The Volkswagen Cross Touran I 1.4 TSI (140 hp) was a variant of the first-generation Cross Touran, produced between 2007 and 2010. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Cross Touran lineup, it aimed to bridge the gap between the more economical base models and the higher-performance versions. The Cross Touran itself was a ruggedized version of the standard Touran MPV, featuring increased ground clearance, body cladding, and a more adventurous aesthetic, intended to appeal to buyers seeking a practical family vehicle with some off-road capability. This particular 1.4 TSI engine and transmission combination represented a balance between fuel efficiency and acceptable performance for everyday driving.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touran |
| Generation | Cross Touran I |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2007 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg, 13.7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 169 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 194 km/h (120.55 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 145.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 100.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1250-4000 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft. @ 1250-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CAVC |
| Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 (84.82 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharging and Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1511 kg (3331.18 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2130 kg (4695.85 lbs.) |
| Max load | 619 kg (1364.66 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 695 l (24.54 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1989 l (70.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4407 mm (173.5 in.) |
| Width | 1799 mm (70.83 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2047 mm (80.59 in.) |
| Height | 1670 mm (65.75 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2677 mm (105.39 in.) |
| Front track | 1550 mm (61.02 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1531 mm (60.28 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Front wheel tires | 215/50 R17 |
| Rear wheel tires | 235/45 R17 |
| Front wheel rims | 6.5J x 17 |
| Rear wheel rims | 8J x 17 |
INTRODUCTION
The Volkswagen Cross Touran I 1.4 TSI (140 hp), launched in 2007, was a key variant within the first generation of the Cross Touran model range. Built on the Volkswagen Group’s A5 (1HX0/A3) platform, the Cross Touran aimed to offer the practicality of a compact MPV with a more rugged appearance and slightly enhanced off-road capability. This 1.4 TSI engine, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, was positioned as a mainstream option, offering a balance between performance, fuel economy, and price. It catered to families and individuals who desired a versatile vehicle for both daily commutes and occasional adventures.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cross Touran I 1.4 TSI (140 hp) is the CAVC engine code, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is notable for its combination of turbocharging and supercharging – a relatively uncommon setup. The supercharger provides immediate boost at low engine speeds, eliminating turbo lag and improving responsiveness during initial acceleration. As engine speed increases, the turbocharger takes over, delivering higher power output. This dual-charging system, coupled with direct fuel injection, allows the engine to produce 140 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque between 1250 and 4000 rpm. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a good balance of fuel efficiency and driver control. The engine utilizes a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for improved performance.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 TSI engine in the Cross Touran I delivers adequate performance for everyday driving. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 9.5 seconds, and the top speed is around 120 mph. While not particularly sporty, the engine provides sufficient power for overtaking maneuvers and maintaining comfortable cruising speeds on the highway. The dual-charging system ensures a relatively flat torque curve, making the engine feel responsive across a wide range of engine speeds. Compared to the more powerful 1.8 TSI or 2.0 TDI variants, the 1.4 TSI feels less energetic, particularly when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. However, the manual transmission allows drivers to make the most of the available power, and the gear ratios are well-suited for both urban and highway driving. The Cross Touran’s increased ride height, compared to the standard Touran, contributes to a slightly less agile feel in corners.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Cross Touran I 1.4 TSI (140 hp) typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a CD stereo system, and ABS brakes. The interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a functional and durable design. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a sunroof, parking sensors, and a more advanced audio system. The Cross Touran’s exterior styling featured distinctive plastic body cladding, roof rails, and silver-colored accents, giving it a more rugged appearance. The interior trim was generally similar to that of the standard Touran, but with some unique touches to reflect the Cross Touran’s adventurous character.
Chassis & Braking
The Cross Touran I 1.4 TSI utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. This suspension setup provides a comfortable ride quality and good handling characteristics. The increased ground clearance of the Cross Touran, compared to the standard Touran, allows it to tackle rougher terrain with greater confidence. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing adequate stopping power for most driving situations. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking maneuvers. Stabilizer bars are fitted to both the front and rear axles, reducing body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Volkswagen Cross Touran I 1.4 TSI (140 hp) was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and versatile family vehicle. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and fuel-efficient engine. However, some critics noted that the 1.4 TSI engine could feel underpowered when the vehicle was fully loaded. Compared to the 1.8 TSI and 2.0 TDI variants, the 1.4 TSI offered lower running costs but less performance. The 1.8 TSI provided a noticeable boost in power, while the 2.0 TDI offered superior fuel economy and torque. In terms of reliability, the 1.4 TSI engine has proven to be generally reliable, although some owners have reported issues with the turbocharger and supercharger systems.
Legacy
The Volkswagen Cross Touran I 1.4 TSI (140 hp) remains a popular choice in the used car market today. Its combination of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability makes it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a versatile MPV. While the engine may not be the most powerful in the lineup, it is generally reliable and offers reasonable performance for everyday driving. The Cross Touran’s rugged styling and increased ground clearance add to its appeal, making it a capable vehicle for both urban and rural environments. Proper maintenance, particularly regarding the dual-charging system, is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
