The VW automatic also offers Tiptronic sequential shifting, one of the most time tested versions of this now prevalent
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| Surprisingly the 4x4 capable Touareg is quite agile, due to an extremely stiff body structure, wide stance and sophisticated independent suspension setup. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
technology in existence. Like in the
V8-powered Touareg, Tiptronic suits the V6 extremely well, especially for holding the SUV in gears when tackling curvy paved roads. The sophisticated transmission included some pretty fancy digital mapping as well, allowing automatic downshifts when in the Drive position and the "S," or Sport switch is activated. Like as in the V8, I would have appreciated steering wheel buttons for shifting the gears. How spoiled I've become?
Looking back at that last paragraph I may have induced a chuckle or two regarding "tackling curvy paved roads" with this 5,000 plus pound behemoth. Surprisingly the Touareg is extremely agile, due to an extremely stiff body structure, wide stance and sophisticated independent suspension setup. My particular test vehicle offered VW's optional air suspension system, which can allow the driver to adjust vehicle, and therefore ground clearance height from 162 to 300 mm (6.37 to 11.8 in). When lower to the ground, the center of gravity is of
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| The one thing that the Touareg has going for it that many of its competitors don't is serious off-road capability. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
course also reduced, and therefore the SUV feels a lot sportier at high speed. That said the suspension automatically drops down to its lowest height when at speed, so you don't have to concern yourself with remembering to do it manually.
Is it as stimulating on pavement as BMW's X5 or Infiniti's FX? No, not quite. But it's still very good, and much better than the majority of its competitors. One thing the Touareg has going for it that these wanna-be 4x4s don't, however, is serious off-road capability. Just try to take an X5 or FX off the beaten path and see how far you'll get. A Touareg with its adjustable suspension set to maximum height is about as capable as any sport utility in existence, less a Hummer H1 or Mercedes-Benz Unimog - the latter not really an SUV but more of an army personnel carrier. That means VW made sure of adding a bull-low gearing ratio, allowing the big beast to crawl over rocks and stumps, or wade through shallow creeks or thick mud.
