Touareg

Vehicle: 2011 VW Touareg Execline TDI Clean Diesel
Price as tested: CDN$64715

Performance: Performance and efficiency have never been associate with any SUV. VW has promised to change that perspective with the new Touareg, TDI Clean Diesel version. Does this Touareg perform while retain its gold standard in premium SUV segment? We intend to find out after this test drive.

As its name suggested, the Touareg is powered by VW’s astounishing 3.0 liter TDI 24-valve V6. This engine, in fact, is so good that its the replacement for Audi-sourced 4.2 liter FSI V8 in the new Reg. The result is 225hp, while more importantly, 406 lb/ft of torque, in order to move this 2256kg of German luxury beast. Even with its porky curb weight, the Reg is able to move with authority. Although it doesn’t seem like particularly quick on paper, its turn-of-speed is far more responsive through seat-of-the-pants feedback. The throttle response is quick and linear. All have done it beautifully with the nifty 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox. As with many of those trillion gear gearbox, it always reminds of you there are many gears to move through during its engineering process. Despite of all those gear changing sensation, Reg’s gear ratios have been properly spaced. The 1st and 2nd are really low for TDI’s exceptional acceleration through its insane low-end torque. 7th and 8th are tall enough for Autobahn-like cruising. Its those between 3rd and 6th, which means there are 4 gears in between, which the gear ratios have been moved through frequently to remind everyone “I have 8 gears and I need to use them all”.

Handling: The Reg, as expect, has always been famous for both its on and off-road capability. While its predecessor was excellent, VW engineers are able to make the best even better. Given most of these puppies consider going to shopping mall speed bump as their roughest off-road course, Reg shines it through beautifully. The proactive 4-Motion AWD delivers the most power to the offending wheel when its getting stuck, then add the ESP as 2nd line of defence whenever driver has rear its ugly heads. Even though it isn’t as performance-oriented as its platform silibing, Porsche Cayenne, which has suspension done in a more aggressive setting. Touareg’s air suspension has done a marvelous job on balancing ride and handling. The body rolls and understeer have been exceptionally well-controlled, while the steering input is both responsive with amazing feedback judging by Reg’s status. Dynamically speaking, Reg has a perfect compromise between sure-footness handling and sublime ride quality that is a rare find for any SUV. There are many SUVs which have tried to find the right balance, however, not many are able to find such an ideal balance as the Touareg.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and the new ABS Plus in the new Reg, it certainly have the best braking system on the market. Possibly only taken a backseat to its chassis silibing, Porsche Cayenne. The braking feel and modulation are excellent, while the new ABS Plus has done a very good job for those unwanted intervention.

Interior: Remote open the hatch, Reg has succeed with plenty of luggage space. It all begins with a nice washer/wiper system for the rear window. Then add a nice liftover, minimal side instrusions and fold-down rear seats; Reg is able to swallow all the luggage with ease. The most delightful fact about the Reg, unlike some of its rivals, won’t jam the cramped 3rd row which is neither/nor affair for both rear seat and luggage space. If there is one drawback, however, its the rear glass won’t open independently. What a pity consider how much engineering VW has gone through with the new Touareg.

Slip behind the wheel of the new Reg, its all about class-leading interior materials and build quality. You won’t be able to find an interior that is as wel put together as the Reg. Everything from the use of plastic molding to leather hides are nothing short of quality of its finest. Then add the initutive auto climate control and navigation system, its pretty much sums up Reg’s well-rounded package.

Conclusion: While many would have said VW should take a more radical approach to Touareg’s styling. But VW decided to take an evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach to this hugely successful SUV. As it combines exceptional efficiency, as we have witnessed its 12 liters per 100km average of fuel economy. Best-in-class handling and ride balance; as well as an interior to die for. In short, Touareg is still the high water marks in the premium SUV segment.

Competitions:
Audi Q7 TDI
BMW X5 XDrive 35d
Mercedes ML350 Bluetec
Porsche Cayenne hybrid
Cadillac Escalde hybrid
Lexus RX450h

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2011 VW Touareg TDI Clean Diesel
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5

Short review of 2005 VW Touareg V10 TDI
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Price as tested: CDN$95370

Touareg has been regarded as the benchmark of luxury SUV when it first introduced in 2004 with both 4.2L V8 and 3.2 V6 engines. VW decided to upped the ante with an awesome 5.0L V10 TDI. This engine is good for 310hp and a whopping 553 lb/ft of torque. Powerful is just an understatement to describe this powerplant because it can easily blown away many so-called sports cars. The engine has extremely high refinement, flexability and NVH is impressive. Except you can only hear a slighly bit of diesel clatter when the engine is cold, its quietness and smoothness will make you forget about the V8. In my last review, I mentioned the only drawback of Touareg V8 is the fuel economy. This TDI has solved the issue as I recorded an average of 15L/100km which is a 5 liter improvement over the V8 version.

