The brawny German SUV gets updated and heads north for some winter testing
Volkswagens Touareg is the Sean Connery of SUV's. Standing tall and proud, it's both rugged and multitalented, and its versatility and confidence
are internationally sought after. On top of that, it's handsome and capable- with an unmistakable posture and presence.
It's almost no wonder why.
The Touareg's platform, co-developed with Porsche, has a degree of engineering and research behind it which drivers will extract assurance from. And best of all, unlike some "all wheel drive" utes, the Touareg is a real 4x4- with a low range and differential lock setting which can be used to scale rocks or climb down the steepest and slipperiest hills with ease.
Need more traction? Just engage "neutral" and flick a knob. A second later, the centre and rear differentials lock together in a rock-crawling low-range. No situation during winter testing proved impossible with its high ground clearance, streamlined bottom side and off-road transfer case. Upper end models even have features like air suspension and push-button sway bar disconnect for added ease of use in the rough.
Inside, the test car offered up first-class amenities and a magnificent
selection of materials, all assembled with the utmost attention to detail. Quality abounds- from the butterscotch colored leather seats to the assembly of the wood and aluminum trimmed dashboard to the feel of most every click of a control knob or button. The exception inside centers around some of the controls near the steering wheel and stereo being a bit awkwardly placed, and the temperature selector knobs on the centre stack feel like they came out of a pickup truck.
In the nasty depths of winter driving though, you've probably got more important things to worry about. For that reason, I'm happy to report that few if any forces of Northern Nature could put a damper on your plans if the Touareg is your choice for transportation. My test week in early December had it all- freezing rain, heavy snowfall and extreme cold. With a diligent ESP system fitted alongside a remarkable set of Pirelli Scorpion snow and ice tires, trekking through deep snow, icy side roads or slippery trails required no second thought. Traction everywhere is nothing short of astounding, and the ESP is appreciatively programmed not to intervene until absolutely needed. When it does, it's discreet and barely audible- a
nice change from the metallic popcorn sounds most SUV's make when the system works selected brake pads.
Most folks don't take their SUV's off-roading, opting to enjoy the security such a machine delivers on city roads and in bad weather. To review a Touareg for most of its potential customers would mean keeping it reasonably clean and avoiding any serious chassis twisting, snowdrift bashing and hill climbing adventures.
Not a chance.
Even in off-road situations with large rocks, muddy ruts and very deep snow, the Touareg never put up a fuss. Its diff-lock setting is available at a moments notice for extra help- a real confidence booster when climbing a loosely surfaced slope.
Volkswagens Touareg is the Sean Connery of SUV's. Standing tall and proud, it's both rugged and multitalented, and its versatility and confidence
 |
| 2007 Volkswagen Touareg V6 (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
It's almost no wonder why.
The Touareg's platform, co-developed with Porsche, has a degree of engineering and research behind it which drivers will extract assurance from. And best of all, unlike some "all wheel drive" utes, the Touareg is a real 4x4- with a low range and differential lock setting which can be used to scale rocks or climb down the steepest and slipperiest hills with ease.
Need more traction? Just engage "neutral" and flick a knob. A second later, the centre and rear differentials lock together in a rock-crawling low-range. No situation during winter testing proved impossible with its high ground clearance, streamlined bottom side and off-road transfer case. Upper end models even have features like air suspension and push-button sway bar disconnect for added ease of use in the rough.
Inside, the test car offered up first-class amenities and a magnificent
 |
| 2007 Volkswagen Touareg V6 (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
In the nasty depths of winter driving though, you've probably got more important things to worry about. For that reason, I'm happy to report that few if any forces of Northern Nature could put a damper on your plans if the Touareg is your choice for transportation. My test week in early December had it all- freezing rain, heavy snowfall and extreme cold. With a diligent ESP system fitted alongside a remarkable set of Pirelli Scorpion snow and ice tires, trekking through deep snow, icy side roads or slippery trails required no second thought. Traction everywhere is nothing short of astounding, and the ESP is appreciatively programmed not to intervene until absolutely needed. When it does, it's discreet and barely audible- a
 |
| 2007 Volkswagen Touareg V6 (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com) |
Most folks don't take their SUV's off-roading, opting to enjoy the security such a machine delivers on city roads and in bad weather. To review a Touareg for most of its potential customers would mean keeping it reasonably clean and avoiding any serious chassis twisting, snowdrift bashing and hill climbing adventures.
Not a chance.
Even in off-road situations with large rocks, muddy ruts and very deep snow, the Touareg never put up a fuss. Its diff-lock setting is available at a moments notice for extra help- a real confidence booster when climbing a loosely surfaced slope.