2009 Volkswagen Routan. Click image to enlarge

Ajax, Ontario – Volkswagen Canada has announced the introduction of its all-new 2009 Routan seven-passenger minivan. The new minivan, which goes on sale at the end of September, is based on the Chrysler minivan platform and is built on the same assembly line as the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country in Windsor, Ontario. The company said that with a starting price of $27,975, the Routan becomes the “most affordable seven-seat import nameplate van in Canada.”

The Routan uses a Chrysler-built 4.0-litre V6 engine producing 253 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission and European-tuned suspension and steering. It is rated by Transport Canada at 13.2 L/100 km in the city and 8.5 L/100 km on the highway.

Standard features include three-zone climate control, CD player with six speakers, dual sliding doors, front and side curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system and electronic stabilization programme (ESP). The Routan will not be available with Chrysler’s Stow N Go fold-under-the-floor seats or Swivel N Go rear facing seat and table.