2009 Volkswagen Routan Review

Minivans come and minivans go, but the existence of growing families is eternal. And whether you consider them hip or not, in the 25 years since Chrysler 'invented' the minivan, humankind has yet to devise a better way to mobilize four kids and all their stuff. In the previous paragraph, you will note we used the word invented in quotes. Fact of the matter is, those of us of a certain age recall an earlier vehicle that; seated six comfortably, was based on a car, shaped like a van, and had a sliding door on its side. Volkswagen’s Microbus.

Routan is packed with features conducive to excelling at family duty. Attributes include two nine-inch video screens––for second-and third-row passengers, each capable of displaying video independently of one another. Remote keyless engine start and entry, a power operated rear lift gate, 12-volt DC and 115-volt AC electrical outlets, touch-screen navigation, 13 cupholders, and a 30 GB hard drive multi-media entertainment system all work in concert to help make mobile life easier.

The optional power folding third-row seat can be flipped for tailgating, or folded completely away for more cargo capacity. And, the main cabin doors on both sides of the Volkswagen Routan can be opened and closed electrically while featuring windows that lower completely.

Two engines are available, a 197-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 that makes 230 foot-pounds of torque, and a 253-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 that makes 262 foot-pounds of torque. Both engines run on regular fuel. Naturally, the bigger engine pulls the vehicle with more alacrity, but the 3.8 does just fine too, thank-you-very-much. Although frankly, given that the 4.0 is more powerful AND gets better fuel economy, we have trouble seeing why the 3.8 is even in the mix. According to Volkswagen, Routan is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway with the 3.8, and 17-city and 25-highway with the 4.0.

© Source: onwheelsinc
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