2011 Volkswagen Routan Offers Enhanced Features and New 3.6l Engine
01/25/2011
Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced new features and updates to the 2011 Routan that will enhance the consumer's driving experience. With space for up to seven adults and their belongings, amenities similar to those of a home theater, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,600 lbs, the 2011 Routan can go the distance without leaving anyone, or anything, behind. The Routan combines German sensibilities in design, fit and finish, with refined ride and handling characteristics, all while delivering outstanding value.
New for the 2011 model year, all Routans are powered by a new 3.6L engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission which provides 283 horsepower and 260 lbs./ft. of torque. The 2011 Routan is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Function follows form in the 2011 Routan with EPA fuel economy numbers of 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the 3.6L. The Routan is offered in seven trim levels with pricing starting under $27,000, making it standout in the segment a true driver's minivan.
Interior
To accommodate the needs of today's families, the Routan features standard 12V power outlets and an available 115V AC outlet for powering up phones, MP3 players, and game consoles. For 2011, all-new Sierra Stone beige interior color is available in Leatherette or Leather seating surfaces. New perforated front row seating with pillow top armrests and second row captain's chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort. The convenience of a traditional minivan is here with up to 144 cubic feet of space available with the second row removed, and the third row stowed.
All 2011 Routan models include an all new leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and a full assortment of gauges to keep the driver in the know. Underfoot is a high-density carpet, complete with matching floor mats, which add to the overall interior appeal.
Additional intelligent storage solutions can be found with dual glove boxes, a floor console with cup holders, an available highline console with a large storage compartment, available ceiling storage, door sill and rear quarter storage bins, various cargo nets, and a variety of coat and bag and purse hooks throughout. Airline style LED reading lights are ready in all three seating rows, while sunshades keep unwanted light from shining through the power windows on the SE, SEL and SEL Premium models, in addition to standard privacy glass. For extra sunshine and fresh air, the SEL and SEL Premium add a power sunroof.
Convenience
For the 2011 model, Garmin(R) Navigation is available for SE, while Sirius(R) Travel Link and integrated iPod(R) interface are added to Routan SEL w/Navigation. Detailed information for weather, skiing, fuel, movies, and sports is available with the Sirius Travel Link subscription. Additional functional features include a new fuel optimization switch allowing the driver to select an ECO mode which adjusts shift patterns to increase fuel economy.
As in previous models, the 2011 Routan includes dual power sliding doors with power windows, power fold third row seating for extra storage room or "tailgating" function, and no less than thirteen cup holders.
Remote keyless entry with an available remote vehicle start system provides an extra level of comfort on a cold or hot day.
Exterior
Distinctions continue along the Routan's exterior, with aggressively angled headlights containing quad halogen lamps (High Intensity Gas-discharged (HID) units on the SEL Premium), complimenting a chrome trimmed grille. The SEL Premium also includes halogen fog lamps integrated into the lower front bumper. Depending on the trim level, matte black, body-colored, or chrome side mirrors and door handles are used. Splash guards and convenient full running boards with skid-resistant surfaces can also be ordered. New for 2011, are stowable roof racks added to SE and SEL models, allowing quick and easy transformation. The Routan finishes with a spoiler and integrated third brake light sitting atop the rear hatch, uniquely styled tail lamps, and an extra low bumper with step plate to make loading and removal of items that much easier.
Chassis and Suspension
To give the Routan its refined European driving composure and handling, Volkswagen uses a rack-and-pinion steering system that provides increased road feel and enhanced response to the driver. Working in concert with the steering setup is a front suspension that gives the Routan its precision-tuned ride when traversing neighborhood corners, or taking long runs on the highway.
The S and SE models feature heavy duty rear shocks and coil-over springs that remain firm under heavy loads while keeping occupants comfortable even through bumps in the road. With the SEL and SEL Premium packages, the rear suspension is upgraded to a Nivomat(R) self-leveling, ZF Sachs rear air suspension that provides the Routan with even greater towing and hauling credentials (3,500 lbs. towing capacity versus the standard 2,000 lbs). Four wheel disc brakes (vented front and solid rear discs) combine with an advanced Anti-lock Braking System for added control and stopping superiority.
Safety
For 2011, the Routan comes standard with a host of new safety features. Front-row seats now include standard side airbags and Routan drivers are now protected with a standard knee-airbag.
All seating positions have a three-point safety belt, with a pre-tensioner and height adjustment for the driver and front passenger. Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) are also included for quick and simple child seat additions. All rows now have newly designed head restraints for optimized safety.
Beyond its Anti-lock Braking System, the Routan also features Engine Braking Control (EBC) to help reduce speed when called upon, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which monitors feedback from a number of different sensors to ensure the Routan stays on course through most any driving situation that may arise.
Entertainment
Keeping occupants entertained is an easy task for the Routan, starting with an in-dash, MP3-compatible CD player with an AM/FM stereo, an auxiliary input for connecting other audio devices, and six speakers on the S model. The SE includes a 6-disc DVD changer and Bluetooth(TM) connectivity, which can be complemented with a comprehensive package that includes a large touch screen display, rearview camera, 30GB hard drive, USB connectivity for multimedia devices and drives, music and photo storage and playback, a second DVD player for the rear seating area, auxiliary A/V inputs, six speakers, wireless headphones, a pair of ceiling-mounted, 9-inch LCD screens, and a remote control.
Warranty
The 2011 Routan includes 24-hour Roadside Assistance (through a third party supplier) for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) as standard, plus:
Five-year / 60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
Three-year / 36,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty, with wear and tear items and adjustments
12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation
The Routan, like all 2011 model year Volkswagen vehicles, is covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program, all scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty - three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil, which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change, and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes.