2016 Volkswagen Touran priced from 22,240

Volkswagen's new Touran MPV will go on sale in the UK this December, with prices starting from £22,240.

What is it?

The new Touran was first unveiled at the Geneva motor show back in March. It slots between the Golf SV and Sharan MPV in Volkswagen's line-up.

Externally, the Touran now looks considerably sharper, taking design cues from both the new Passat and the Golf SV.

What engines can I choose from?

There are two petrol and three diesel engines available in UK, all of which are claimed to be significantly more economical than the models they replace, thanks to weight reductions and improved aerodynamics on top of mechanical improvements.

The entry-level engine option is the 1.2 TSI turbocharged petrol unit, which is joined by more powerful 148bhp 1.4-litre turbo petrols. The three diesel options are rated at 108bhp for the 1.6 TDI, with 148bhp and 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel models. The lowest-output diesel is also the most economical in the line-up, with an official fuel economy figure of 70.6mpg. The most economical petrol is the 148bhp version which manages 52.3mpg when mated to the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The 187bhp diesel model is available exclusively with an automatic gearbox, which is optional on all other engine variants aside from the 1.2 TSI.

How much equipment does it come with?

The interior is also completely new, adopting a more premium feel while maximising the available interior space.

Much of that extra space comes from the new Touran being around 12cm longer overall than the car it replaces, with 11cm of that extra length going into the wheelbase.

Practicality and safety are high up on the agenda. Inside, Volkswagen has developed a completely new folding seat arrangement that facilitates a flat floor when the seats are stowed. The new model is available in both five and seven-seat versions and Volkswagen claims the former has the biggest luggage compartment in the class.

The new model also has a huge list of safety equipment. Various active systems are available, including an automatic post-collision braking assistant as standard, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and pre-crash proactive occupant protection.

As with other 2016 models from the VW stable, significant improvements have been made to the infotainment system. Full integration with Apple and Android smartphones, allowing voice control through the car's interfaces while on the move, is available on the Touran for the first time.

How much will it cost?

Prices for the new Touran start at £22,240 for the 1.2-litre model in entry-level S trim, and rise to £30,510 for the range-topping 2.0 TDI in SEL specification.

How good are its rivals?

Premium rivals for the Touran include the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, which gets a four-star rating on What Car? Other cars in the same class include the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and Citroën's Grand C4 Picasso, which get three and four-star ratings respectively.