7 February 2011
Considering its Volkswagen's first venture into the large SUV market, the Touareg immediately impresses with its rugged, do anything looks, and despite this competing with BMW's X5 or the Range Rover, brand snobs will still be reluctant of the Vee Dub badge.
Touareg is available with a 3.2 litre V6 or 4.2litre V8 petrol engine, a five cylinder 2.5litre turbo diesel and a grunty 4.8litre V10 twin turbo diesel unit producing a thundering 750Nm of torque.
We drove the 2.5 Tdi version, and although not providing blistering performance, it did well to energise the heavy weight (2300 kilogram) Touareg with some verve.
The peak power output of 128kW is adequate for an engine of this size but it is the mighty 400Nm of torque at 2000rpm that provides the vehicle its strength.
Starting the engine from cold makes one aware this is a diesel unit, but once up to operating temperature it is quiet in operation.
In all operating conditions we encountered the engine was completely unstressed with the strong pulling providing flexibility from varying throttle applications. A six speed, electronic control, automatic transmission assists in ensuring the engine is providing the best output to the permanent, all wheel drive system.
Recommended tow weight is 750kg for an un-braked trailer and 3500kg for a braked trailer and fuel economy averaged 10.0 l/100 on our test run.
Providing one remembers its size, the Touareg is good to drive. The steering is light and direct at slow speeds and although the vehicle has an 11.8 metre turning circle, it is fairly easy to manoeuvre in tight areas.
On the open road Touareg provides a comfortable, supple ride and is stable for a large high riding vehicle. And electronic stability is there as an additional aid in slippery conditions.
The high seating position gives excellent vision all round the vehicle, and there is plenty of interior space to carry five adults with ease and providing all comfort features.
The large rear hatch door gives easy access to the spacious luggage area with a 720mm lift height to the flat floor.
A hard floor is capable of taking heavy loads, which can be secured by the four tie hooks positioned at each corner. Three tie hooks are also set in the rear seat backs for security of loads when the seat backs are folded. A pull over cover assists security of stored items.
All Touareg have a high level of features of remote central locking with engine immobiliser and alarm, heated mirrors, 10 speaker audio, and dual climate air conditioning with cooler in the glove box.
Rear passengers get their own air conditioning controls positioned centrally at the rear of the centre console.
Both petrol versions and the V10 diesel gain electric adjust and heated front seats, CD stacker, rain sensing wipers, electronic parking aid warning and front fog lamps. Safety features for all models include dual front air bags with load sensors for the passenger seat, front and rear side and curtain air bags.
There is no dispute regarding the excellent German build quality/finish and luxurious, comfortable interior of Touareg however, unless you have a heavy boat or caravan to tow around, or traverse a lot of rugged, off-road terrain it seems excessive.