Everything from the gorgeous interior to the capable dynamic qualities still feel very much like the last Touareg we drove. The air suspension has given excellent handling and ride compromise, on the other hand, 6-speed Tiptronic is such a joy to use since it works perfectly with this diesel engine.

Although 95 grand for a diesel-powered luxury SUV is a bit too steep for many people, its limited volume will leave it for those who appreciate the sleeper performance of a TDI with the style of the Touareg. Given the improvement of the fuel economy, its hard not to give this truck a perfect marks.

Overall rating: 5/5

Vehicle: 2004 VW Touareg V8 with premium plus pkg, convenience pkg, winter pkg, 4-zone climate control pkg, air suspension pkg, bi-Xenon headlights and parking sensors

Handling: The Touareg is based on the same platform as the mighty Porsche Cayenne, so its unsurprising that this is a very stiff and strong chassis to begin with. With the air suspension setting on “sport”, it handles sharply without sacificing the ride quality. The suspension is firm enough without giving out the bouncy and rough ride quality as the last Cayenne S I have experienced. Steering provides plenty of on and off-center feel, it also relatively responsive through corners. Push through the corners and the whole vehicle reacts wonderfully well through driver input. Change the suspension to “comfort” setting, the suspension rides as comfortably as an Audi A6. Even if its on “comfort” mode, the car still handles confidently through corners without the washy, mushy feel of many of the SUVs on the market. I had a chance to turn off the ESP through corners, this is not an instrusive system considered it never get in until absolutely necessary. The 4Motion system works seemlessly in today’s rainy weather. There is a minimal amount of body rolls judging by the fact that Touareg remains an SUV with high center of gravity. Suffice to say, Touareg’s on road manners are simply too notch.

Performance: Motivated by the 4.2 V8 32-valver that turns out 310hp and 303 lb/ft of torque, power has never been an issue with the Touareg. The throttle response is excellent, the same speaks for the 6-speed Tiptronic tranny. This tranny’s gear ratios are very well-spaced to suit for Touareg’s character. Its willing to upshift and downshift on auto mode. As for the manumatic mode, it allows me to rev pass 5500 rpm before upshifting. On the other hand, the engine is flexible, torquery, willing to rev and refined. On the freeway, it runs 110 km/h at a lowly 2000rpm. The biggest drawback of this engine has to be fuel economy. The trip computer consistently shown 16.5L/100km during our test drive. Given the choice, I would wait for the V10 TDI which is a more sensible alternative to the thirsty V8.

Brakes: Given Touareg’s weight and size, its brake pedal feels solid and easily modulated. The brake assist works as advertised. This system doesn’t feel its grabbing driver’s leg before reaching the ABS modulation point. The stops are short and linear. Its a very good braking system indeed.

Interior: Touareg probably has the best interior of any SUVs, regardless of price. There is a great set of instrumentation gauges. Starting with the large speedometer and tachometer, while the colorful driver information centered in the middle. The automatic climate control works exceptionally well. Its a very effective system that provides cool AC while the ventilation works exceptionally during Vancouver’s rainy weather. There are tons of storage space in the center console and on the top of the dash. With the 8-way power driver’s seat, tilt and telescope steering wheel. The driving position is easy to find and comfortable. The seats which are covered with Nappa leather are comfortable and supportive. It also provides enough side support for aggressive driving. However, there are 2 drawbacks. Despite the stereo provides decent sound, there are way too many buttons. Secondly, the remote fuel filler cap/trunk rocket switches are located right down the driver’s door panel. While this location is perfect in a Golf or Jetta because of their low driving position, its hard to reach in a Touareg which has a high driving position. The back seats are comfortable. With 4-zone climate control, rear heated seats, 3 headrests and a nice center armrest, there is really nothing better than this.

The cargo space of the Touareg is very well laid-out. There are 2 chrome door sills that prevent the cargos from digging the body panels. The liftover is well cut-off for easy loading. Although it only has a donut, VW gladly provides an air compressor to fill up the spare when necessary. You also get 2 12V power outlets as well as a privacy cover. The most interesting thing is Touareg’s trunk carpet doesn’t look out of place in any luxury car.

Conclusion: Touareg is indeed a very intriguing vehicle. It got excellent road manners, a sweet engine and a cozy interior with plenty of cargo space. Simply stated, the Touareg is the new benchmark of the luxury SUV segment.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 VW TOUAREG V8
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.75/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.75/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5
Value-for-money: 4.5/5

Overall rating: 4.85/5