THE Volkswagen Touran TDI is one of those rare cars that manages to squeeze in the maximum number of seats in a compact body with an engine to match. The Touran multi-purpose vehicle has three rows of seats and a new 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine that is below 1,600cc and 130 hp, thus making it the only German seven-seater model in COE Category A.

The Touran is based on a stretched version of the previous Golf hatchback's platform but with a compact MPV body. The boxy interior is, as expected, versatile - the three rows of seats can be configured for maximum comfort or load capacity.

Folding tables are attached to the front seatbacks. Or the second row seats can be folded flat to allow them to be used as a table for the rear seat passengers. The second row seats also slide and recline individually, or can be removed completely. As for the third row, it comprises a pair of single seats which can be folded independently into the floor. Because the Touran is an MPV, the driver and occupants sit relatively higher than in a Golf hatchback. Driving the front wheels of this Touran TDI is a 1,598cc diesel engine producing 105 hp and 250 Nm.