VW Van Returns: Routan Launched at Chicago

After the demise of the Eurovan several years ago, Volkswagen is returning

Volkswagen's first van since the Eurovan emerges in Chicago. (Photo: Volkswagen)

to the North American minivan marketplace with the Routan. The name, for those curious, stems from an amalgamation of the words “route” and the VW van suffix “-an” (see Touran, Sharan).

The big news to those who haven't yet heard is that the Routan is based on the Chrysler Town and Country, but this said it has been reworked with different styling inside and out. Volkswagen's designers have fitted a Passat-style nose, including wraparound projector beam headlamps and the wide, chrome grille that's common to Volkswagens. Around back, the Routan gains taillights that have been styled to mimic the Volkswagen Rabbit and Touareg.

In terms of the interior, The Routan is very similar to the Town and Country, although it features a new dashboard and instruments that have been clearly inspired by the Passat. Much of the controls, such as the HVAC interface and dash-top

Interior features Passat-inspired instruments and new dash. (Photo: Volkswagen)

shifter, plus the stereo system are Chrysler-sourced. Volkswagen, however, is promising a high level of refinement with build quality meeting VW's exacting standards. In terms of toys, the Routan is available with the MyGig navigation system, not one but two LCD screens for the rear entertainment system, plus power sliding side doors and a power-operated rear hatch.

Volkswagen isn't stating whether Chrysler is giving up exclusivity of its popular Stow 'n Go seating system, or its new Swivel n' Go seating system with its removable table, which would be a classic VW feature if available, so we'll have to wait until the Routan gets closer to production before we can report on such details.

Page: 1 2

NEW Volkswagen PRICE QUOTE

Get a FREE, No-Obligation Internet Price Quote for Volkswagen !


Find Volkswagen Dealer \| Search Auto Listings for Volkswagen

User Tools


	Discuss in our Forums

	Photos of Volkswagen Routan

	Print this Auto News

	Email this Auto News

Your Comments

Enter review title	Choose a star rating	Type in your review
Your Name (optional)	Your Email (optional)

Related Vehicle Listings

Acura Audi Bentley BMW Buick Cadillac Chevrolet Chrysler Daewoo Dodge Eagle Ferrari Ford Geo GMC Honda Hummer Hyundai Infiniti Isuzu Jaguar Jeep Kia Lamborghini Lexus Lincoln Lotus Maserati Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercury MINI Mitsubishi Nissan Oldsmobile Plymouth Pontiac Porsche Saab Saturn Scion Subaru Suzuki Toyota Volkswagen Volvo