The Routan minivan will inherit its mechanical underpinnings from the Dodge/Chrysler minivan platform upon which it is based.
That translates into 4.0 and 3.8 six-cylinder engine options, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a FWD configuration. Despite VW's well-deserved reputation as a leader in the use of diesel engines in their vehicles, a diesel powerplant won't be available.
The Routan will not be getting either the Stow 'n Go or Swivel 'n Go features found in the Dodge/Chrylser minivans, however: the space underfloor occupied by the hardware for those options will be converted to additional storage space on the Routan.
Volkswagen stated that the Routan would be priced competitively, promising that is "...delivers a competitively priced entry into thei high volume segment with prices starting below $25,000." With the aforementioned improvements to the Routan's interior over Dodge and Chrysler models, top-end pricing could theoretically approach $40,000 for a loaded, fully-optioned vehicle.
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