Consumer Reports Tests Volkswagen Routan

I found this reported in Car Blog. In part, the article said:

"...Instead of testing a group of competing vehicles for the November issue, CR featured tests of several new and redesigned vehicles that are hot off the magazine’s test track. In addition to the Prius, this issue also includes the redesign of the Chevrolet Equinox small SUV; the small, boxy Nissan Cube wagon; the redesigned Subaru Outback wagon; and the Chrysler-based Volkswagen Routan minivan. ...

"... Although the Routan is also too new to have reliability data, the Chrysler Town & Country, on which it is based, had below average reliability and CR expects the Routan to be the same. ...

"Full tests and ratings of the vehicles appear in the November issue of Consumer Reports, which goes on sale October 6. The reports are also available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org. Updated daily, ConsumerReports.org is the go-to site for the latest auto reviews, product news, blogs on breaking news and car buying information. ...

"The Routan is not a German import but a rebadged Chrysler Town & Country with a few tweaks. The ride is pleasant and the cabin is quiet, but handling is clumsy and the engines lack refinement. The Volkswagen Routan SEL ($36,215 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 251-hp, 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers better-than-average performance but racked up just 16 mpg overall. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Braking is Good. Aside from the nicely-finished soft-touch upper dash, the interior looks and feels cheap, from the large gaps around the shifter to the wobbly center-console compartment. Folding the powered third row and removing the heavy second-row seats opens up a cavernous cargo hold."