The VW Touran: A most valuable drive
Destination: Nurture Spa in Tagaytay.
The drive: VW Touran.
I was up early on that Saturday I chose for a drive to Tagaytay. I have always encountered traffic buildup on SLEX whenever I opt to leave my home in Pasig after 9 a.m. This drive was my second encounter with the VW Touran. I had written about it in the past, as it was the vehicle that Pope Francis rode when he was in Manila in January 2015.
If there is one thing to be said, it is this: the versatile Touran has a special place for every member of the family. I would liken the Touran to an ever-reliable mom mobile, if you wish. This multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) offers adjustable seating configurations, more than 20 possible storage compartments, as well as generous cargo space, making every trip a family “getaway,” whether it be Dad’s treat to a family camping trip, or Mom’s weekend rendezvous in the supermarket, or maybe even big brother’s big game at the college gym.
For me, I had set aside the storage space for the fresh fruits and more that I planned to bring back after a day of relaxation at Nurture.
It comes as no surprise that the German automaker designed this MPV precisely as a family-oriented vehicle, prioritizing comfort and power with its Touran.
DRIVE ON
On the road, the first thoughts that came to mind were: this beauty drives well and its solid build makes me feel secure wrapped inside its body.
As I drove down SLEX, I enjoyed the smooth ride and ignored the slower-moving cars (on the left lane) as I overtook them on the fly.
The Touran is agile for its size and is easy to steer. As I sat in the cockpit I imagined a mom and taking her kids to a ball game, or to the grocery or to a school outing — and how safe they would be.
After all, the Touran represents the German automaker’s take on the fast-rising MPV category. Designed and engineered using world-class Volkswagen automotive craftsmanship, the seven-seater Touran epitomizes full functionality and versatility powered by the latest in diesel engine technology.
The Touran features the 2.0-liter TDI (turbo direct injection) diesel engine with a 6-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) that optimizes power and achieves low fuel consumption.
Safety is tops when it comes to VW and the Touran is also fitted with a number of safety systems, such as the Proactive Occupant Protection System that automatically tightens seatbelts and closes windows at the onset of a potential accident in order to maximize the functionality of the airbag system ( six airbags: driver, passenger, side and head curtain). The Touran is also equipped with the Electronic Stabilisation Program ( ESP) with Anti- Slip Regulation ( ASR) and Electronic Differential Lock ( EDL) to enable the vehicle to avoid skidding, wheel spinning or over/ under steering in critical road conditions.
TIME TO RELAX
I arrived at Nurture Spa feeling relaxed. No need to rush things because I had set aside the day just for me.
As I parked the Touran, I gave it a once over. I smiled because, although the Touran might not be the best-looking MPV on the market, I knew it is one the safest MPVs I had driven. And in this world of ever-growing MPVs, a safe drive tops my list above any other feature.
A massage, vegetarian meal, birds chirping in the background, and a safe ride made me never want to leave that place.