2015 Volkswagen Touran spied

The boxy-bodied small car is designed to give buyers an alternative to the SUV crowd in much the same vein as the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and upcoming BMW 2 Series Active Tourer. The Volkswagen Touran has never been sold in Australia, but given the strong reception to Benz's practical hatch, the German company admits there's a chance this version will make it here.

"We have no plans at this stage, but we will continue to monitor the segment," said Volkswagen Australia public relations manager Kurt McGuiness.

The new model is expected to be built upon the same modular MQB underpinnings as the new-generation Golf hatchback, with weight savings up to 100 kilograms over the previous-generation version which went on sale in 2010 in Europe and some other markets. It is also expected to grow compared to the current car, which spans 4.39 metres long, 1.79m wide and 1.67m tall.

A longer wheelbase is probable, while boot space is expected to grow from the already capacious 591 litres of the existing car. It is likely the new version will be offered with the option of five or seven seats.

The new model is expected to boast sharper styling than the car it replaces, taking design cues from the recently revealed Volkswagen Passat, including angular headlights with bold LED elements, a squarer rear-end and more shapely window-line.

The new Touran will bring similar engines to the Golf range, including four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel powertrains. There are rumours the new version will be offered with a 4MOTION all-wheel-drive variant, which may in turn spur a Cross Touran model with body-cladding, a higher ride-height and chunky alloys.

Click the Photos tab for more images of the new Volkswagen Touran.