Another new Volkswagen we can’t get here.
When spy photos of the large people-mover emerged, we got our first glimpse at the VW Viloran in September. Two months later, Volkswagen officially revealed the wagon-like minivan along with two other models at the 2019 Guangzhou Auto Show. It is the first VW luxury MPV to be launched in China and will go on sale in the first half next year.
The details are sparsely described in the VW press release. It will measure 17.3 feet (5.3 meters) in length, which is about the same size as the ChevyTraverse (17 foot) and will be VW’s largest model. The cabin layout is 2-2-3 with executive seating with electric footrests and double headrests. There are also dual-sided automatic sliding doors.
Rumours suggest that the new model will ride on VW’s MQB platform. This modular platform is designed for front-engine vehicles with traverse mounts and front-wheel drive. It will be the foundation of much of the VW lineup in the future. The engine’s turbocharged 2.0-liter TSIS gasoline engine produces 220 horsepower (164 Kilowatts) as well as 258 pound-feet (353 Newton-meters). It will be known as the Viloran 380 TSI.
The Viloran is more crossover-looking than a minivan. This was likely intentional. Minivans aren’t as popular as crossovers, but they do sell. This could explain why Viloran looks more like a Chrysler Pacifica than a Dodge Grand Caravan. The Viloran has a long, raked windshield and a hatch.
Information and photos are as rare as details about the oily parts. In the press photos, however, we can still see the second row captain chairs with electric footrests.
When it arrives in China next year, the Volkswagen Viloran will be competing against the Buick GL8 or Lexus LM. The model could be available in Russia, although VW has not yet revealed which markets it will be available to. Along with the Tacqua PHEV and Touareg, the Viloran was displayed at the auto show.