[IMG]http://simplefeed.consumerreports.org/rsrc/i/1/auto/from_the_logbook_volkswagen_routan__104089758/4.gif?f=3dcb3160-01dc-11dc-32a2-0019bbc55f7f&s=AewyNia7NTvDvhaDemju5DEsbnVsbCwwLDA *[/IMG] From the logbook: Volkswagen Routan

School?s almost out and road trip season beckons. And having mapped dozens of trips all around the country, I don?t think there?s anything better to drive than a minivan ? especially with kids. These vehicles offer the best combination of seating and cargo-carrying flexibility ever.

One of the newest (well, sort of) models is the built-in-Canada Volkswagen Routan. However, despite the German engineering tag line, this is a merely a Chrysler minivan in disguise. (Some have taken to combining its pedigree and moniker, Chrysler and Routan, into a tasty new name: Crouton.) While Volkswagen made some exterior styling changes, according to the company, most of the money was retuning the suspension and steering. Unfortunately, the van is powered by Chrysler?s noisy and inefficient 3.8- and 4.0-liter V6 engines. (See our Chrysler Town & Country ratings and road test, available to online subscribers. Watch our Chrysler and Dodge minivans video.)

Our SEL model with the 4.0-liter engine rang in at $36,215 before we bargained for some substantial discounts. These vans are not exactly flying off dealer lots, so there?s a lot of room for haggling.

How does it all work? Can VW turn some American iron into European sophistication? Have a look at the book:

?A Town & Country by another name ? comfortable ride, but lots of rattles inside with shaky seats and plastic panels.? [But another tester countered, saying the VW was ?slightly better than the Chrysler-branded products, but that isn?t saying much.?]

?Feels nothing like a VW.?

?Still has dead steering on center [as well as] loose body control.?

?Feels too bouncy on side roads.?

?Engine has good power and transmission is responsive and smooth.?

?Road and wind noise are quite high.?

?Not comfortable to drive ? seat needs more lumbar.?

?Lack of telescope steering wheel makes it tough to find a good driving position.?

?Six adults traveled into and out of Boston and everyone hated the seats.?

?Shifter on dash is awkward ? the huge steering wheel blocks the ?PRND.??

?Main gauges pick up too many reflections.?

?Some very clunky, plasticy interior components (center console, glove box, etc) ? not characteristic of VW.?

?Certainly no Odyssey or Sienna, but the VW treatment benefits the van. Chrysler should adapt the suspension and dash modifications ASAP.?

?Like putting lipstick on a pig.?

In the end, only a few people thought the Chrysler-to-VW transformation works, with a few comments saying that the suspension, steering and brakes are a step-up from Detroit?s original. Most didn?t see where VW supposedly spent money improving the van. We?ll have more on the Routan in an upcoming road test.

?Mike Quincy

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