BR-2009-Volkswagen Routan (Informal) PDF

2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN
The Routan minivan is a Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country, reviewed and
corrected by Volkswagen. Volkswagen’s redesign brings alterations to the front and rear,
heftier seats and German tuning for the suspension and steering. The vehicle is
otherwise all Chrysler but without the Stow ‘n Go and Swivel ‘n Go seats. The Routan is
offered in Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and Execline trim levels.
Interior and cargo area
The front seats are easy to access and very comfortable, with very good side support.
The driver’s seat has lumbar adjustment. The driving position is good, and headroom and
legroom are generous. The wide doorsills make it difficult to execute a graceful exit.
Access to the second row is easy. Comfort depends on the size of the occupant—the
cushions are a bit short, and tall people find the seating a bit low. Volkswagen decided to
pass on Chrysler’s Stow ‘n Go seats, which is a blow to functionality. The second-row
seats have to be removed to make more space, and since they weigh a good 40 kg, that
involves considerable effort.
Access to the 60/40-split third-row bench is through the middle aisle between the second
row, and it isn’t easy. Like almost all third-row seats, this one is unsuitable for anyone
over average height.
Cargo capacity is good even with the rear bench in place thanks to the space afforded by
the compartment into which it folds, and very good when the seat is folded into the floor.
Removing the second-row seats expands cargo space dramatically. They also can be
folded forward, after removing the head restraints, to obtain more space without the
hassle of extracting the seats, but cargo capacity is not as impressive. There are no
anchors for a vertical cargo net.
Convenience and safety
Cabin finish is better than in the Chrysler versions but not as impeccable as in most true
Volkswagens. The quality of materials is better, too, but some of the plastics look cheap.
Sound isolation is perfectible, especially where road noise is concerned. There are plenty
of storage spaces.
Photo: Volkswagen
Displays and controls are well displayed and located, except for the windshield wiper
control, placed on the turn-signal lever. The climate control system is efficient, but its
control buttons are small. The rear wiper has only an intermittent cycle, which is
insufficient. The removable centre console in the two most expensive models is practical,
and interior lighting is efficient. The mirror control and glove compartment are not
illuminated at night.
Safety features include four airbags (two front and two head curtain), four-wheel antilock
disc brakes, stability control, seven head restraints and good low-beam headlights. The
headlights lack range and brightness in the high-beam position. Visibility is good in all
directions, except to the rear when backing up.
In U.S. government safety tests, the Routan scored five stars out of five for
front-occupant protection in a frontal impact and for all occupants in a side crash. It
earned four stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave
the Routan a “Good” rating, its highest, for driver protection in an off-centre front
collision, and for all-occupant protection in side impact. It received a Marginal rating
(IIHS’s second worst) for rear-collision protection.
Engine and transmission
The 4.0-litre V6 engine outputs 251 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque, which
allows the Routan to move along smartly. Acceleration and pickup are lively and
practically instantaneous. Though noisy in acceleration, this engine is very well adapted
to the vehicle. It meets Tier2/Bin5 emissions control standards.
The six-speed automatic transmission derives from the four-speed that equips several
Chrysler products. It is well geared and functions very smoothly overall. Unfortunately, it
does not allow you to start off in second gear.
On the road
The Routan’s suspension tuning is firmer than that of its Chrysler relatives, which results
in relatively well-felt reactions on some uneven pavement. Overall, the ride is
comfortable and the vehicle remains composed, on both corrugated and lumpy surfaces.
Road holding is good for this type of vehicle.
The power steering is heavy, especially at low speed. It is also stable, precise and
relatively quick. It transmits a bit of road feedback, and its turning circle is small.
Braking is powerful, with good fade resistance.
Inspection
In an inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, we saw that the Routan’s

sturdy platform is timidly treated against corrosion, unlike real Volkswagen products. The
climate system lines are routed above the exhaust pipe and may not last long. The
parking brake cables are poorly protected, as are several electrical connections and a
computer placed in front of the left front wheel. The overhead camshafts of the 4.0-litre
engine are belt driven.
Conclusion
Volkswagen has chosen a strange time to introduce a minivan, with sales in this segment
fading quite rapidly. The Routan is also definitely more a Chrysler than a Volkswagen,
but up to a point it can meet the expectations of Volkswagen enthusiasts thanks to
slightly better handling dynamics.
PROS: comfortable front seating, roadability, roominess, smooth transmission, small

turning circle, well-adapted engine
CONS: heavy steering, average rear-seat comfort, perfectible soundproofing, wide

doorsills, several components poorly protected, wiper lever needs work.
2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN
Engine: 24-valve, 4.0-litre V6

Horsepower: 251 hp at 6,000 rpm
Torque: 259 lb-ft at 4,100 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Suspension: independent/solid axle
Brakes: disc/disc
Wheelbase: 307.8 cm
Length: 514.3 cm
Width: 195.3 cm (without mirrors)
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 2,096 kg
Tires: 225/65R16; 225/65R17
Maximum towing capacity: 1,633 kg
Airbags: dual front and two curtain airbags
Fuel consumption:
Natural Resources Canada rating:
City: 12.2 L/100 km (23 mpg) Highway: 7.9 L/100 km (36 mpg)
Test result: 11.6 L/100 km (25 mpg) Test temperature: 16°C to 30°C
CO2 emissions: 4,944 kg/20,000 km
Fuel tank capacity: 76 litres
Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline
Acceleration:
0–100 km/h: 8.5 seconds 60–100 km/h: 6.2 seconds
Competition: Chevrolet Uplander, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan,
Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, Nissan Quest, Pontiac Montana SV6,
Toyota Sienna
Warranty:
Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km
Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km
Perforation damage: 5 years/160,000 km
Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage);
8 years/130,000 km (catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard
diagnostic system).
Factory replacement parts:

Rear bumper: $1,152
Front brake disc: $84
Brake pads: $110
Muffler: $461
Front fender: $209
Price according to trim level:

Trendline: $27,975
Comfortline: $33,975
Highline: $39,975
Execline: $49,975
Main options:
Entertainment package I: $1,800 (Trendline, Comfortline)
Entertainment package II: $2,400 (Highline)
Navigation system: $2,800 (Highline)
Price as tested: $39,975
Freight and preparation: $1,575
Dealers: Quebec: 41 Canada: 129
© June 2009. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec

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2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN

Interior and cargo area

Convenience and safety

Engine and transmission

In an inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre, we saw that the Routan’s

PROS: comfortable front seating, roadability, roominess, smooth transmission, small

CONS: heavy steering, average rear-seat comfort, perfectible soundproofing, wide

2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN

Engine: 24-valve, 4.0-litre V6

CO2 emissions: 4,944 kg/20,000 km

Fuel tank capacity: 76 litres

Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline

Factory replacement parts:

Price according to trim level:

Price as tested: $39,975

Freight and preparation: $1,575

Dealers: Quebec: 41 Canada: 129

© June 2009. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec

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