Chicago 2008: Volkswagen unveils the newish Routan minivan
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Feb 6th 2008 at 2:13PM 
click above to view more high-res pics of the VW Routan
Fumbling out of the "why bother" category here at the Chicago Auto Show is the 2009 Volkswagen Routan, which is their new minivan based on the Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Caravan platform. Oddly, Volkswagen opened up its presentation by showing pics and videos of its classic vehicles, such as the old Beetle and the old-style rear-engined vans. What's odd is that those classics share absolutely no heritage with the new Chrysler minivan-based Routan. Why conjure up favorable memories of the old VW van before letting us down with this new one?
Moving on to better things, the new van does have a pretty attractive face, more attractive than the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country, at least. Standard features are many, including traction and stability controls, a 6-speed automatic transmission and Chrysler's 3.8L V6, though a 4.0L V6 producing 251 hp is also available. The interior is nicer in the Routan than in its Chrysler counterparts, though that's not necessarily saying much. We'll reserve final judgment until we get a chance to live with it, though.
Volkswagen believes that it has struck a better ride and handling compromise on the Routan than Chrysler was able to achieve with either of its vans, which is a bit like biting the hands that feeds you. Nothing on the Routan is all that bad, so we think that any potential minivan customer will consider it. What it will cost is unknown, but VW said the Routan will start around $25,000. We still question whether this is the best that Volkswagen could do with such a great history of vans to draw upon. As we see it, all this vehicle does is give VW dealers a vehicle to sell to large families.
Gallery: Volkswagen Routan
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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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Torrent 2:17PM (2/06/2008)
Yeah. I don't like minivans.
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TyWright 2:18PM (2/06/2008)
SERIOUSLY DISAPPOINTING!!!
Every time someone talks about the Routan, Chrysler's name will come up. Ugh!
BIG MISTAKE not making the Microbus concept.
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Polly Prissy Pants 3:54PM (2/06/2008)
They'll never make the Microbus. The name is too easy to pronounce. I suppose they could come up with some new, wacky, unprnounceable name like Kiogtizpeq but they're probably saving that for the Rabbit replacement.
DDL 2:26PM (2/06/2008)
Amazingly better looking than the Chrysler variants which look like small breadvans, but how's that interior going to measure up in a VW showroom?
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almost Dr. G.. 2:22PM (2/06/2008)
i smell market flop on vw's part.. so much for trying to take over the world..
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cameron42985 2:23PM (2/06/2008)
It takes more than an emblem to individualize a vehicle. In this case, much, much more.
The seats and instrument cluster have Chrysler all over them. This is seriously confusing.
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j_jones99 2:26PM (2/06/2008)
Now why would I buy this over the cheaper Dodge version?
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Zerk 2:26PM (2/06/2008)
Rottan
Croutan
O'Routang
Routand
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Brennan 2:35PM (2/06/2008)
Rotund.
*sigh*
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calebe 2:38PM (2/06/2008)
there is nothing "mini" about this. It does look a lot better than the chrysler. I do not like the light colored interior. Lets see it after a few dozen 6 year olds walk around on the seats and spill capri sun all over it. Better give us a dark interior option.
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Alex Nunez 2:38PM (2/06/2008)
Let's swap the "R" and "T" in the name and bring that over instead. With TDI, please.
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Tool 2:39PM (2/06/2008)
Even though minivans are so passé, this thing actually looks better than the New New Chrysler minivans.
Too bad the market has shifted to crossovers.
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richardtoh 2:58PM (2/06/2008)
IMHO, there is little to differentiate between the VW and Chrysler version of the van.
However, if VW were to install a TDI engine, then the fuel-efficiency factor will appeal to a wider audience.
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Big J 2:44PM (2/06/2008)
Haha, are those the '09 Acura RL headlamps that were stolen from the butt-ugly Sebring?
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jgp 2:48PM (2/06/2008)
I like the new front end and the new interior, but couldn't VW have done something to differentiate the side? And why not use the Passat's 2.0L Turbo-4 and 3.6L VR6 instead of the Chrysler engines?
Meh. Isn't the new Sharan coming out in Europe sometime this year? It'll be based on the Passat platform--why couldn't VW just wait a few more months and launch the Sharan in both the US and Europe?
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FX 2:57PM (2/06/2008)
As a former owner of a Chrysler T&C, and having endured a $2000 mechanical make-over at 54,000 miles, and knowing my best friends very annoying troubles with his Vdub , I'm convinced that VW has indeed chosen the right company to put their badge on.
Why would any CEO, who was in their right mind, outsource to Chrysler? I'm sure there are many other minivan builders who would be a better alternative.
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Chaz 2:55PM (2/06/2008)
For one thing, and I expect a backlash for this, I expect this thing to be more reliable than a Touran, albeit less refined, composed....etc.
The T&C is a nice van, something that's been ignored so far, and clearly has its market segment figured out. The interior, while not to the level of Sienna/Odyssey, is nice, and has not novel design ideas.
VWoA needs all the help they can get at this point (so does Chrysler as it happens), and at the very least, this will represent a viable option for families that have outsized a Touareg or Passat Variant, something VW hasn't had on offer since the Caravelle (Eurovan) was imported.
On the topic of that Caravelle, people who remember its sale as a minivan alternative in the US will recall that aside from its cult appeal, it was not especially well recieved. It fit the bill for European needs (as a commercial vehicle more than a private family car generally, but I digress) but it was not the right call for the US market. I would argue that this new very slightly upscale Chrysler van (which I agree is considerably better looking) is a less risky response to market demands.
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Shoaib 2:56PM (2/06/2008)
Why don't they follow GM and make a Touareg with a third-row seat? The Audi Q7 has one, it shouldn't be that hard to do.
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Chaz 2:57PM (2/06/2008)
novel ideas, rather than "not novel", my bad
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dpb! 3:03PM (2/06/2008)
Unless Westfalia gets involved...snooze.
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