Back in 2006, a Touareg V10 TDI pulled a 155-tonne Boeing 747-200 over 150 metres as part of a publicity campaign, setting a world record for the heaviest load ever towed by a passenger vehicle.
Is that strong enough for ya?
Since entering the market in 2002, Volkswagen's flagship SUV has sold more than 500,000 units across the globe. The German automaker is hoping for an even better encore with the second-generation Touareg.
Marquee competitors
As a premium SUV, the VW Touareg offers high levels of comfort, safe handling, modern styling, sophisticated fit and finish, and proven off-road capability. However, many other models fit that description as well. Direct rivals of the Touareg include the BMW X5, Acura MDX and Buick Enclave, not to mention its German cousins built in the same Bratislava, Slovakia plant and using the same architecture – the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne.
The Cayenne, really? Absolutely. For about the same price, you can choose between the top-of-the-line Touareg Execline and the base Cayenne. Both share a number of components, including the 3.6-litre V6 engine.
New for 2011
The Volkswagen Touareg received a facelift for 2011. While gaining a few millimetres in length, width and height, the overall shape remains unchanged. It's the little details and trim pieces that make a big difference.
Brand enthusiasts will no doubt recognize the nose of the stylish Scirocco, a small sports coupe exclusive to the European market (what a shame!). The proportions are different, of course, but the clean, horizontal treatment of the grille and trapezoid-shaped headlights look awfully similar.
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| The VW Touareg offers high levels of comfort, safe handling, modern styling, sophisticated fit and finish, and proven off-road capability. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Is that strong enough for ya?
Since entering the market in 2002, Volkswagen's flagship SUV has sold more than 500,000 units across the globe. The German automaker is hoping for an even better encore with the second-generation Touareg.
Marquee competitors
As a premium SUV, the VW Touareg offers high levels of comfort, safe handling, modern styling, sophisticated fit and finish, and proven off-road capability. However, many other models fit that description as well. Direct rivals of the Touareg include the BMW X5, Acura MDX and Buick Enclave, not to mention its German cousins built in the same Bratislava, Slovakia plant and using the same architecture – the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne.
The Cayenne, really? Absolutely. For about the same price, you can choose between the top-of-the-line Touareg Execline and the base Cayenne. Both share a number of components, including the 3.6-litre V6 engine.
New for 2011
The Volkswagen Touareg received a facelift for 2011. While gaining a few millimetres in length, width and height, the overall shape remains unchanged. It's the little details and trim pieces that make a big difference.
Brand enthusiasts will no doubt recognize the nose of the stylish Scirocco, a small sports coupe exclusive to the European market (what a shame!). The proportions are different, of course, but the clean, horizontal treatment of the grille and trapezoid-shaped headlights look awfully similar.
 |
| The Volkswagen Touareg received a facelift for 2011 yet looks as stylish as ever. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |