Placing heavy loads into the back of the Touareg TDI is simplified by lowering the air suspension's ride height, which can be
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| For loading, the ride height of the Touareg can be lowered to only 160 mm (6.3 in). (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
dropped to only 160 mm (6.3 in). At this setting, the vehicle can creep about to a maximum speed of 5 km/h (3 mph). The standard ride-height of the German SUV is 220 mm (8.7 in), however, at a speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) the ride height automatically drops to 195 mm (7.7 in) to improve high-speed stability. Push the speedo past 190 km/h (118 mph) and the ride height will move even closer to the pavement, leaving only 185 mm (7.3 in) of separation. For off-road purposes, the Touareg can be raised to 245 mm (9.6 in) above street level. This ride height permits a top speed of 70 km/h (43 mph). For massive boulder topping performance, the Touareg lifts itself a whopping 300 mm (11.8in) above the terra firma, but it is limited to less than 20 km/h (12 mph) when riding
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| At maximum ride-height, a full 584 mm (23 in) of standing water can be waded through, a level that would leave many other SUV drivers looking for the nearest bridge. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
this tall in the saddle. The off-road competency of the air suspended Touareg is enhanced by excellent approach and departure angles of 33.2 degrees, thanks to its minimal overhangs and generous, maximum off-road ride height. Incidentally, with the conventional steel spring suspension, the Touareg is capable of handling approach and departure angles of 28 degrees. The pneumatic suspension also allows the muscular looking Touareg to play in the deep end of the pool. At maximum ride-height, a full 584 mm (23 in) of standing water can be waded through, a level that would leave many other SUV drivers looking for the nearest bridge. Triple sealed doors keep water in the pool and out of the Touareg, while waterproof electrical connectors, special air-intake routing and sealed shaft joints combine to keep the Touareg wheels turning underwater.
