:44PM (2/05/2008)
I was hoping mini vans would sort of die out...
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icu812ru469 3:52PM (2/05/2008)
I wouldn't exactly say Heidi Klum... more like turning Joan Rivers into Marlene Dietrich... not young version...
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sirAQUAMAN64 3:53PM (2/05/2008)
Maintain this isn't the right product for Volkswagen, but was honestly expecting worse. Long reach down for some of those centre stack controls, but otherwise fairly attractive (with hint 'o Passat) interior compared to the Grand Caravan - mind you, priced more like a T&C I'm sure.
Anyone know whether or not it has Stow 'n Go? Lacking it would be a kiss of death.
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sheth 3:53PM (2/05/2008)
folks,
this looks just like the chrysler versions. Why are people acting like its so different because its a VW?
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Ken 3:54PM (2/05/2008)
You have got to be kidding me...
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Brendan 3:54PM (2/05/2008)
why VW why?
i would rather have the old school column shifter than one on the dash....horrible.
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John 3:54PM (2/05/2008)
The reshaping of the rear certainly helps get rid of the godawful bread box look, even if the taillights do appear to be melting.
Interior appears to be a "silk purse" fix. Not as great as other VW interiors, but they did what they could with a pretty bleak starting point.
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Soccer Mom 4:00PM (2/05/2008)
Damn it looks good. Just a few tweaks and Chrysler's ugly brick-on-wheels becomes an attractive vehicle. Similar to what SAAB did with Subaru.
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