With great big wheels, sexy at that, the very German vehicle stands tall and proud but won't rub it in your face. It's more of the same on the inside. Starting way back in 1993, Volkswagen has demonstrated that it can design and assemble a cabin, make it look premium and put everyone on board at ease with their surroundings. Drapped in Pure Beige carpet and leatherette, I almost felt bad about stepping inside.
For the drive, always for the drive
My week at the wheel of the Comfortline-trimmed Touareg TDI was flawless. Moreover, it was fun, more so than with the recently tested 4Runner. The Shadow-blue metallic painted diesel-powered SUV consumed little fuel, swallowed groceries (including a trip to Costco and we all know how those turn out...), people and personal gear.
What made it especially enjoyable was its fantastic engine. That, and its dynamic-for-a-2,332-kg- SUV chassis. Let's start with the latter. The sophisticated independent suspension on this truck does a marvellous job of camouflaging its girth. In most situations, the electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assist does the same. In fact, if memory serves me, the Touareg felt nearly as nimble (on a scale) to its junior brethren, the Tiguan.
T otally D ominating I ngine
Alright, I can't spell too well but this was the best I could do... Diesel detractors still exist in this day and age of clean ultra low sulphur diesel and, I can understand. But only on one point: the pumps are disgusting! Otherwise, opting for the gas 3.6L V6 is darn-close to being foolish. Why not completely foolish? One does have to pony-up a $4,000 premium to get the TDI. But when you consider that it consumes and pollutes roughly 20% to 25% less than the V6, the cost difference is quickly vanquished.
What's more, this turbocharged diesel 3.0L V6 packs a massive 406 lb-ft of torque punch along with its relatively modest 225 hp. The Touareg TDI is no dragster but once in the rev-range sweet-spot, the 6-speed autobox does everything it can to channel all the midi-chlorians to all four wheels. By the way, Volkswagen's 4XMOTION permanent four-wheel drive system with low range gear and adaptive torque distribution remains very competent.
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| Since 1993, Volkswagen has demonstrated that it can design and assemble a cabin. |
For the drive, always for the drive
My week at the wheel of the Comfortline-trimmed Touareg TDI was flawless. Moreover, it was fun, more so than with the recently tested 4Runner. The Shadow-blue metallic painted diesel-powered SUV consumed little fuel, swallowed groceries (including a trip to Costco and we all know how those turn out...), people and personal gear.
What made it especially enjoyable was its fantastic engine. That, and its dynamic-for-a-2,332-kg- SUV chassis. Let's start with the latter. The sophisticated independent suspension on this truck does a marvellous job of camouflaging its girth. In most situations, the electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assist does the same. In fact, if memory serves me, the Touareg felt nearly as nimble (on a scale) to its junior brethren, the Tiguan.
T otally D ominating I ngine
Alright, I can't spell too well but this was the best I could do... Diesel detractors still exist in this day and age of clean ultra low sulphur diesel and, I can understand. But only on one point: the pumps are disgusting! Otherwise, opting for the gas 3.6L V6 is darn-close to being foolish. Why not completely foolish? One does have to pony-up a $4,000 premium to get the TDI. But when you consider that it consumes and pollutes roughly 20% to 25% less than the V6, the cost difference is quickly vanquished.
What's more, this turbocharged diesel 3.0L V6 packs a massive 406 lb-ft of torque punch along with its relatively modest 225 hp. The Touareg TDI is no dragster but once in the rev-range sweet-spot, the 6-speed autobox does everything it can to channel all the midi-chlorians to all four wheels. By the way, Volkswagen's 4XMOTION permanent four-wheel drive system with low range gear and adaptive torque distribution remains very competent.
 |
| This turbocharged diesel 3.0L V6 packs a massive 406 lb-ft of torque punch along with its relatively modest 225 hp. |