Volkswagen has announced prices and specifications and opened the order books for the all-new Touran. Redesigned from the ground up and built on VW’s advanced MQB platform, the new Touran – priced from £22,240 – delivers a sharper, sleeker look, dramatically reduced running costs and a host of new innovations to make life on board safer and easier for everyone.

First shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new Touran is 130mm longer than the model it replaces. Much of this is in the wheelbase, which, at 2,791mm, is 113mm longer than the previous model – further increasing usable interior space. All models are equipped with a seven-seat layout that features a new fold-flat system. The seats in the second and third rows, plus the front passenger seat backrest (from SE trim up) can be folded in a matter of seconds, creating a level continuous floor for easy loading. With the second and third row seats folded, the Touran has a cargo capacity of 1,857 litres and has the largest luggage compartment in its class. The 47 storage compartments also ensure that life’s essentials gadgets can be carried safety and securely.

The new Touran launches with five Euro6-compliant engines (two petrol and three diesel) that are up to 19 per cent more efficient than the units they replace. Diesel options consist of a 1.6-litre 108bhp with six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG, a 2.0-litre TDI 147bhp with six-speed manual or DSG, and a range-topping 2.0-litre TDI with 187bhp and standard six-speed DSG transmission. Thanks to overall weight reductions of up to 62kg and the introduction of new fuel saving technologies, CO₂emissions are significantly lower for the new model with the 1.6 TDI 108bhp DSG emitting just 111 g/km.

With its highest ever equipment count, the new Touran offers buyers the ultimate in family transportation. Highlights on the entry-level S include automatic post-collision braking and pre-crash systems, seven airbags, 6.5-inch Composition Media system with DAB and Bluetooth, air conditioning, roof rails and seven seats. Starting from £23,630, SE models add 16-inch alloys, Front Assist with city emergency braking function, front and rear parking sensors, iPod connectivity and rain sensor, while the new SE Family trim adds an extra-large panoramic sunroof with integrated lighting, Discover Navigation with Car-Net Guide and Inform and rear window blinds. Reflecting its family-friendly status, this model also features remotely activated child locks and a voice amplification system that allows the driver to be heard clearly by all rear passengers. At the top of the range, SEL models add Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Profile Select and App Connect, 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone Pure Air air-conditioning with allergen filter and Driver Profile Selection.

Connectivity is also taken to a new level with numerous features that allow owners to take advantage of real-time information delivered straight to the infotainment display. These include Car-Net ‘Guide and Inform’ and Car-Net ‘App-Connect’ that seamlessly integrates CarPlay (Apple) and Android Auto (Google) and MirrorLink.

Order books for the new Touran opened this week with the first UK deliveries expected in December.