Volkswagen is reportedly considering replacing its Touran MPV with a new compact, electric minivan that would slot below the ID. Buzz in its lineup. As such, it would be smaller, lighter, and, most importantly, more affordable. Autocar reports the automaker has even removed a few of its past MPV concepts from storage for design inspiration and packaging ideas.
North Americans may be unfamiliar with the Touran, which has been generally sold in Europe and was later introduced to the Chinese market. Introduced in 2003, the current version of the compact four-door MPV is now nearly 10 years into its second generation. While the popularity of SUVs has blunted its success in recent years, the Touran has sold more than 2.6 million units globally in its lifetime.
What A Baby ID. Buzz Would Be Like
Volkswagen is reportedly looking at a couple of old MPV concepts in particular for inspiration while developing the Touran’s replacement: the 2011 Bulli and 2016 Budd-e. The Bulli concept straight up looks like a little ID. Buzz, dripping with the same sort of VW bus-style nostalgia. The Budd-e concept, meanwhile, appears a bit more modern with its styling. It was actually the first vehicle that VW developed using its Modular Electric Platform (MEB) that currently underpins all of its EVs, including the ID. Buzz.
Whichever concept ends up informing the Touran’s design and packaging more, VW is said to be focusing its efforts on developing a vehicle with an upgright silhouette, short overhangs, a flat floor, and a high roofline – all qualities of the current ID. Buzz. Autocar notes the Budd-e concept is 70 mm longer than the current Touran and 124 mm shorter than the standard-wheelbase ID. Buzz, which isn’t sold in the United States (us Yanks only get the long-wheelbase version).
In terms of packaging, reports from inside sources say that VW wants to compete with new MPVs in China, such as the Zeekr Mix. The Mix ditches the traditional B-pillar for a wide-open entry between its dual sliding doors, and the front seats can swivel and slide forward to create a lounge floor when the vehicle is parked. It will take a lot of out-of-the-box thinking for VW to match the Mix, but if anyone can, it’s Volkswagen.
As for timing, the current Touran will have to hang on a little while longer. Volkswagen will reportedly not have its replacement ready until 2027 at the earliest or possibly 2028. It will probably use a next-generation version of the company’s current MEB+ platform or its newer SSP platform. It could even keep the “Touran” name, as VW has promised to move off its “ID.” naming format going forward.
TopSpeed’s Take
While the Touran is not sold in North America, we hope this replacement will be. The ID. Buzz is a great product, but we Americans are being sold the most expensive version, which makes it a much tougher sell here. A smaller, more practical, and cheaper electric van would have much wider appeal. It’s a segment we once took for granted in the U.S. with products such as the Mazda5, Ford C-MAX, and even the old Eagle Summit Wagon/Plymouth Colt Vista.
Regardless, it seems like a no-brainer to capitalize on the ID. Buzz’s success with a smaller sibling that taps into the same vein of nostalgia. It’s also an opportunity for VW to flex its muscles in response to the creativity being shown off by Chinese manufacturers. The aforementioned Mix is insanely innovative. Perhaps that stems from younger Chinese automakers not being hobbled by the same inertia to keep making the same vehicles over and over. This is another chance for VW to shake off that dust and show it can still be bold. We just hope the company is bold enough to sell the Touran replacement everywhere.
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