Minor gripes
A few nit-picky complaints presented themselves. Aside from the sometimes-noisy gearbox, controls mounted to and near the steering wheel are somewhat awkward, and step-in height may prove a touch too high for the vertically challenged. Also, there’s a fairly hefty delay for the engine to start once the key is turned, and an even longer one between selecting reverse and engagement of the backup camera system.
The numbers?
No complaints about fuel mileage, though. On my watch, the tester’s highway cruising mileage at 111 kmh dipped as low as 8.8L / 100km-- with city and off-road driving never spiking that figure past 13L / 100km. My overall test average was under 11L / 10km-- or on par with any number of mid-sized family sedans.
For comparison’s sake, that figure is also about 3L / 100km better than the gas-powered 2010 Toyota 4Runner under nearly identical conditions.
Ultimately, the Touareg TDI’s mileage didn’t quite earn a new place on my spectrum as the most impressive big ute I’ve ever tested-- but it furthered this writers opinion that diesel power is a virtually compromise-free way to enjoy big V8 performance and small V6 fuel consumption in a capable hauler.
Add it all up, and it’s almost like having your cake and eating it, too. If you’re looking for a luxurious and efficient family tow-rig, be sure to check this one out.
A few nit-picky complaints presented themselves. Aside from the sometimes-noisy gearbox, controls mounted to and near the steering wheel are somewhat awkward, and step-in height may prove a touch too high for the vertically challenged. Also, there’s a fairly hefty delay for the engine to start once the key is turned, and an even longer one between selecting reverse and engagement of the backup camera system.
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| The Touareg TDI’s mileage didn’t quite earn a new place on my spectrum as the most impressive big ute I’ve ever tested (Photo: Justin Pritchard/ Auto123.com) |
The numbers?
No complaints about fuel mileage, though. On my watch, the tester’s highway cruising mileage at 111 kmh dipped as low as 8.8L / 100km-- with city and off-road driving never spiking that figure past 13L / 100km. My overall test average was under 11L / 10km-- or on par with any number of mid-sized family sedans.
For comparison’s sake, that figure is also about 3L / 100km better than the gas-powered 2010 Toyota 4Runner under nearly identical conditions.
Ultimately, the Touareg TDI’s mileage didn’t quite earn a new place on my spectrum as the most impressive big ute I’ve ever tested-- but it furthered this writers opinion that diesel power is a virtually compromise-free way to enjoy big V8 performance and small V6 fuel consumption in a capable hauler.
Add it all up, and it’s almost like having your cake and eating it, too. If you’re looking for a luxurious and efficient family tow-rig, be sure to check this one out.
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