From the side, you'll notice the same ultra-short overhangs, flat beltline and generous glass as the previous Touareg. In addition to fog lights, 18'' wheels now come standard (19'' in Execline trim). Not big enough for you? A set of 20'' alloys is also available.
The front end sports a whole different look when buyers replace the traditional halogen headlights with new bi-xenon units framed by over a dozen LEDs that serve as daytime running lights. It's all part of an expensive Sport Package ($2,525) which also includes Pikes Peak wheels and a sportier-tuned suspension. The visual effect is stunning, much like the Audi Q7's signature stare, and driving at night becomes much safer.
A new panoramic sunroof appears on the menu as well. Standard on top-level Touaregs and optional with the base model, Volkswagen claims it's 350-percent larger than a classic sunroof at 990x1,452 mm. The glass actually covers almost the entire roof and literally floods the interior with sunlight, not to mention a wonderful feeling of freedom. Amazingly, it does not even affect body rigidity. In fact, through various reinforcements and upgrades, the Touareg is now 5-percent stiffer!
The standard power tailgate is another new design. The mechanism is nearly 60-percent lighter than the 2010 model's and allows remote-controlled operation through the keyfob in addition to the buttons on the driver's inside door panel and the rear hatch itself. The latter opens and closes much faster than average.
A variety of other changes have made the big German SUV more efficient. In the case of my gasoline-powered Highline tester, the 200-kg weight reduction and improved aerodynamics help lower fuel consumption by a combined 16 percent, according to the manufacturer.
Battle-tested powerplants
The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg carries over the battle-tested, 280-horsepower, 3.6L V6. Other people might prefer the available 3.0L turbodiesel V6, which demands an extra $5,000 yet still receives much love from Canadian drivers – not for its 225 horsepower, obviously, but rather the 406 lb-ft of torque generated at a ridiculously-low 1,750 rpm.
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| Among the available upgrades are new bixenon headlights framed by over a dozen LEDs that serve as daytime running lights. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
The front end sports a whole different look when buyers replace the traditional halogen headlights with new bi-xenon units framed by over a dozen LEDs that serve as daytime running lights. It's all part of an expensive Sport Package ($2,525) which also includes Pikes Peak wheels and a sportier-tuned suspension. The visual effect is stunning, much like the Audi Q7's signature stare, and driving at night becomes much safer.
A new panoramic sunroof appears on the menu as well. Standard on top-level Touaregs and optional with the base model, Volkswagen claims it's 350-percent larger than a classic sunroof at 990x1,452 mm. The glass actually covers almost the entire roof and literally floods the interior with sunlight, not to mention a wonderful feeling of freedom. Amazingly, it does not even affect body rigidity. In fact, through various reinforcements and upgrades, the Touareg is now 5-percent stiffer!
The standard power tailgate is another new design. The mechanism is nearly 60-percent lighter than the 2010 model's and allows remote-controlled operation through the keyfob in addition to the buttons on the driver's inside door panel and the rear hatch itself. The latter opens and closes much faster than average.
A variety of other changes have made the big German SUV more efficient. In the case of my gasoline-powered Highline tester, the 200-kg weight reduction and improved aerodynamics help lower fuel consumption by a combined 16 percent, according to the manufacturer.
Battle-tested powerplants
The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg carries over the battle-tested, 280-horsepower, 3.6L V6. Other people might prefer the available 3.0L turbodiesel V6, which demands an extra $5,000 yet still receives much love from Canadian drivers – not for its 225 horsepower, obviously, but rather the 406 lb-ft of torque generated at a ridiculously-low 1,750 rpm.
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| The 280-horsepower, 3.6L V6 shoots the Touareg from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |