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2008 Volkswagen Routan


 
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Volkswagen today officially revealed the 2008 Routan at the Chicago Auto Show. The Routan is a seven passenger vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value. The Routan was developed together with Chrysler and will go on sale with prices starting below $25,000.

The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 253 hp and 263 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan.

Press release after the jump.


Press release

Volkswagen of America today unveiled the Routan, an all new seven-passenger minivan. It delivers the best of both worlds: a vehicle that combines European sensibilities in design, fit and finish, and handling characteristics with market relevant features and outstanding value.

The Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family, with its stylized front grille and exterior treatments. The interior enhancements create an environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. The high quality materials, beautiful textures and rich luxurious colors are combined with exacting tolerances and superb fit and finish. While pleasing and contemporary, the interior also follows the traditional Volkswagen design philosophy that form follows function.

Second row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort while still providing the convenience of a traditional minivan, with over 32.7 cubic feet available behind the third row seats and a full 83 cubic feet is available behind the second row.

The Routan will come standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lb. ft. of torque when combined with the standard six-speed automatic transmission. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 253 hp and 263 lb. ft. of torque. Routan features European tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and improved driving dynamics. Standard all-season traction control and ESP, brings safety and security to the Routan. The Routan comes with a host of unique features, including:

  • Conversation Mirror
  • Rear seat entertainment system with two 9 inch screens for second and third row, wireless headsets, and remote control
  • Dual power sliding doors with power windows
  • Touch screen navigation with twenty meg hard drive
  • Power lift gate with flood lamp
  • Thirteen cup holders

Volkswagen delivers a competitively priced entry into this high volume segment with prices starting below $25,000. The Routan was developed together with Chrysler LLC and will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario.




5 comments: Volkswagen Routan


edwinsantiago (381)
Posted on
09.27.2010 @ 00:17
Having had a short, 5-month stint with a 2008 Grand Caravan, I can honestly say the Routan REEKS of Grand Caravan. It’s like slapping VW badges on a Caliber and calling it a Golf. It doesn’t work.

Jared_smith (462)
Posted on
08.5.2010 @ 22:39
Smart move if they promote it related to their groundbreaking minibus history. The same way Honda seeks to make their van cool by referring to the ’cool’ vans of the ’70s. I also hope they add their own diesel engines to the model, Chrysler engines are not the best choice.

kim_tatel (275)
Posted on
05.6.2010 @ 23:26
This model will cost around $25,000 or more with 6 speed automatic transmission.

Nash_blue (325)
Posted on
03.9.2010 @ 21:49
This is how Chrysler should have made the front end of the new T&C and Caravan. I love the interior of the new T&C/Caravan, but can’t stand the front end. It’s awful. This is a huge improvement.

papy_chulo (712)
Posted on
02.17.2010 @ 21:34
They’ll never make the Microbus. The name is too easy to pronounce. I suppose they could come up with some new, wacky, unpronounceable name like Kiogtizpeq but they’re probably saving that for the Rabbit replacement.

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  Volkswagen Routan Pictures