Same 4Motion AWD
While marketing efforts are stressing Touareg’s new-found on-road sophistication, its off-road capabilities are virtually intact. There is no longer an air-suspension system to raise ground clearance, but the Touareg continues to pack all the right kinds of off-road gear:
You can select an on-road or off-road powertrain setting. The latter invokes different differential and transmission mapping, and activates the above “assist” systems. While we didn’t check it out, VW claims a 31-degree climbing angle on any type of ground surface.
And of course, Touareg continues to showcase its off-road talent in international rallies — like Paris-Dakar, which it won this year (as it did last year).
At the helm
The first model we taste tested was a mid-line model fitted with the 3.6-litre FSI V6. (FSI is VW speak for direct injection). It produces 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, and motivates the Touareg with no complaints, and within class standards.
The driving position and ergonomics are excellent. The Touareg’s driver’s perch seems cozier and more “cockpit” like than those found in other similar-sized SUVs and crossovers. But the new interior is altogether inviting, especially with the leather and wood grain insert treatments in our tester.
VW and Audi continue to show the world how to properly integrate and build a world-class interior. And we’re not just saying that because it felt so good to get inside the Touareg, after several “outside of it” photography sessions in the bracing Alberta air. (We shouldn’t complain; by noon it shot up to minus 28 degrees C.)
It is difficult to think of a vehicle I would rather be driving on these snow-packed back roads in Alberta’s mountainous interior. While more svelte than previous models, the new Touareg is still no lightweight (2,137-2,256 kg); this adds to its stable and planted feel, but it also tracked well through corners with no lean and relatively neutral handling.
While marketing efforts are stressing Touareg’s new-found on-road sophistication, its off-road capabilities are virtually intact. There is no longer an air-suspension system to raise ground clearance, but the Touareg continues to pack all the right kinds of off-road gear:
- 4Motion full-time all-wheel-drive system, with low range gear and adaptive torque distribution;
- Centre (electronic) locking Torsen differential;
- Traction Control;
- Engine Braking Assist;
- Hill Descent Assist;
- Hill Climb Assist.
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| The first model we taste tested was a mid-line model fitted with the 3.6-litre FSI V6. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |
You can select an on-road or off-road powertrain setting. The latter invokes different differential and transmission mapping, and activates the above “assist” systems. While we didn’t check it out, VW claims a 31-degree climbing angle on any type of ground surface.
And of course, Touareg continues to showcase its off-road talent in international rallies — like Paris-Dakar, which it won this year (as it did last year).
At the helm
The first model we taste tested was a mid-line model fitted with the 3.6-litre FSI V6. (FSI is VW speak for direct injection). It produces 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, and motivates the Touareg with no complaints, and within class standards.
The driving position and ergonomics are excellent. The Touareg’s driver’s perch seems cozier and more “cockpit” like than those found in other similar-sized SUVs and crossovers. But the new interior is altogether inviting, especially with the leather and wood grain insert treatments in our tester.
VW and Audi continue to show the world how to properly integrate and build a world-class interior. And we’re not just saying that because it felt so good to get inside the Touareg, after several “outside of it” photography sessions in the bracing Alberta air. (We shouldn’t complain; by noon it shot up to minus 28 degrees C.)
It is difficult to think of a vehicle I would rather be driving on these snow-packed back roads in Alberta’s mountainous interior. While more svelte than previous models, the new Touareg is still no lightweight (2,137-2,256 kg); this adds to its stable and planted feel, but it also tracked well through corners with no lean and relatively neutral handling.
 |
| The new interior is altogether inviting, especially with the leather and wood grain insert treatments in our tester. (Photo: Mike Goetz/Auto123.com) |