Updated Touran Gets 51.1 mpg with Bluemotion

How long, O Lord, how long? You're not going to see me pining away for a minivan, of any stripe or configuration, but I've never been one to doubt their efficacy. To me, minivans, although almost totally lacking in soul, panache and a few other things that are nice to have in a road vehicle, has great big helpings of practicality, room, practicality, versatility, practicality, and, of course, practicality.

About the only thing that could make them even more practical is if they had efficient diesel engines in them. Well, they do, or at least Volkswagen's updated Touran with the Bluemotion mill in it does. On the downside, of course, is the sad fact that they won't be selling it over here in America.

On the outside you'll notice that the Volkswagen Touran is now up to date with the latest VW design language. The new front end features the same horizontal grille found on the Golf and Touareg along with a related headlight design. What you don't see is that the Touran is based on the Golf platform. Curious.

Also what you don't see is what is nestled under the hood of the VW Van. The newest option under the bonnet is Volkswagen's new Bluemotion package. The Touran 1.6 TDI Bluemotion is one of six gas and diesel engine variants, but it's the oil burner that makes the most practical sense.

The most efficient Bluemotion engine option puts out a 103 horsepower from its 1.6-liter inline-four diesel and is mated with a six-speed manual transmission. Add to that the automatic start/stop and brake energy regeneration, the seven-seat Touran scores 51.1 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the EU combined cycle. Impressive for such a big box.

If you're in Europe, then the Bluemotion package can be added onto other engine packages. For example, going with the 1.2-liter turbo direct injection TFSI engine will get you a 39.9 mpg (U.S.) rating. And later this year, the Touran Bluemotion will be available with the 140 hp 2.0-liter TDI with a rating of 49 mpg.

Sounds nice and practical VW. When you bringing one stateside?

Source: AutoBlogGreen