First look: Volkswagen's compact Touran

VOLKSWAGEN has revealed the first picture of its new Touran mini people-mover.

Formerly codenamed A-MPV, the Touran moniker is a combination of "Tour" and the "an" from the bigger Sharan people-mover.

Set to debut at Paris next month, the Touran is based on the new seventh generation Golf platform, although that car will not appear for its world debut until Frankfurt 12 months from now. It measures up at 4.39 metres long, 1.79 metres wide and 1.63 metres high.

Powered by a choice of direct-injection petrol and turbo-diesel engines, the Touran comes standard with five seats but has the optional extra of two third row seats that fold into the floor like the Holden Zafira.

Another interesting option is a six-speed automatic transmission, while standard choice is a six-speed manual gearbox. VW promises the auto "will combine the advantages of a manual gearbox with those of an automatic transmission in an entirely new way".

Other interesting technical and design touches include electro-mechanical power steering, a new four-link rear suspension, more than 500 different interior seating positions and layouts and up to 39 storage compartments.

Safety equipment includes front airbags and side airbags for the first and second rows of seats, and active front-seat head restraints. There will be lap-sash seatbelts for all seven seats and disc brakes front and rear with ABS and ESP including a Braking Assistant.

If it makes it to Australia - and that's still a big if - the Touran wouldn't go on-sale until 2004.

Managing director of Volkswagen Group Australia Peter Nochar has previously told GoAuto he's unsure about the Touran.

"We're in a watch and see mode a little bit with that because it's not the product that we really wanted in some ways," Mr Nochar said in July.

"And I think with the A-MPV it's a question of whether we can find a market for a small MPV," said Mr Nochar.