Interior packaging retains the practicality of the T&C. The Routan seats seven. Rearmost seats fold flat to provide 83 cubic feet of storage space from floor to ceiling. If you also remove the seconds row seats, cargo volume jumps to 144.4 cubic feet. Even if you leave all seats upright, the Routan features a handy deep storage well behind the third row that is perfect for cosseting shopping bags full of food for the ride home. A vast underfloor storage area behind the front seats is perfect for hiding and protecting valuables. Routan offers 13 cupholders.
The new for 2011 3.6 liter V6 will tow 3,600 pounds if you order the optional towing package. Acceleration of the 283 hp engine is smart enough to stay with traffic under freeway merge conditions. The 6-speed automatic gearbox shifts so unobtrusively that you could mistake it for a constant velocity transmission. The generously sized 225/65R17 Michelin Energy Saver tires are tall enough to snub road rash, wide enough to grip in the twisties. Thanks to sporting suspension calibration, handling of the Routan is minivan exemplary.
2011 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN SE specs
- ENGINE: 3.6 liter V6
- HORSEPOWER: 283 hp
- TORQUE: 260 lb.-ft.
- TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic
- FUEL CONSUMPTION: 17 City MPG/ 25 Highway MPG
- PRICE AS TESTED: $35,570
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David Colman has been writing vehicle tests for 25 years. His work has been featured in AutoWeek, the San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, and Marin Independent Journal. In 1987, he helped start Excellence, The Magazine About Porsche, which he edited for many years. He has been an active participant in racing and Solo events since 1961.
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