Enough!
I have been patient for over ten years but now, as a new decade begins, it is time for Volkswagen to completely revise their drive-by-wire system. Here's what happens; upon application of pressure on the go-pedal, nothing takes place... It's only after a few fractions of a second that the truck's brain reacts to the driver's wishes. Can you say: “WTF?”
My trick had been to drive with both feet (in the case of an automatic or a DSG) in order to never fully release the throttle pedal therefore bypassing the annoying “dead-spot” at the top of the pedal travel. They say this is done to improve fuel economy and emission; I say, figure something else out.
Fits nicely in my garage
With a starting price of $45,300, the Touareg is not inexpensive but it does wedge itself into its segment at or near the top end. Fighting the likes of the aforementioned Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder, it also tackles the upper crust which includes the Audi Q7, the Infiniti FX, Lexus RX and BMW X5. The last bunch could be a tall order for the Touareg however, given its pedigree and high-end-ness, it can do the job.
My tested Comfortline with all options retails for $56,950, marginally more money than the $52,000 4Runner from weeks past. In my book and for sheer driving satisfaction, I'd spend the extra buck$ on the VW. If I wanted something a little more vanilla and safe, I'd get the Toyota. One way or another, both are above average vehicles and that is why they are still here today.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
I have been patient for over ten years but now, as a new decade begins, it is time for Volkswagen to completely revise their drive-by-wire system. Here's what happens; upon application of pressure on the go-pedal, nothing takes place... It's only after a few fractions of a second that the truck's brain reacts to the driver's wishes. Can you say: “WTF?”
My trick had been to drive with both feet (in the case of an automatic or a DSG) in order to never fully release the throttle pedal therefore bypassing the annoying “dead-spot” at the top of the pedal travel. They say this is done to improve fuel economy and emission; I say, figure something else out.
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| The sophisticated independent suspension on this truck does a marvellous job of camouflaging its girth. |
Fits nicely in my garage
With a starting price of $45,300, the Touareg is not inexpensive but it does wedge itself into its segment at or near the top end. Fighting the likes of the aforementioned Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder, it also tackles the upper crust which includes the Audi Q7, the Infiniti FX, Lexus RX and BMW X5. The last bunch could be a tall order for the Touareg however, given its pedigree and high-end-ness, it can do the job.
My tested Comfortline with all options retails for $56,950, marginally more money than the $52,000 4Runner from weeks past. In my book and for sheer driving satisfaction, I'd spend the extra buck$ on the VW. If I wanted something a little more vanilla and safe, I'd get the Toyota. One way or another, both are above average vehicles and that is why they are still here today.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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