A Travel Writer’s opinion of the Volkswagen Routan
Becky Beall
Transportation Note:
Need lots of room for traveling? Why not try the only minivan in America with German engineering? Volkswagen's Routan offers terrific road handling and five-star crash ratings. This is a mom mobile!FACTS:
2009 Volkswagen Routan SE
Class: Minivans
Fuel Economy: 16/23
Price as Driven: $32,720
Traveling with children is made more tolerable with today's amenities available on upper end minivans and crossovers. With that being said, Volkswagen's new Routan doesn't follow the pack, it leads the pack. Not only is this German engineered minivan perfect for families in terms of space, but also in terms of safety, comfort, and added amenities.The Routan comes standard with a 3.8 liter V6 engine providing 197 horsepower (available also in 4.0 liter V6 with 251 horsepower). The suspension and steering are both German tuned for exceptional handling and noteable advanced driving dynamics. You'll love the remote engine start, the second row power windows, and the power sliding doors.
Kids will love the rear seat entertainment system with two nine-inch screens for second and third rows including wireless headphones and remote control. Don't worry mom and dad, there is SIRIUS Satellite Radio for you!
This is a well-made, well-thought-out vehicle perfect for families, traveling or not. It seats up to seven, has lots of cup holders, and handles the road like a champ. For the money and the fuel economy...this is a great choice for today's modern family.
MY FAVES:
Fuel efficient, yet plenty of power to effectively maneuver through traffic.
European styling and the road handling of a German-inspired vehicle.
Remote back liftgate.
Navigation is simple and easy to operate.Routan photos courtesy of Volkswagen of America, Inc.
