In addition to its commendable ride, the Touareg quietly enhances driving pleasure by controlling road noise and muting
 |
| Few SUVs with multi-use tires are as effective at reducing fatigue-inducing highway "roar" over the long haul. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
wind rush. Few SUVs with multi-use tires are as effective at reducing fatigue-inducing highway "roar" over the long haul. It is simple considerations such as these that are often overlooked by purchasers until it's too late. That's why a test drive around the block is wholly inadequate when assessing a prospective new vehicle.
The Touareg is not an inexpensive purchase, but as one might expect, it comes heavily contented. Once a decision is made whether a V6, V8 or diesel V10 shall power it, the rest is easy. Air suspension or not? Luxury Package or not? Premium Audio or not? Navigation or not? Answer a few more such questions and
 |
| Touareg ownership may require fewer greenbacks than its Porsche cousin, but it's still a lot of green. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
you're on your way in one of the most off-road-competent SUVs available, not to mention a comfortable, agile and elegant one.
So what's the catch you ask? Well, price of course. Touareg ownership may require fewer greenbacks than its Porsche cousin, but it's still a lot of green. And then there's the green that goes into the tank, which demands premium juice, and believe me, the Touareg V8 is not a 'poster-child' for economy. It is, however, the poster-child for great road trips on- or off-pavement - especially if the mountain-flattening V8 is burbling beneath its hood.
