An old wrinkle brings a new twist to family mobility as Generation-X ages into their Thirties with carry-all needs that harken back to their childhood and the arrival of a rolling phenomenon known by a single word--minivan.

Baby Boomers were the first to experience the minivan's full potential when Chrysler introduced the segment in late 1983.

It quickly became the quintessential "family room on wheels," taking young families across town and cross-country, sweeping the American landscape and pushing the commonplace family station wagon into automotive history.

For 2009, Volkswagen jumps on the minivan bandwagon adding seven-passenger capacity to their "People's car" lineup with the Volkswagen Routan. Co-developed with Chrysler, Routan mirrors the basic design and powertrains of the Chrysler and Dodge minivans with visible changes made to the front and rear styling-boldly stamped with the "VW" emblem.

But, in a marketplace punctuated with crossovers and SUVs, not all Gen-X consumers are easily swayed by the minivan their parents drove to popularity.

"I was reluctant to own a minivan because it's the vehicle I grew up with. It is what 'Mom and Dad' drove," says J.B. Lorenty of suburban Chicago. "We drive a minivan now because it is the most practical answer to comfortably transporting a family of five."

According to Lorenty, Volkswagen Routan offers a unique look amid the sea of competitors. "We don't feel like a typical 'soccer family' when we're in it. Routan has a certain crossover look about it that we like."

Lorenty points to Routan's dual sliding side doors, large storage areas, and ease in reaching the third row among the vehicle's strengths. However, he wishes Routan's second row would stow into the floor as does its Chrysler cousin.

Routan is available in S and SE trim levels powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine for 197 horsepower. The upscale SEL model receives a 4.0L V-6 with 253-hp output. Both engines are teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The front-wheel drive VW Routan rides on a 121-inch wheelbase complimented by a dedicated VW suspension for sportier handling. Ride quality is exceptional with sedan-like road manners.

I tested the Routan SEL in Chicago and surrounding interstates for 16-mpg around town and 23-mpg across the Tri-State Expressway. We averaged 19-mpg while loaded with a trio of adults, three youngsters and assorted beach and picnic cargo.

Rear cargo capacity of 32 cubic feet exists with a full compliment of riders. Over 83 cu.ft. of volume is exposed with the rear seat stowed in-floor and the second row tipped upright. Manually removing the second row seats yields 141 cu.ft. of volume. Towing capacity musters 3,500 pounds.

The 2009 Volkswagen Routan S carries a base cost of $24,700, followed by the SE priced at $29,600. Top-of-the-line SEL raises the anti to $33,200.