VW Touran to be replaced by electric van
However, those looking for a non-SUV multi-purpose vehicle still have something to look forward to. VW is working on the all-electric ID Buzz to occupy the minivan slot in the German’s line-up.
Volkswagen’s board member for research and development, Frank Welsch, spoke to Autocar UK recently and confirmed the Buzz will take over from the Touran.
“The Buzz has a lot of space. It’s great-looking. The production version is even better than the concept. It’s the best of the Touran.”
The ID Buzz is a spiritual successor to the Microbus. It will ride on VW’s electric-only MEB architecture and offer a max range closing in on 600km in top trim. The all-wheel-drive concept version was powered by two electric motors – one on each axle – providing a total output of 275kW. A rear-wheel drive version uses a single electric motor with 125kW and smaller capacity battery is also planned.
Self-driving tech will also be part and parcel, allowing for at least Level 2 autonomy.
Autocar UK reckons we could see the Buzz by 2022. The van is part of Volkswagen Group’s ‘Together Strategy 2025’ plan, which involves the firm investing over $10 billion into the development more than 30 battery-powered models across its various brands, including Audi, Skoda and Seat, by 2025.
In local VW news, the New Zealand arm announced its new 2D logo as part of a brand overhaul. This includes a new female brand voice and a fresh website, while each dealership will get a revamp in the coming months as NZ exits the Level 4 lockdown.
Nile Bijoux12:32, Apr 17 2020
