Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI

Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI. Price: from 822,064 RUB.

Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Volkswagen engineers have pulled off a real trick that is sure to baffle competitors. The small-displacement petrol engines of the TSI series continue to conquer more and more models of the concern.

Recently, a funny thing happened. A friend asked me to give him a lift a couple of stops to the metro. Getting out of the Volkswagen Touran, he said with an expert look: "Cool engines, these two FSI." I corrected him: "Not two, but one and four." The acquaintance just laughed in response. And in vain — I was absolutely serious. In Europe, Volkswagens with the 1.4 TSI turbo engine have been on sale for quite a while. Now such cars have reached Russian dealers as well.

Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

What is the secret of this small engine, which has won the international "Engine of the Year" competition several times?

Its main advantage is efficiency combined with high output. In the combined cycle, the car consumes about 7 liters per 100 km, and on the highway even 6 liters. Nothing special? Perhaps, if you don't remember that under the hood there are 140 horsepower. For those who find this insufficient, the Germans offer a boosted version with 170 hp at the same displacement. Real magic!

This effect was achieved thanks to the combination of a mechanical supercharger and a turbocharger. This ensures smooth torque at any rpm. At low revs, the compressor works, and after 2300–2400 rpm the turbine kicks in.

Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

The tachometer needle literally goes crazy, and the robotic DSG gearbox with two clutches clicks through gears every now and then. The 1.4-liter engine with 140 hp accelerates the rather heavy Touran to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds. For now, cars with the new units cost more than their counterparts with classic engines. But as sales grow, the price will inevitably go down.

Driving
The Touran's suspension is quite soft and comfortable. True, in corners at speed the body noticeably rolls.

Interior
Inside is spacious, and there are plenty of interior transformation options.

Price
The price tag is generally adequate, although you can't call it cheap.

Volkswagen Touran 1.4 TSI
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Pros and cons
+ Powerful engine, spacious, easily and quickly transformable interior.
– Incredibly "light" steering, roll.

Our opinion

Four points