The old saying, “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” is the appropriate way to describe the 2009 VW Routan SE. As you may already know, the Routan is basically a Chrysler Town & Country minivan “revised” by Volkswagen.

If you want to get into a segment and lack the development resources, a re-skin of the market leader is a great way to establish some traction. And VW did just that to gain access to the large and lucrative family-hauler segment.

Sorry, the new 2009 Routan will not endear itself to Microbus devotees or fans of certain classic rock bands. But VW did a good job of updating the Chrysler van. I liked the fresh styling that tweaks the front and rear ends just enough to give the Routan some differentiation from the Chrysler product. VW did a cosmetic tuck with the Routan to tighten up body gaps and it also created a more attractive wheel package.

Volkswagen also went to work on the suspension. During my week with this people hauler I noticed the changes. Engineers tuned the suspension as much as they could to deliver the best ride with the hardware Chrysler provided. I’m all about the drive and minivans just don’t provide me with a satisfying ride, though I understand that’s not part of their mission.

The front-wheel-drive Routan doesn’t do it for me either, but the Routan is the sportiest of the bunch and does it without taking away the ride quality segment buyers expect. The Routan provides acceptable contact and road feel even though handicapped with small P225/65-R16 tires. Volkswagen also has another handling safety card tucked under the fender wells: ESP. No, these vans cannot read minds – they read the road.

The Routan, along with all 2009 VWs, comes standard with an electronic stabilization program. ESP has been called one of the most important safety devices developed because it helps prevent oversteer and understeer (fish tailing) through the use of similar technology applied in Stealth aircraft. ESP is the sum of three functions – antilock brakes that enable individual braking and control at the four corners of the vehicle, traction control that affects acceleration and yaw control that addresses any tire spin of a vehicle.

The power rack-and-pinion steering has a small turning radius and it provided decent feedback. As for performance numbers, VW claims the Routan can do 0-60 in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of 112 mph (bracket racing anyone?).

The Routan reaches these numbers using the proven 3.8-liter V-6 with 197 horsepower and 230 pounds-feet of torque. It is backed with a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode via Chrysler. The Environmental Protection Agency pegs mileage numbers for this combination at 16 city and 23 highway. I got around 19 miles per gallon in a 60/40 mix of highway/city driving.

On the inside, VW really gave the Town & Country a nice makeover by upgrading the quality of interior materials, which look and feel better than the Chrysler components. In this writer’s opinion the Routan has a nicer dash, better-looking and supportive seats and a better leather steering wheel than the Chrysler versions. The driving position for the Routan places you back quite a distance from the windshield. While this aids safety, it also creates a dash big enough to play cards on.

The Routan SE has all the storage bins, nooks and crannies of its Chrysler siblings. Routan offers a host of functional features including conversation mirror, rear-seat entertainment system with two 9-inch screens for second- and third-row passengers, touch-screen navigation with the 30 GB JoyBox Multi-Media Entertainment system, dual power-sliding doors with power windows, power-fold third-row seating for extra storage room or “tailgating” function and no less than 13 cup holders.

Available heated front- and second-row captain’s chairs offer an increased level of luxury and comfort. The convenience of a traditional minivan is present with up to 144 cubic feet of available storage with second-row seats removed and the third-row seats stowed. The power storage feature is a must. My test vehicle also had remote keyless entry with the optional remote vehicle start system. I also liked the standard 12-volt power outlets.

Forget the swiveling second row captain’s chairs and little table, Chrysler kept those for itself.

So what does this new and approved Routan minivan go for? Try $33,000 to start and $37,000 very nicely equipped.

So why should you be interested in the Routan? Well, the improved interior quality tops the list followed by the revised and tightened suspension, dual power-sliding doors featuring power windows and fresh styling.

The biggest question is what is the Routan’s future? With Chrysler in Chapter 11 bankruptcy there may not be any future Routans. However, service and warranty will not be a problem, so don’t let that sway your decision too much. If you need this type of people hauler, the Routan is one of the best currently being produced.

2009 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN SE

ENGINE: 197-horsepower 3.8-liter V-6

TRANSMISSION: six-speed automatic

DRIVETRAIN: front-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 16 city/23 highway

BASE PRICE: $33,000

AS TESTED: $37,000

WEB SITE: vw.com