 2011 Routan |
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Image credits: © Volkswagen.
2012 Volkswagen Routan news, pictures, and information | ||
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2012 ROUTAN: THE VOLKSWAGEN OF MINIVANS
The repowered Routan continues to be the only minivan wîth the soul of a Volkswagen•Volkswagen's most family-friendly model
•Flexible seating for seven in three rows and up to 144 cu ft of storage space
•New 3.6-liter V6 wîth six-speed automatic delivers class-leading 283-hp and 25 mpg fuel economy
•Volkswagen-tuned suspension and §teering provides precise handling and heightened road feel
•An impressive list of 40 active and passive safety features – from standard Electronic Stability Control, to Blind Spot Monitoring, and new Rear Cross Path Detection
•Entertainment options run from touchscreen radio wîth hard drive, to nine-speaker, 506-watt audio system, to drop-down nine-inch LCD screens
•Outstanding value wîth well-equipped Routan S priced from $27,020
Herndon, VA – The Routan is VW's most family-friendly vehicle. If you want evidence, it's not just the touchscreen multi-media entertainment system, or the integrated iPod® interface, or even the easy cleaning Vienna Leather and Leatherette seating surfaces that tell you—it's the Getränkehalter. And this newest Routan boasts 13 of them.
These are family-sized cup holders strategically positioned around the Routan's cabin. Two in the center stack storage bin. One in each of the front and rear doors. Four in the sliding center console. And three more in the back.
And wîth the Routan's twin deep, under-floor storage bins, each designed to accommodate a six-pack of sodas, theoretically the tally of Getränkehalter is closer to 15.
The Routan continues as Volkswagen's people hauling, cup holder-rich model. It appeals to buyers wanting seven-passenger minivan space and flexibility coupled wîth Volkswagen design and quality.
New for 2012
Having been extensively updated for the 2011 model year, wîth the introduction of an advanced new 3.6-liter V6 boasting a class-leading 283 horsepower, changes to 2012 Routan line-up include the addition of even more features and equipment.The popular Routan SEL wîth Navigation model, for example, adds Keyless access wîth push-button start, along wîth rain-sensing wipers. The range-topping SEL Premium adds, as standard, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection.
What doesn't change for 2012 is the Routan's exceptional value. The well-equipped entry S model has a starting MSRP of $27,020, while the top-selling SE model line-up begins at $32,010.
Exterior
The 2012 Routan is instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family. Its front-end design hints at the horizontal elements that are part of the new Volkswagen design—twin chrome blades across the chrome-ringed grille, and matching twin horizontal blades across the lower intake.The bold, aero-style front is dominated by swept-back quad halogen headlights that, seen front-on, take the eye to the Routan's deep, sculpted front bumper wîth its projector-style fog lights. Seen in a rear-view mirror, it's a dynamic, most un-minivan-like look.
In profile, despite its 202.5-inch overall length and stretched, 121.2-inch wheelbase, Volkswagen designers have created a silhouette that is surprisingly sleek and visually ‘light'. The clamshell-like hood slims down the front fenders, while the swept-back windscreen, long roof rails, and body-color tailgate spoiler add to the streamlined look.
At the rear, oversized taillights, slim roof pillars and a large, deep, curved rear window help visually reduce the Routan's 68.9-inch height.
But being a minivan, practicality is everything. So the Routan features large, wide-opening front doors and extra-large, optional power-sliding side doors, all designed to ensure easy access to the cabin. There's also a full-width, high-lifting tailgate, wîth available remote power-opening.
The 2012 Routan models are offered in a range of seven colors, including Nocturne Black metallic and Deep Claret metallic. And, of course, the ‘famous' Glacial Blue metallic that was the star of Volkswagen's hugely-popular ‘Blue one' TV commercial.
Interior
The heart of the Routan is its expansive, flexible, versatile interior. Volkswagen keeps it simple, and the height of comfort, by offering a seven-seat layout, wîth captain's chairs for the two middle-row seats, plus a third-row, three-across bench.And flexibility is the word here. The rear bench can flip, fold and disappear into the floor to leave a completely flat load area. Flip it over and back, and it makes a perfect tailgate seat to watch the game.
The middle-row captain's chairs can fold flat onto themselves, or be removed entirely to create a cavernous load area. With the two chairs removed and the rear bench folded into the floor, the Routan offers an astonishing 144.4 cu ft of load space, easily accessible through the side doors and tailgate.
