Volkswagen Touran

Literally a combination of Touring and Sedan, the Volkswagen Touran arrived on European shores in 2003 and almost immediately became the most popular compact MPV in Germany and one of the top sellers overall on the Continent. Looking like a stretched out Golf, the Touran offers versatility in both its interior space and engine choices.

The front-wheel drive van seats five in two rows or seven in three rows, though five-seater models have been dropped in some countries. Both rear rows fold into the floor, and the second row slides back and forth and sideways. Storage bins, pockets, and compartments hide in 39 locations. This diverse choice continues to the six different four-cylinder engines -- two 1.4-liter (regular and turbo) and four 2.0-liter diesel engines. Horsepower ranges from 90 to 170. A crossover version, the CrossTouran arrived in 2006, offering three petrol and three diesel engine choices and a higher suspension. A tuner ABT version boosts the diesel horsepower and tricks the van out with sporty touches, such as spoilers and dual exhausts.

In 2007, the Touran was the first VW to offer optional Parking Assist, which takes less than 15 seconds to parallel park your car. All the driver does is shift into reverse, and the system uses sensors to guide the van into a spot. For 2008, the Touran will debut a hybrid model at the Beijing Olympics, featuring a combination of a 20 kW electric motor and gas engine. The Touran was designed with families in mind, and its seat configurations, thoughtful interior layout, large cargo capacity, and economical engines keep it in line with Europe's gas-conscious drivers.