Jerry Robbin

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The Volkswagen Routan is a clone of the Chrysler Town & Country Mini Van with some VW amenities. While the VW Routan has some of its own unique features, it lacks many of the Town & Country features like the Stow ‘n Go /Swivel ‘n Go options.

The timing for the introduction of the Routan was not optimal, to say the least. The economy, and the auto market in particular, were in an unprecedented downward cycle. Further, sales in the minivan segment have been soft due to the emergence of the CUV segment.

If you opt to buy a Routan you will pay an additional $1,000.00 for the VW logo vs. the Chrysler Town and Country.

Driving Experience

The Routan and a Town and Country give basically similar driving experiences with the exception that the Routan has a bit more European feel in its steering and suspension.

Like the Town & Country, the Routan is tall, heavy and long. But what a great people hauler, great for transporting the carpool to soccer practice or moving your kid back to college.

When I was doing my test drive I noticed a lot of body roll and under steer.

The Routan is a very comfortable vehicle and (The standard drive train in the SEL is a V6,) is quick off the line and very capable on any road condition.

Safety

Standard Safety Features

Driver Air Bag

Front airbag supplemental restraint system

Passenger Air Bag

Front airbag supplemental restraint system

Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch

Passenger airbag cutoff

Side Head Air Bag

Side-curtain airbags

Alarm

Alarm system

4-Wheel ABS

4-wheel anti-lock disc brake (ABS) system

Rear Defrost

Rear defroster w/timer

Child Safety Locks

Child safety rear door locks

Auto-On Headlights

Automatic headlamps

Traction Control

Electronic stabilization program (ESP)

Rear Parking Aid

Rearview backup camera

Adjustable Pedals

Pwr adjustable pedals

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Tire pressure monitoring system

Wireless Cell Phone Hookup

UConnect Bluetooth hands-free phone system

Back-Up Camera

Rearview backup camera

Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stabilization program (ESP)

4-Wheel ABS

4-wheel anti-lock disc brake (ABS) system

4-Wheel Disc Brakes

4-wheel anti-lock disc brake (ABS) system

Interior

The Routan has a much higher quality interior than the T&C! The quality of the leather seating was superb and the materials used were of a better quality than the T&C. One complaint: The blue display for the Heat/AC was hard to read during the day.

The installed navigation was easy to use and helped plot out trips I took over the course of the week that I had the Routan. The stereo system had a great sound and the Sirius satellite radio was a pleasure to listen to.

The gearshift is mounted between the radio and the instrument panel. It’s easy to reach, but it took me a while to visually get used to the new position.

There is plenty of room for storage, cups and passengers in this people hauler. The Routan has two glove boxes and some cubicles in the center stack for small item storage. The Routan has a deep well behind the third row, which makes hauling groceries, gifts, plants and most household items a pleasure.

With all the seats up the Routan has 32.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row. The third-row seat is split 60/40. My Routan had the power folding third row seat, which can be set to four positions.

My Routan had the rear DVD entertainment option, but for some unexplained reason, the screens had been removed, so my grandchildren could not watch Sponge Bob.

Under the Hood

The Routan SEL comes with the 4.0-liter V6 in the SEL, which delivers 253 horsepower with 17/25 mpg City/Highway. The 4.0 is quick off the line and for a large vehicle does a respectable 0-60 time of 8.9 seconds. The 4.0-liter engine was smooth and performed well in most highway conditions.

Outside

VW Routan has the same DNA as the Chrysler T& C, with the exception of the front and rear treatment. The grille is unmistakably VW, resembling that of the new Tiguan the tailgate is also a VW design, with the main element being the VW logo.

The SEL came standard with power sliding side doors and tailgate and 17-inch wheels.

Summary

The Volkswagen Routan is a people mover and can take a family of six on a vacation with plenty of room for the dog and luggage. The Routan rides smooth, but t it is a clone of the T&C. The one advantage the Routan does come with the Volkswagen’s three-year, 36,000-mile free maintenance plan.

Specifications

Power train Details

Engine V6, 4.0 Liter

Horsepower 253 @ 6000 RPM

Torque 262 @ 4100 RPM

Gas Mileage 17 mpg City / 25 mpg Hwy

Bore x Stroke –

Compression Ratio 10.2

Fuel Type –

Fuel Induction Sequential Fuel Induction

Valve Train Single Overhead Cam

Valves Per Cylinder 4

Total Number Valves 24

Transmission Automatic, 6-Spd w/Overdrive

Drive train FWD

Transfer Case –

Dimensions & Capacity Details

Fuel Capacity 20.5

Wheel Base 121.2 inches

Overall Length 202.5 inches

Width 76.9 inches

Height 68.9 inches

Curb Weight 4621 lbs.

Tires / Wheel Size P225/65R17

Rear Tires / Wheel Size –

Turning Radius 38.0

Standard Axle Ratio 3.25

Maximum Ground Clearance –

Maximum GVWR –

Maximum Towing 3500

Payload Base Capacity 1200

Head Room: Front 37.2 inches

Head Room: Rear 37.9 inches

Leg Room: Front 40.6 inches

Leg Room: Rear 31.8 inches

Shoulder Rm: Front 63.0 inches

Shoulder Rm: Rear 62.0 inches

EPA Passenger 163.5 cu.ft.

EPA Trunk or Cargo 140.6 cu.ft.

EPA Total Interior

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