As this was a spur-of-the-moment arrangement, I only managed city driving, where this 2-mode hybrid should excel. I was able to accelerate up to 70 km/h using only the power stored in the Nickel-hydride metallic battery. I cruised about in EV mode for a good long while before the ICE kicked in to refill the cells. When it did, the transition consistently occurred without a hint of a jolt or a jerk.
More forceful throttle applications were rewarded with instant acceleration, boost if you will, all of it expertly managed by the 8-speed autobox. Driven this way, you will not achieve the rated 21 mpg city (11.2 L/100 km) and 25 mpg highway (9.4 L/100 km).
On the inside, it's exactly as Mike put it; very classy and well done.
In the US, the Hybrid retails for over $13,000 more than the TDI. Keeping that in mind and making minor adjustments, that would mean a Touareg Hybrid would be sold with a base sticker price of roughly $68,000 Canadian coloured-backs. Given this, it's easy to see why Volkswagen would be reticent to introduce this variant in Canada. At least for now.
However impressive, clean and green the Hybrid is, I'd stick with the TDI any day of the week.
More forceful throttle applications were rewarded with instant acceleration, boost if you will, all of it expertly managed by the 8-speed autobox. Driven this way, you will not achieve the rated 21 mpg city (11.2 L/100 km) and 25 mpg highway (9.4 L/100 km).
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| In the US, the Hybrid retails for over $13,000 more than the TDI. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
On the inside, it's exactly as Mike put it; very classy and well done.
In the US, the Hybrid retails for over $13,000 more than the TDI. Keeping that in mind and making minor adjustments, that would mean a Touareg Hybrid would be sold with a base sticker price of roughly $68,000 Canadian coloured-backs. Given this, it's easy to see why Volkswagen would be reticent to introduce this variant in Canada. At least for now.
However impressive, clean and green the Hybrid is, I'd stick with the TDI any day of the week.
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