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When Dutch Volkswagen distributor Ben Pon sketched the first idea for a Volkswagen van in 1947, he could never have imagined the Routan of today.

Pon’s idea became reality when the VW bus went into production late in 1949. The bus was initially conceived as a work vehicle, but over time it evolved into passenger versions, including a camper. It was the forerunner of what has become the modern minivan.

Volkswagen has vans in Europe, but the seven-passenger Routan minivan is targeted specifically at the American market and is built by Chrysler in its Windsor, Ontario, assembly plant.

VW buyers would have loved a new version of the Microbus, but that would have been too expensive to build from scratch. Partnering with Chrysler makes sense. The Routan does not have Chrysler’s Stow-n-Go or Swivel-n-Go seats, but that’s not a negative for most folks.

The Routan shares its side doors with the Chrysler Town & Country, but the rest of the body panels and interior components are unique to VW.

There are S, SE and SEL models. The S and SE are powered by Chrysler’s 3.8-liter V-6. The SEL has the 4.0-liter unit. Base prices begin at $25,390 for the S and top out at $39,090 for the SEL premium. I drove an SE whose sticker price was $30,735.

Standard equipment includes power windows, power locks, power side doors, three-zone climate control, AM/FM stereo with disc player, anti-lock brakes, traction control, vehicle stability control and side-curtain airbags.

The Routan’s instrument panel and seats are VW’s own design. The front seats are noteworthy for their comfort and support. Cloth upholstery is standard while the SEL has leather. There are 13 cup holders plus a 115-volt AC outlet for powering phones, laptops, MP3 players and game consoles.

The 3.8-liter engine that drives the front wheels delivers 197 horsepower. The six-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually. Although I did not have the chance to load the test van up with seven people, the 3.8-liter engine had more than enough zip for hauling light loads. Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. The 4.0-liter engine is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway.

The Routan’s suspension has been tuned for a more European feel, according to VW, and the ride is a bit firmer than the Chrysler’s.

What would a minivan be without a host of entertainment options? The Routan offers a 30-gigabyte multimedia system with two 9-inch screens and a touch-screen navigation system. Remote vehicle start is also an option.

Price

The base price of the test car was $29,600. Heated front seats were the only option. The sticker price was $30,735.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles, with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. All standard maintenance is free for three years or 36,000 miles.

2009 Volkswagen Routan SE

Engine: 3.8-liter, 197-hp V-6

Transmission: Automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 112.4 inches

Curb weight: 4,507 lbs.

Base price: $29,600

As driven: $30,735

MPG rating: 16 city, 23 hwy.

Send e-mail to Tom Strongman at tom@tstrongman.com.