Vw Routan: a Chrysler Minivan in Thin Disguise!

One look at Volkswagen's new Routan minivan and you'll think that you've seen this vehicle before. You have.

In a bid to fill a glaring void in the German automaker's line up, Volkswagen turned to Chrysler to supply their newest model, a seven passenger people hauler based upon the popular Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country platform. Though VW is emphasizing the car's German engineering, the bulk of this model is decidedly American, not a bad thing, but a better explanation of just what consumers are buying.

Minivan History

It was 25 years ago that Chrysler Corporation turned the automotive industry on its head by rolling out a trio of car-based people haulers that they dubbed minivans. Based on the popular “K” car platform, the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, and Chrysler Town & Country quickly became instant sellers, as families who had long eschewed station wagons embraced these vehicles.

Featuring three rows of seating, cup holders galore, and fuel efficient engines, the Chrysler trio helped the company recover from its earlier financial crisis to the point where the Chrysler Corporation had the funds needed to buy out the American Motors Corporation a few years later.

Compact and fuel efficient, the new minivans created an entire new segment of vehicles which is still led by Chrysler today, but with some serious competition in the form of the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna.

Volkswagen and Chrysler Forge a Partnership

For Volkswagen, a partnership with Chrysler makes good business sense as it allows the German automaker to tap existing technology, thereby saving the company money while allowing Chrysler to keep its own production levels up.

The Routan comes standard with a 3.8L V6, offering 197 hp and 230 lbs-ft. of torque. A 4.0L V6 will be available rated at 251hp and 259 lbs-ft. of torque. Routan features German -tuned suspension and steering optimized for handling and advanced driving dynamics.

Standard all-season traction control and ESP bring safety and security to the Routan. The Routan comes with a host of sought-after standard and optional features, including: Remote engine start system, power second row windows, towing preparation package with automatic load-leveling rear suspension, power sliding doors, Conversation Mirror, rear seat entertainment system with two 9-inch screens for second and third rows, wireless headphones and remote control, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and SIRIUS Traffic data, dual power sliding doors with power windows, touch screen JoyBox TM DVD-navigation entertainment system with 30GB hard drive, remote-operated power lift gate with flood lamp, seating for 7 and up to 21 different seating configurations.

The Routan carries NHTSA’S 5-Star Safety Rating and, like all 2009 models, Routan comes standard with Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance program.

Volkswagen's introduction of the Routan is good timing as the vehicle will deliver an estimated 23 mpg on the highway, which is average for this class car. And, with prices starting at just under $25,000 the Routan delivers a whole lot of car for a decent amount of money.

(Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.)