New VW "Routan" Minivan

[jake75]

http://www.vw.com/routan/upromise/en/us/Join Upromise, order by 8-31-08, and get $1,500 for college fund.Few here are interested in minivans - just thought this was newsworthy. Minivan sales are tanking along with SUV's so this seems like an odd time to be adding a minivan to the mix. No hints on pricing or dimensions. My guess is that it will be as big as the offerings from competition and expensive.

[ragingfish]

anyone else think the body lines bear a strong resemblance to the T&C/caravan?

[Toasted7]

I think it looks a lot like the new style xB... but longer. Maybe the xB-mV (mini-van).

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »anyone else think the body lines bear a strong resemblance to the T&C/caravan?Yep, that's because well, um, it's pretty much just a Chrysler minivan. (wiki page) An odd partnership but whatever floats their boat I guess...A (probably overpriced) Caravan with more upscale interior materials and without that macho manly front end.

[Whelan]

Funny thing is this IS a Chrysler Minivan. It's pretty much like the Vibe/Matrix. This thing is Chrysler alright, with the added VW appointments and looks. But it shares the frame and I believe some engines as well. But why oh why would VW think copying the Chrysler is a good idea. Those have not sold well for years and for VW to just toss one into the mix is gonna be a shot in the foot. Ford tried doing that with the Freestar, then switched it to the Windstar, then stopped altogether because the Odyssey and Sienna dominate the landscape.Personally if I HAD to get one, I would take a Sienna XLE with AWD and HIDs. Then you have a sweet van to roll in.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »Yep, that's because well, um, it's pretty much just a Chrysler minivan. (wiki page) An odd partnership but whatever floats their boat I guess...A (probably overpriced) Caravan with more upscale interior materials and without that macho manly front end. Thanks for the education! I read in the WStJ today where Chrysler's CEO wants the company to become consumer oriented. Maybe Chrysler should adopt that "superior" VW 3.6L engine.

[ToolGuy]

Yes it is a Chrysler minivan! I am doing a HUGE tool package right now for VW! A $5,000 tool kit! All Chrysler tools of course. The van has the same engine and transmission as the Chrysler. Canada and Mexico are getting it too.I like that the front and back ends were changed not just fascias and lights. The VW van has a different hood and hatch. The leather in the van is nicer too!The Routan will not get the Stow In Go or Swivel In Go seats since that is Chrysler only. It will have a tighter suspension like all German vehicles get. I am pretty sure Chrysler got a Diesel engine or some other things out of it.

[lovemyraffe]