Volkswagen – the German automaker of Kombi Microbus fame – is making a long-awaited return to the US minivan market for the 2009 model year but there is virtually no chance the model will come to Europe.

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The new Routan is based on the Dodge Grand Caravan redesigned last year – a similar model is about to be launched in Europe as the Chrysler Voyager (based on the US-market Chrysler Town and Country).


The US enthusiast website The Car Connection (TCC) said the Routan comes from a unique marketing agreement between Chrysler and Volkswagen; the latter worked with the US firm to bring a minivan to market, rather than spending far more to develop its own vehicle strictly for the US.


That was confirmed by a Volkswagen UK spokeswoman on Wednesday who said there was little chance the Canadian-built model would cross the Atlantic.


TCC said the Routan is a seven-passenger version of the Chrysler minivans, but with a heavier-than-expected dash of Volkswagen style – the exterior design incorporates a version of VW’s new grille, with a deep inset and a chromed VW logo. The Routan also has new tail lamps and new sheet metal creases to distinguish it from the Caravan/Town & Country minivans sold by Chrysler.

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Inside, TCC added, the Routan has a unique Volkswagen interior, with notably different materials and dashboard styling. Seating is divided 2/2/3, with dual captain’s chairs in place in both the first and second row.


Chrysler’s 197hp 3.8-litre V6 is standard and a six-speed automatic transmission is the sole transmission offer. Volkswagen will also offer Chrysler’s 251hp four-litre V6 as an option.


Standard safety gear will include revised suspension tuning, stability and traction control, and curtain airbags. Other features in all versions are a conversation mirror, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, dual power sliding doors, a touchscreen navigation system with a 20GB music hard drive, a power tailgate and 13 cupholders.


Much of that is optional in the US-market ‘originals’, according to the Chrysler and Dodge websites.


The Canadian-built Routan will be priced starting below $US25,000, Volkswagen told The Car Connection.