• 1.6 TDI is the most efficient
• 1.4 TSI a good all-rounder
• DSG gearbox boosts economy

The Volkswagen Touran’s running costs are low with the latest model offering engines up to 19% more efficient than in the previous model. Most engines offer an official combined fuel economy above 50mpg and the best performing model is the 1.6-litre diesel equipped with the DSG gearbox, which has an official combined figure of 65.7mpg. Going for the manual version will see returns of up to 61.4mpg.

If you want the more powerful 2.0-litre TDI with 150hp, claimed fuel economy of 61.4mpg matches the 1.6 TDI, while a DSG version sees 60.1mpg claimed.

The most powerful 190hp diesel returns up to 58.9mpg, according to Volkswagen.

Petrol versions are also surprisingly economical, with the 1.2 TSI returning up to 51.4mpg, and the 1.4 TSI claiming 49.6mpg and 51.4mpg for manual and DSG gearboxes respectively. In R-Line spec, the 1.4 TSI claims 52.3mpg with a DSG gearbox.

Insurance groups between nine and 21 are particularly low for this type of car, reflecting the excellent active and passive safety systems on board.

No version is significantly better or worse than any other when it comes to depreciation, but diesels will fare better for company car drivers due to their lower benefit-in-kind taxation. 

For a car of its size Volkswagen Touran CO2 emissions are very competitive, with output ranging from 112g/km to 133g/km.

All engines are Euro6 compliant and the best performing when it comes to green credentials is the 115hp 1.6 TDI when coupled with the firm’s excellent DSG automatic gearbox, producing 112g/km.

Fancy a manual instead? Emissions only slightly increase to 119g/km. The 150hp 2.0-litre diesel option offers identical CO2 emissions to the manual 1.6-litre, so if you’re after a Touran with more power, running costs will stay low.

Move up to the 190hp diesel and emissions are a still-reasonable 125g/km, while it’s the 1.4-litre TSI that’s the most efficient petrol, with emissions between 126 and 133g/km, depending on model and gearbox.

The 1.2-litre TSI produces 128g/km. 

• We don’t anticipate many issues
• One official recall on DVSA
• Watch out for ex-tow cars

The VW Touran should prove a reliable enough workhorse. The interior build quality feels very strong and many of the car’s mechanical and electrical parts are employed in other vehicles in the company’s line-up.

There’s been one official recall recorded on the DVSA website, relating to an issue with a light control unit, which should have been sorted out under the car’s warranty.

Take special note if the car has a towbar, though, as this could put extra strain on my of the car’s parts – not least the engine, gearbox and brakes.