Strong but thirsty
The Touareg's 2,332 kilos are an obvious drawback. Our combined city, highway and off-road tests (see Comparative Test) have resulted in a fuel economy rating of 18.7 L/100 km. In normal driving conditions, the Touareg would fare better in this regard. Still, the 3.6-liter V6 does a pretty good job. Accelerations are swift (0-100 kph in 10.4 seconds) and passing maneuvers are equally impressive (80-120 kph in 7.5 seconds in third gear; or 8.6 seconds in automatic mode). To tell you the truth, I liked the 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission; more often than not, I relied on the manual mode to benefit from greater engine braking and select the right gear for passing. In auto mode, my only complaint comes from the occasional power interruptions when you bring the vehicle almost to a full stop and then want to take off quickly: there's a full second before the Touareg reacts. This can become tricky in certain situations. On the flip side, activating the four-wheel drive system is easily done with your fingertip.
Solid on the highway, clumsy in the city
Driving the Touareg downtown proves to be sketchy given the size and shape of the vehicle. While the steering is nicely weighted on the highway, it becomes seemingly lazier in the city. The brakes are also annoying because you have to gently modulate the pedal to avoid repetitively abrupt stops. Of course, when you need them most, they are more than up to the task (100-0 kph over 40.5 meters). Drivers need to be careful when parking too: the backup assist system is a must because, as I mentioned earlier, rearward visibility is limited.
On highways and country roads, however, the Touareg remains surprisingly stable for such a tall and heavy SUV. Bodyroll is noticeable in corners, although it will never bother you. Our tester was equipped with Pirelli Scorpio tires.
Made for the outdoors
The all-new Touareg 2 is more at ease on highways, byroads and off-road trails. With good winter tires, this big machine will play in the snow like an overexcited little boy. You can use it to tow a boat or a pair of ATVs all the way to the country chalet... or the North Pole. The Touareg is a great outdoorsy SUV with a fair dose of civility.
Interior
Highway driving
Off-road capability
Reasonable performances
Ride comfort
City driving
City braking
Fuel economy
Average reliability (according to Consumer Reports)
photo:Philippe Champoux
The Touareg's 2,332 kilos are an obvious drawback. Our combined city, highway and off-road tests (see Comparative Test) have resulted in a fuel economy rating of 18.7 L/100 km. In normal driving conditions, the Touareg would fare better in this regard. Still, the 3.6-liter V6 does a pretty good job. Accelerations are swift (0-100 kph in 10.4 seconds) and passing maneuvers are equally impressive (80-120 kph in 7.5 seconds in third gear; or 8.6 seconds in automatic mode). To tell you the truth, I liked the 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission; more often than not, I relied on the manual mode to benefit from greater engine braking and select the right gear for passing. In auto mode, my only complaint comes from the occasional power interruptions when you bring the vehicle almost to a full stop and then want to take off quickly: there's a full second before the Touareg reacts. This can become tricky in certain situations. On the flip side, activating the four-wheel drive system is easily done with your fingertip.
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| The Touareg 2 delivered a solid performance during our comparative test last August, finishing third. |
Solid on the highway, clumsy in the city
Driving the Touareg downtown proves to be sketchy given the size and shape of the vehicle. While the steering is nicely weighted on the highway, it becomes seemingly lazier in the city. The brakes are also annoying because you have to gently modulate the pedal to avoid repetitively abrupt stops. Of course, when you need them most, they are more than up to the task (100-0 kph over 40.5 meters). Drivers need to be careful when parking too: the backup assist system is a must because, as I mentioned earlier, rearward visibility is limited.
On highways and country roads, however, the Touareg remains surprisingly stable for such a tall and heavy SUV. Bodyroll is noticeable in corners, although it will never bother you. Our tester was equipped with Pirelli Scorpio tires.
Made for the outdoors
The all-new Touareg 2 is more at ease on highways, byroads and off-road trails. With good winter tires, this big machine will play in the snow like an overexcited little boy. You can use it to tow a boat or a pair of ATVs all the way to the country chalet... or the North Pole. The Touareg is a great outdoorsy SUV with a fair dose of civility.
 |
Highway driving
Off-road capability
Reasonable performances
Ride comfort
 |
City driving
City braking
Fuel economy
 |
Average reliability (according to Consumer Reports)
photo:Philippe Champoux
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