Exterior Design
Stylistically, the Touareg is right in there with the other mid-sized SUVs. The short front and rear overhangs give it a jaunty appearance while allowing for good approach and departure angles (it really can go off-road and do well). The seemingly tall passenger compartment, with large doors that open wide make getting in and out quite easy.
Seating Comfort
Front seat comfort in the heated buckets was excellent. The power assist made getting into a comfortable driving position easy. At the same time all the instruments and switches were laid out in a normal VW pattern so it took about 20 minutes to feel right at home.
Getting into the back seat was nearly as good as the front. The semi-sculpted rear bench held two adults in great comfort while the third one would be a bit more cramped. Head room, leg room and knee room were all excellent. I had the seat set back so that I would be comfortable and then hopped into the back to find that my knees weren’t even close to the seatback in front of me.
Ride Quality
The Touareg's ride quality is best described a supple. The largish 18 inch wheels went over normal road bumps without rocking the vehicle in the least. There were a few depressions that the city needs to fill in, but the Touareg went through these with only a slight movement of the suspension. Through all this the cabin ambience remained serene as we were never bounced about.
Driving Impressions
As a full time four wheel drive system (VW’s 4MOTION AWD), you could never be sure when the system was helping and when you were getting by on your own skill. Once the snow and slush hit, there was no doubt that it was the AWD system, the heater (and heated seats) that made the Touareg a great drive to work in the mornings.
On dry pavement, if you push hard into corners, the tires will start to moan before the Touareg begins to slide. Push a bit hard around the corner (as I like to do) and your significant other is very likely to tell you to slow down (and if you don’t listen, she just might open your ears---manually) because the body lean can and will bother her.
When you go to the slushy wet stuff, traction and therefore speed is greatly reduced, but the Touareg provides a feeling of confidence when pulling out to pass or just getting up the driveway. Getting groceries is no hum stuff and you find yourself wishing for a mountain to cross before you get to the store and no, the centre median doesn’t count.
In the hands of an expert, the Touareg can do incredible things on and off road. In the hands of an average driver, the Touareg will make you look like an expert.
Stylistically, the Touareg is right in there with the other mid-sized SUVs. The short front and rear overhangs give it a jaunty appearance while allowing for good approach and departure angles (it really can go off-road and do well). The seemingly tall passenger compartment, with large doors that open wide make getting in and out quite easy.
Seating Comfort
Front seat comfort in the heated buckets was excellent. The power assist made getting into a comfortable driving position easy. At the same time all the instruments and switches were laid out in a normal VW pattern so it took about 20 minutes to feel right at home.
Getting into the back seat was nearly as good as the front. The semi-sculpted rear bench held two adults in great comfort while the third one would be a bit more cramped. Head room, leg room and knee room were all excellent. I had the seat set back so that I would be comfortable and then hopped into the back to find that my knees weren’t even close to the seatback in front of me.
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| Stylistically, the Touareg is right in there with the other mid-sized SUVs. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |
Ride Quality
The Touareg's ride quality is best described a supple. The largish 18 inch wheels went over normal road bumps without rocking the vehicle in the least. There were a few depressions that the city needs to fill in, but the Touareg went through these with only a slight movement of the suspension. Through all this the cabin ambience remained serene as we were never bounced about.
Driving Impressions
As a full time four wheel drive system (VW’s 4MOTION AWD), you could never be sure when the system was helping and when you were getting by on your own skill. Once the snow and slush hit, there was no doubt that it was the AWD system, the heater (and heated seats) that made the Touareg a great drive to work in the mornings.
On dry pavement, if you push hard into corners, the tires will start to moan before the Touareg begins to slide. Push a bit hard around the corner (as I like to do) and your significant other is very likely to tell you to slow down (and if you don’t listen, she just might open your ears---manually) because the body lean can and will bother her.
When you go to the slushy wet stuff, traction and therefore speed is greatly reduced, but the Touareg provides a feeling of confidence when pulling out to pass or just getting up the driveway. Getting groceries is no hum stuff and you find yourself wishing for a mountain to cross before you get to the store and no, the centre median doesn’t count.
In the hands of an expert, the Touareg can do incredible things on and off road. In the hands of an average driver, the Touareg will make you look like an expert.
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