Targeting a Niche

Volkswagen Group Japan launched the
"Cross Touran" on November 20, 2012. It is a specialty model of the "Golf Touran" with exclusive exterior features. Its ride height is slightly increased compared to the normal version, and it boasts dedicated interior and exterior elements such as overfenders.CrossPoloThe adoption of a similar concept to the "CrossPolo" targets a niche market with its sporty orientation.

The engine employs both a turbocharger and a supercharger, a twin-charged system, producing a maximum output of 140 ps and a peak torque of 220 Nm from its 1.4-liter displacement. The drivetrain is front-wheel drive, similar to the standard "Golf Touran." The suspension is exclusive to the Cross Touran, with a 10mm increase in overall height compared to the normal model. Additionally, 17-inch alloy wheels are standard.



The following are standard exterior features:

Bi-xenon headlights
Front fog lamps
Exclusive front & rear bumpers
Wheel arch extensions
Black side moldings
Side skirts

The following are standard interior features:

Exclusive design fabric seats

Genuine navigation system "712SDCW"
Rearview camera (Rear Assist)
Multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel
Paddle shifters
2-zone Climatronic automatic air conditioning

The Touran is popular for its seven independent seats and excellent functionality despite its compact size, but the Cross Touran adds a sporty image to this. When driven, it is agile and appealing even to users who might dismiss the Touran as just a minivan.

Surprisingly Powerful Acceleration

The standard "Golf Touran" has a "tall boy style," with a total length of 4,405mm and a height of 1,670mm, a style that was once popular. As expected from Volkswagen, known for its rational and functional design, it was a practical car for large families or those who enjoy hobbies like marine or snow sports. However, its design lacked excitement.

In contrast, the driving experience is far more enjoyable than its appearance suggests. Thanks to the engineering that efficiently combines a supercharger, which mechanically provides torque from low RPMs, and a turbocharger, which operates around 3,000 rpm, it drives with agility. Even so, it's unlikely that people bought the Golf Touran solely for its driving performance.

The strength of the Cross Touran lies in providing an opportunity to recognize the inherent potential of the Touran as a car. In other words, it's a design that expresses the car's excellent engineering.



It is built on a robust chassis, with neutral steering and a suspension system that is both supple and offers excellent road holding. Combined with the responsive engine, these elements reveal that the Golf Touran is more than just a people mover (a term for vans designed to transport large numbers of people).

We recommend selecting "S mode" on the gear selector if you have the opportunity to drive the Golf Touran, not just the Cross Touran.

With the engine set to utilize higher RPMs, it accelerates with surprising power. This 1.4-liter engine has excellent rotational characteristics; when you press the accelerator pedal, it revs smoothly to higher ranges, which is very satisfying.

The Cross Touran also inherits the strengths of the base model. Its weight is 1,580 kg, the same as the base model, so it's not particularly light, but there are almost no drawbacks. While acceleration might be slightly less dynamic on inclines, it's not a sports car, and with ample torque in the low to mid-RPM range, it offers plenty of enjoyment.

Relaxing in Every Seat

The Cross Touran's interior is also appealing. The seats, with their traditional Volkswagen sport model check pattern fabric in the center, are particularly pleasing.

Beyond their attractive appearance, they are well-crafted and offer a high-quality seating experience. The prominent side bolsters (though whether such a sporty design is truly necessary is debatable) allow both the driver and passengers to relax in every seat.

This might be my personal opinion, but when referring to "relaxation" in a car seat, it means a comfortable, supportive seat that allows occupants to feel secure. This applies to sports cars as well as the Cross Touran.



The controls are basically the same as the base model, lacking emotional flair and appearing somewhat austere, but they are extremely user-friendly. One might wonder if a more playful design, like that seen in the "up!" featured in our special section on Volkswagens, might have been incorporated if development had occurred later.up!might have been incorporated if development had occurred later.

FWD model of the "Tiguan"was released around the same time, bringing a sense of lightness to what was previously only available as a 4WD model. In essence, two attractive front-wheel-drive SUVs were added to the lineup almost simultaneously.



Although there might be some difference in fuel economy and eco-car tax reductions (the Golf Touran receives a 75% reduction, while the Cross Touran gets a 50% reduction), the image of an active lifestyle vehicle should be a positive factor. There is absolutely no intention to dismiss such a choice.

Volkswagen Cross Touran | Volkswagen Cross Touran
Body Dimensions | Length 4,405 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,680 mm
Wheelbase | 2,675 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,550 / 1,535 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 145 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.3 meters
Trunk Capacity (VDA) | Max 1,913 liters
Weight | 1,740 kg
Engine | 1,389cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Intercooled Turbo + Supercharger
Compression Ratio | 10.0 : 1
Bore x Stroke | 76.5 x 75.6 mm
Maximum Output | 103 kW (140 ps) / 5,600 rpm
Maximum Torque | 220 Nm (22.4 kgm) / 1,250-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed DSG
Drivetrain | FF
Suspension Front | MacPherson Strut
Suspension Rear | 4-link
Tires Front/Rear | 215/50R17 / 235/45R17
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Discs / Discs
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 14.0 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 166 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 ℓ
Price | 3.48 million yen