Up Close: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

I didn't understand this car when I first heard about it, and now that I've seen it I still don't understand it. Espousing the brand's newfound access to a "high-volume market segment" — perhaps the horde of minivan buyers heading for the exits? — Volkswagen CEO Stefan Jacoby introduced the Routan (ROO-tan) to journalists. It's no secret that this is a rebadged version of the Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan, so I set out to find exactly how the Routan bucks those routines.

First were a few disappointments: For its second-row captain's chairs — no bench seat is offered — the Routan offers neither Stow 'n Go nor Swivel 'n Go, two of Chrysler's signature features. The seats fold flat but not into the floor, though the floor compartments are still there for storage. Spokesman Chrstian Buhlmann said VW passed on the feature because it wanted maximum comfort in the second row. I'll buy that answer in regard to Stow 'n Go, which requires narrow, rigid seats to fold into the floor. But the Swivel 'n Go seats are much more accommodating. Sure enough, I checked out a Town & Country across the convention hall, and I'm not exactly sure what the Routan's fixed seats bring to the ballgame.

The Routan offers most of the Town & Country's other family features, like a Stow 'n Go third row, Sirius Backseat TV and the MyGIG infotainment system. Spokesman Steve Keyes said Volkswagen will market these features with VW-specific names. Buhlmann said the suspension and steering will also be tuned for a more European feel, and I hope that signals an improvement over the Town & Country's creaky ride.

Up front, the cabin shares the same styling as Chrysler's minivans, though the gauges are new and the center controls have different markings. The upper dash uses softer materials than the Town & Country's rock-hard plastics, and the doors now have leather wrappings — probably the single nicest improvement over Chrysler's roughshod surfaces. Truth be told, though, I'm not sure these improvements are enough to outweigh the second-row seating issue.

More Routan info and photos

Comments

[L]

Thanks for the new photos!

I wonder if they'll ever consider slapping a diesel engine in this thing?

Has anyone heard about Chrysler putting a diesel or hybrid in their vans???

So what does Volkswagon have to gain by rebadging a Chrysler product? Hopefully it doesn't use a chrysler transmission because i drove a Caliber the other day and i'm not sure that tranny knows how to shift >.>

[Trainer]

With a Chrysler running gear, this will be the best Volkswagen ever, and the most reliable. VW did a nice job of improving the trim around the greenhouse - it makes the vehicle look more upscale than its American siblings.

VW must be nuts! Why would they use a Chrysler product? The only advantage this van has over the Chrysler is styling. They should have courted Mazda to bring their MPV newest MPV which was bumped out of the US because of the CX-9 but would have challanged Honda and Toyota.

[bkt777]

Technically the Calibur does not have a traditional transmission.

[cody]

Nice bkt, you beat me to it. The Caliber's tranny does not, in fact, "know how to shift" since it's a CVT.

I do think the interior and exterior of the VW van look better than either Chrysler vans, but I wish they would have changed the engine. The 2.0L Turbo with the 5sp auto would have been a nice base engine (probably would have been a little pokey, but the mileage would have been less Suburban-like), and the VW V6 would have been a nice engine for the higher trim level... Oh well, I'm not in the market for a minivan anyway.

[Used Cars]

Volkswagen continues its recent spate of strange names (Touareg, Tiguan) with its new minivan, the Routan. After years of trying with little success to sell its European minivan (the Eurovan) in the United States, and giving up on a plan to do a modern interpretation of the beloved Microbus for the U.S. market, VW finally just took the expedient route and went to the minivan

[DD]

why get this when you can get the Chrysler with an unlimited powertrain warrantee, and far more interesting features, such as the swivel and go seats, the removable table, the innovative center console....who would buy a Chrysler powertrain with a VW 50k warrantee when even Chrysler can't sell them?

[Tracy]

I've been a Honda Od. Van owner for 2 years now. I love, love, love, love my van. Smooth ride, no acceleration problems ever! Lots of room. It baffles me that VW would want Chrysler to make a mini van for them. Chrysler is notorious for mechanical issues. My van has to be the best out there. I would never buy a Chrysler ever, bottom line. Now, I'll never consider a VW van either.

[ron ulrich]

I'm a life-long VW user/owner. My parents had both bugs and buses. I have driven or owned virtually ever model since I got my license and started driving the wonderful 78 tdi rabbit (55mpg). Currently driving 4mo passat wagon and EV MV weekender.

I find it incredibly ironic and actually sad that VW, having been the creator of the family friendly ultra utilitarian van that can not be compared to, is now expecting it's customers to put up with an inferior offering like this. Rear facing seats and picnic tables, VW invented them.. Who are the marketing and product management gurus in VW's US van group? They should consider talking to their loyal customer base before launching yet another lead balloon. Many late model eurovans are selling now for more than retail. Why?, because you can not replicate the product. Why did they not just evolve the EV and improve on it instead of bailing from the market and trying to re-enter it with this turkey.. Good luck, I'll keep my EV on the road until they get their act together..

[ron ulrich]

I'm a life-long VW user/owner. My parents had both bugs and buses. I have driven or owned virtually ever model since I got my license and started driving the wonderful 78 tdi rabbit (55mpg). Currently driving 4mo passat wagon and EV MV weekender.

I find it incredibly ironic and actually sad that VW, having been the creator of the family friendly ultra utilitarian van that can not be compared to, is now expecting it's customers to put up with an inferior offering like this. Rear facing seats and picnic tables, VW invented them.. Who are the marketing and product management gurus in VW's US van group? They should consider talking to their loyal customer base before launching yet another lead balloon. Many late model eurovans are selling now for more than retail. Why?, because you can not replicate the product. Why did they not just evolve the EV and improve on it instead of bailing from the market and trying to re-enter it with this turkey.. Good luck, I'll keep my EV on the road until they get their act together..

[Richard Cochran]

I don't understand it either. I owned a EuroVan Camper for 11 years, and swapped it a year ago for a Honda Odyssey. The EuroVan was a wonderful vehicle, with unique versatility. The only reason I sold it was that parts and service were difficult to find and expensive. There's no way I'd put up with the VW dealer network for another "me too" van.

[WR]

I don't think I will buy this minivan. I would rather have the Eurovan that is much sleeker and better.
Better yet, get the Microbus back into business. If it is Chrylser engine and tranny, might as well buy a Chrysler with 100K warranty as mentioned by someone.

[DodgeFan]

Actually you could take this van to a Dodge Dealor. :) Since you know its a clone.