Image via WikipediaThe collaboration between Volkswagen and Chrysler, which produced the
VW Routan minivan, has raised eyebrows. Here we have Volkswagen, which introduced Americans to the practicality of a small van built on a car's platform in the 1950s and Ô60s (it was known as the Type 2, Transporter or microbus). And Chrysler reintroduced the small-van concept to Americans with its Voyager and Caravan models in 1984.
The collaboration between these two companies probably had as much to do with personalities as with historical synergy. Wolfgang Bernhard had worked with
Dieter Zetsche, the former head of Chrysler back in the
DaimlerChrysler days. Bernhard moved on to Volkswagen at about the same time the decision was made to go with the
Chrysler platform for Volkswagen's next minivan. Called the Routan, it arrived in 2009.
Four models of the Routan are offered: the base S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium. The S and SE models feature a 3.8-liter V-6. The SEL models use a 4.0-liter V-6. Both engines use a six-speed automatic transmission. All models have front-wheel drive and three rows of seating.
Even the base S model is nicely equipped with tri-zone manual air conditioning complete with rear-seat controls. The S model also has power windows, remote control locks and heated mirrors. Much of the safety equipment that is expected of new cars is present, too, including side curtain air bags, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, tire pressure monitoring and daytime running lights.
SE models add heated front seats with good looking vinyl upholstery - most people think it is leather. Other extras are very handy power adjustable pedals, a power driver's seat, and an upgrade to second-row bucket seats rather than a split-and-folding bench seat.
The SEL model features automatic three-zone climate control, leather upholstery, a navigation system with a backup camera, a power sunroof and power third-row folding seats.
The SEL Premium includes a rear seat DVD player, rear obstacle detection, memory for the driver's seat, mirrors and pedals, roof rails, fog lights and xenon headlights.
Our review vehicle had all of these features along with the 4.0-liter V-6.
Of more importance, our Routan diverged from its Chrysler cousins in several important ways. First, the suspension feels a little tighter and less relaxed over bumps and pavement undulations. The result is a steadier ride without harshness. Handling also feels a little sharper with less lean in corners.
Volkswagen has used a mix of hard and soft-to-the-touch plastics inside, all of which look very good. Our review vehicle was nicely assembled, too. Only the center console, which is a little too flexible, could stand some work.
Another interior upgrade is to be found in the second row seating. Some people may consider this a step down, but the Chrysler
Stow 'n Go seats are absent. Our review SEL Premium came with second row bucket seats that would not flip, fold and disappear beneath the floor to form a flat load floor for cargo. Instead, the seats in the Routan must be removed for carrying larger items. Although they might be less flexible, these seats were much more comfortable than the Stow 'n Go seating they replaced. For buyers who have to transport adults in the second row, the Volkswagen approach seems preferable. It is certainly more comfortable. Volkswagen uses the compartments that normally hold the folded second row seats for two large and convenient under-floor storage bins.
The Routan's third row seat does flip, fold and tumble into a well at the rear of the vehicle to form a flat load floor for cargo. In the SEL models this is accomplished with the push of a button. The third row seats will accommodate adults, but it is probably a good idea to keep the trip short. Also, the well at the rear of the vehicle that holds this third row seat when folded is perfect for holding grocery bags.
Acceleration from the 4.0-liter V-6 is more than sufficient. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, too, producing a run to 60 miles per hour that required just 8.7 seconds. Fuel economy, considering the size of the vehicle, was reasonable. In our first Routan, we averaged 18.8 miles per gallon. This time out, the fuel economy came to 18.1 miles per gallon.
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