Jalopnik: volkswagen routan

Jalopnik Day Of Automaker Atonement: Volkswagen

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EDT

We like Volkswagen. We do. Good people, those Volkswageners. SportWagens, Sciroccos and all that other stuff. They've also got a great history of making vans. We love VW EuroVans and Microbuses. They're van people. That's why we're so disappointed with the Volkswagen Routan, which is essentially a rebadged Chrysler Town & Country. This isn't to say that we don't like the T&C. It's a nice van and the VW is better-looking than the T&C (though lacks some of the Chrysler's best features). What bothers us is history. It's tradition! You make some great vans in other countries right now, VW, and we'd love to have one. To make matters worse, you even call one of these vans the Volkswagen California!. I think we join BLS in saying a big OY!

Back to the Jalopnik Day Of Atonement main page.

Seven New Cars We Wish Were April Fools' Day Jokes

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:16:00 EDT

[UPDATE: Also check out our top ten list of the best...or was it the worst...April Fools' Day automotive gags.] Occasionally, an automaker likes to have a little fun on April Fools' Day by announcing a car so ridiculous it couldn't possibly be real. Unfortunately, what happens more often than not is that an automaker will announce a car so ridiculous that it couldn't possible be real... and it is. Some are poorly-styled and ill-conceived, while others seem to fill no foreseeable niche other than a need to show they're doing something, anything. Below is our list of new cars that are punch lines to jokes no one ever told (i.e. the least dragon-able new cars). [UPDATE: We've added a poll so you can proclaim the most foolish car of them all]

2009 Pontiac Vibe

The name suggests vibrator, but one look at this poorly re-bodied Corolla-cousin to the Toyota Matrix is likely to prevent anyone but the most hardcore red arrow-fetishist from getting off.

2009 Toyota Venza

You know what's great about the Toyota Venza? Yeah, neither do we. As much fun as the old angled-E-pillar Camry wagons were, Toyota decided to take the concept of a Camry wagon and cross it with ugly in order to make one of those famous "crossover" vehicles. Thanks for nothing.

2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

It took a keen eye, some serious hallucinogenic substances and a love of the George Foreman Grill to make the already fugly Chrysler Sebring even less fetching. Congrats to the Chrysler team for taking a car that distinguishes itself for lackluster performance and giving it a body to match. USA! USA!

2009 VW Routan

We're not sure what the conversation was like at Volkswagen HQ when they decided to rebadge a Dodge Minivan, but we imagine it's only slightly more interesting then the conversation where they decided to give it yet another preposterous and meaningless two-syllable name. What, did someone already own the rights to Asscrap?

2009 BMW X6

We have yet to drive the new BMW X6 SAV (Stupid Automotive Variation), so maybe it's a revolution in automotive design. Or maybe it's a $52,000 miscalculation that offers the convenience of neither a car or an SUV. Only time will tell.

Maybach 62 Landaulet

Although a concept, it's still the perfect ride for when you want to look like a million bucks because nothing says "kidnap my children" like a stretch, convertible Maybach. Rumor is they're going to build it. Oh geez.

2008 Ford Focus

Leave it to Ford to take a car we absolutely loved when it first debuted and slowly engineer everything we like out of the car. But it's got Ford SYNC technology so... you know... victory!

Chicago Auto Show: 2009 Volkswagen Routan Debuts

Ben Wojdyla — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:49:21 EST

Just because the Autobild boys ruined the surprise of the 2009 Volkswagen Routan yesterday, doesn't mean we can't have fun with the live reveal today. The Town & Country turned Routan has certainly been outfitted for the US market. Featuring things Germans don't care about like 13 cupholders, and a conversation mirror, something tells us ~~Chrysler's first attempt as a tier one supplier~~ VW's first modern minivan will sell well in the highly competitive minivan market. It was good to see some of the remarkable seating features made it in like power stow und gehen seating in the back. We're using our pointy elbows to get some more pics and we'll get em to you as soon as we can.

2009 VW Routan Minivan, Outed By Ze Germans Of AutoBild

Matt Hardigree — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:45:00 EST

We have our friends at AutoBild to thank for breaking the embargo on the Chrysler Minivan-turned-VeeDub kid hauler. The new 2009 VW Routan takes its styling cues from the current crop of VW's, but gets its minivan knowhow from the boys at Dodge. As seen in the pre-Chicago Auto Show Routan spy photos, the Passat-esque tailights make the jump to the larger minivan. More details as they leak out onto the internet or our German gets better. Press release after the jump.

(Hat tip to Zerin!)

VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS ROUTAN AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW European inspired design and driving dynamics highlight new minivan
CHICAGO - 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 251 hp and 259 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 will be built in an already existing facility in Windsor, Ontario.

With Routan, Volkswagen dealers add a vehicle that will provide additional, incremental growth in the market. A distinctly designed minivan at an attractive price point will broaden the brand portfolio, while providing a roomy alternative to existing Volkswagen owners.

[via AutoBild.de]

2009 VW Routan Embargo Broken By VWVortex Before Chicago Auto Show Reveal?

Ray Wert — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:15:00 EST

Sorta. OK, no, not really. For some strange reason Jamie over at ~~Motive Mag~~ the site that's a Vortex for all things VW has posted a Vaseline-enhanced image of what they're claiming is the new 2009 VW Routan (what our Rou-tan Clan spy photo from last night wasn't good enough for ya?). There's absolutely no way we can be sure of their claims, as it could really be any minivan underneath that fuzzy p-shop masking layer. But if it is the new egg-mobile from VW with the unpronounceable name of Routan, that's one heckuva big logo it'll be sporting in the front. Well, it's got to be easily distinguishable from its Dodge and Chrysler cousins, doesn't it? Well, we'll find out soon enough what it looks like as we've got the Chicago Auto Show starting in oh, right around five days? [VW Vortex]

2009 VW Routan Spotted Before Chicago Auto Show Reveal

Matt Hardigree — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:31:16 EST

Brenda Priddy and her quick lens caught the first photos of the rebadged Dodge Caravan that is the 2009 Volkswagen Routan Minivan. As you can tell from the photo, it does carry a lot from the current lineup of Chrysler minivans (though, with something else going on out front and in back). If you look at the back, you can see the taillights have a sort of curvature reminiscent of the current Passat/Jetta, unless that's an optical illusion. Exciting stuff. We can't wait to see it in full at the Chicago Auto Show. Spy report below the jump.

VW has managed to keep prying eyes away from viewing their upcoming Chrysler-minivan-platform-based "bus" - and it was only with shear luck that we spotted it today - just days before it's Chicago Auto Show debut.
Although at quick glance one would think it was just another Town & Country, little differences indicate that it is in fact Volkswagen's version. The illuminated taillight appears similar to others in the VW lineup, and the read-side window appears to be very different from any that we've seen on the Chrysler and Dodge brands.

Watch for the Routan to official debut next week in Chicago, with an on-sale date slatted for late summer or early next autumn.