There are additional intelligent storage solutions everywhere, such as the dual glove boxes, or the over-sized storage bin between the front seats big enough to accommodate a large handbag or laptop. There's available ceiling storage, and two deep, over-sized storage bins mounted in the floor. Plus, there's an array of cargo nets, juice-box holders, trinket-stashers, cell-phone trays, not forgetting those 13 cup holders.
Úp front, the driver is cosseted in a side-bolstered front seat wîth available eight-way power adjustment. Slim roof pillars, over-sized door mirrors and a high, command-driving position, help ensure impressive forward and side visibility—a key for safe driving.
Available power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals, height-adjustable safety belts, and a §teering wheel adjustable for height also help ensure a tailored driving position.
The Volkswagen-style §teering wheel has standard leather covering, even in the entry S model. The white-faced instruments are, in true Volkswagen tradition, clear and unfussy, and easy to read at a glance.
Most models offer the choice of Volkswagen's trademark perforated leatherette or ‘Vienna' leather. The plastics have a soft-touch feel, while underfoot there's high-quality, high-density carpeting.
Plenty of light and fresh air are key requirements wîth any minivan. This is why every Routan comes wîth power-opening windows in the sliding side doors, along wîth power-opening rear-quarter windows. A power tilt/slide glass sunroof is also on the options list and standard on SEL models.
Entertaining the kids—or adults—in the back is an essential minivan ingredient. And the 2012 Routan is loaded wîth more ways to play music, play games, watch DVDs, store photos, or talk on the phone.
It all starts wîth an in-dash MP3-compatible CD player wîth AM/FM stereo, an auxiliary input for connecting other audio devices, and six speakers. That's on the entry-level S model. Move up to the SE and standard features include a six-disc CD changer wîth MP3/DVD capability, and Bluetooth® connectivity.
This can be complemented wîth a comprehensive package that includes a large touchscreen display, 30GB hard drive, ÚSB and iPod® connectivity, SiriusXM® satellite radio, a second DVD player for the rear seating area, the all-row touchscreen DVD entertainment system wîth touchscreen radio auxiliary audio-visual inputs, wireless headphones, a pair of ceiling mounted nine-inch LCD screens, and a remote control. For the ultimate in rockin' sound, the Routan SEL comes wîth a 506-watt, nine-speaker premium sound system.
Engine and Transmission
All 2012 Routan models are powered by a new 3.6-liter 24-valve V6 engine mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)What sets the powertrain apart is its remarkable, class-leading power output of 283 horsepower, along wîth 260 lb-ft of torque, 90 per cent of which is available from just 1600 rpm. It's an impressive unit that focuses on light weight, high efficiency and low emissions. It features a high-pressure die-cast aluminum cylinder block wîth forged connecting rods, lightweight aluminum cylinder heads wîth four valves per cylinder, and aluminum exhaust manifolds.
Its design incorporates double overhead camshafts and high-flow intake and exhaust ports. These, in combination wîth variable-valve timing through independent cam phasing, allow optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range.
The result is an exceptionally flat torque curve together wîth high specific power. For the driver, this translates into outstanding drivability and quick-response to the throttle for off-the-line acceleration and fast, safer passing.
The six-speed automatic was fine-tuned wîth the introduction of the new 3.6 V6 to optimize its gear ratios and electronics to take advantage of the engine's impressive outputs.
Suspension
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 3.6 L., 6-cylinder Power: 283 hp Torque: 260 ft-lbs | |
6-speed All-synchro | |
So they focused on retuning the springs and dampers to help reduce body roll and improve §teering response. They tightened the bushings throughout the entire suspension to give a sharper, more responsive feel to the cornering. And they increased the torsional stiffness of the §teering column for more precise §teering.
While no minivan could ever be described as having ‘sporty' handling, the Routan delivers that ‘Drives like a Volkswagen' feel. It's nimble and agile, and eager to change direction whether it's negotiating a mall parking lot, or taking a road-trip wîth family along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The basic layout of the Routan's suspension includes a compact strut design at the front, coupled wîth coil springs and gas-charged dampers and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there's a space-saving twist beam rear axle, wîth coil springs and heavy-duty dampers..
Because Volkswagen knows the Routan might be carrying some weight in its daily-driving—the driver, six passengers and all that gear can add-up—the rear suspension of the SEL Premium model is upgraded to a Nivomat® self-leveling air suspension system. This also raises the Routan's towing capacity wîth the available hitch package, to 3,500 pounds, making it perfect for hauling a jet ski, ATV, dirt bike or cruiser to the beach for the weekend.
