Newport Beach, CA – The 2009 Volkswagen Routan is an interesting vehicle.  Since the demise of the EuroVan back in 2003 VW has been without a minivan in its line-up, and with the history behind VW’s minivan offerings that was a big hole that needed to be filled.  Since it can take many years to design and engineer a new model of any type, and development costs can sky-rocket to the point of making the entire exercise a mute point what was VW to do?  Enter Chrysler, and it’s recently available production capacity in the Windsor, Ontario plant.  Yes a partnership between VW and Chrysler, another sign the automotive apocalypse is upon us right?  Well not so fast.  Chrysler, if you recall, has a history in the minivan space as well, in fact you could go so far as to say the minivan is one big reason that Chrysler still exists today in any form what-so-ever, based on the success it has had with minivans.  So why am I talking about Chrysler in a review about a VW?  To be blunt the VW Routan is a Volkswagenized Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan.

  At first glance the overall shape of the VW Routan is all Dodge.  VW put a new nose on the minivan with its brand of headlights and grill, out back the taillights are only for the VW version, and I think they are pretty cool.  Inside is where the real benefits of the VW transformation come into play,   mainly the layout of the dashboard, giving it a more European and upscale look.  Unfortunately nothing was done to upgrade the switchgear which remains directly out of the Chrysler/Dodge parts bin.  The Stow ‘n go and Swivel ‘n go seating did not make the transformation, however VW added very comfortable seating and the third row seats still fold flat for extra cargo capacity.
                Trim levels start with the base S model which comes very well equipped with keyless entry, headed side mirrors, full power accessories, A/C, 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control and a 6-speaker CD/MP3 audio system equipped with an auxiliary audio input jack, removable second- row bench seat and 60/40 split third-row bench that folds into the floor.  The SE model adds 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver’s seat, and removable second-row captain’s chairs, upgraded audio with 6-disc CD changer, tri-zone climate control, and upgraded cloth upholstery and power sliding rear doors.  The SEL such as the tester you see pictured here gains leather

interior, power adjustable pedals, heated first and second row seating, power liftgate, Bluetooth and most importantly a bigger engine, the 4.0 Liter V6 making  253 horses and 262 Lb-Ft Torque over the standard 3.8 Liter V6 rated at 197 HP and 230 Lb-Ft Torque.  Both engines mate to a 6-speed automatic transmission.  The Atlantis Blue exterior and Aero Gray interior colors you see here are N/C options.  This tester was equipped with the Navigation Package which includes a year’s subscription to Sirius satellite radio with traffic information.  The wiz-bang came in the Trim Pack 3 option which adds the power sunroof, remote start, power fold-down third-row seats, towing prep and rear air suspension.
                The 4.0 V6 is rated at 17 City/25 Highway with a combined of 20 MPG, a touch better than the smaller 3.8 V6 but is only available if you buck up to the SEL trim level.  Other than the engine most of the options can be had with the lower level trim packages.  My lead foot put the 4.0 Liter through its paces but came back to haunt me in MPG averaging only 15.1 over 200 + miles of around town driving.
                  At $41,790 there is a lot of minivan here, power everything, great audio system, plenty of room for passengers and gear, very comfortable seating, all the latest in safety features, storage cubbies and cup holders galore.  The Routan soaks up imperfections of the road below and handles better than I thought a minivan would or even should!  The shifter on the dash drove me crazy and the touch screen for the nav/audio systems were a little difficult to reach and use, and with the sunroof open can sometimes be washed out by the sun shining in.  Having audio/cruise/nav functions on the steering wheel would be a suggestion I offer to VW. 
                At the end of the day there is some stiff competition in the minivan space.  Chryslers own Town & Country of which the Routan is based comes to mind, Honda’s Odyssey, Kia Sedona, and the Toyota Sienna.  None of these carry the Euro mystique as the VW does or the Germanic driving attributes.  Is that enough to sell a rebadged Chrysler/Dodge product?  I think so, VW has made a good product much better and is worthy of being adding to your shopping list. 

Column and photos provided by Rich Branch, EVP of Race Central TV and Radio Network Partners.