And to haul it to a halt, the 2012 Routan features four-wheel Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) wîth Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), and Engine Braking Control (EBC).
The entry Routan S models comes wîth 16-inch steel wheels as standard, shod wîth all-season tires; the Routan SE features 17-inch 10-spoke Mervin alloys; while the SEL is equipped wîth 17-inch 10-spoke Rota alloy rims. The range-topping SEL Premium has five-spoke, broad-faced 17-inch Soho alloys.
Safety and Security
Safety is Job One wîth any people-carrying minivan. Which is why the 2012 Routan is equipped wîth a suite of the latest, most advanced safety features.
Safety for those inside starts wîth driver and front seat passenger front- and seat-mounted thorax side air bags. For the driver, there's the additional protection of a standard knee airbag located below the instrument panel. There are also Side Curtain Protection® airbags that provide enhanced protection to all outboard occupants.
Active safety features that come standard wîth every 2012 Routan include Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This remarkable system helps gets the 'van back on track through braking and throttle, if it senses any slip or slide. Anti-lock braking (ABS) is also standard, as is Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) that warns the driver of a flat, or if the tire pressure needs checking.
Additional features for the Routan SEL Premium include Blind Spot Monitoring, and Cross Path Detection, which warns the driver when backing out of a restricted-view parking space, of another vehicle approaching.
Model line-up
The 2012 Routan model line-up features seven models, each wîth the 3.6-liter 283-hp V6 wîth six-speed automatic powertrain.
S
The well-equipped S is the first step on the Routan ladder wîth its starting MSRP of $27,020. Its standard features include three-zone manual air conditioning; second-row captain-style reclining, fold-flat and removable seats wîth in-floor storage tubs; heated exterior mirrors; cruise control; conversation mirror, 12-volt auxiliary outlet; manual tilt §teering column, leather-wrapped multifunction §teering wheel and shift knob; dual glove boxes; four-way manually adjustable front seats; power-vented rear quarter windows, power windows wîth one-touch up/down for front and second row; third-row folding bench wîth foldable headrests; six-speaker sound system wîth single disc player, aux-in jack, and MP3 capability; remote locking power door locks, and multi-function §teering wheel.
SE
The SE adds: power operated sliding side doors; eight-way power driver seat wîth power lumbar; heated front row; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; second and third row sun shades; Bluetooth® system; six-speaker sound system wîth six-disc CD player, aux-in jack, DVD/MP3 capability; 17-inch Mervin alloy wheels wîth all-season tires; adjustable floor pedals; and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC).
SE wîth Rear Screen Entertainment
Priced from $33,490, it adds a single 2nd-row 9-inch video screen wîth headphones and remote, power-lift tailgate wîth flood lamp, rearview camera system, touch-screen AM/FM wîth DVD player and hard drive, SiriusXM® satellite radio wîth 1-year complimentary service.
SE wîth RSE and Navigation
This adds a DVD-Navigation system wîth SiriusXM® Traffic, and SiriusXM® Travel Link Services wîth one-year complimentary service.
SEL wîth Navigation
In addition to the SE equipment, it adds a power tilt/sliding sunroof; three-zone automatic air conditioning; remote start; keyless access w/push-button start; rearview camera system; Vienna leather seating surfaces; heated second-row seats; power-folding third row; DVD-Navigation sound system wîth built-in satellite radio; SiriusXM® satellite radio and SiriusXM® Travel Link and SiriusXM® Traffic wîth one-year complimentary service; voice-activated play command, satellite playback, and integrated iPod® interface; automatic headlamps; and 17-inch Rota alloy wheels .
SEL wîth RSE and Navigation
This adds second- and third-row nine-inch video screens wîth additional DVD player for the rear-screen entertainment.
SEL Premium
The top-of-the-range model takes the SEL RSE wîth Nav features and adds Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection; chrome-finished door handles and exterior mirror caps; multifunction, heated, auto-dimming, fold-away, exterior mirrors wîth memory and integrated turn signals; bright finish roof rack; Nut-Burl trim; 115-volt power outlet; power adjustable floor pedals wîth memory; eight-way power driver wîth memory and eight-way power passenger seat; premium nine-speaker, 560-watt sound system; HID automatic headlamps; and 17-inch Soho alloy wheels.Source - Volkswagen
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| 2011 Routan |
