Pros and Cons*
Pros
The 2013Volkswagen Touareg is one of the only crossovers to offer a diesel engine. Thanks to an efficient all-wheel drive system, the agile Touareg handles the snow very well. Its roomy and comfortable cabin is also surprisingly ergonomic.
Cons
However, some of its drawbacks include underwhelming contours and overall heaviness. Plus, it remains to be seen how reliable this vehicle turns out to be.
Price
The VW 2013 Touareg Comfortline starts at $49,675, with 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seating, Bluetooth connectivity and a power liftgate.
The Highline model is available for $55,670 and includes a sunroof, Bi-Xenon headlights and a heatable steering wheel. The Touareg’s best-equipped model, the Execline, starts at $59,500 with distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels, Dynaudio digital sound package and rear LED tail lights.
Diesel engines are available on all models, for an extra $4,300.
Fuel economy
With a gas engine, the SUV’s fuel economy is rated 12.3 L/100 km for the city and 8.8 L/100 for the highway. The diesel VW 2013 Touareg needs 11.2 L/100 km, city and 6.8 L/100 km, highway.
Exterior Styling
With beefy lines, this sport utility vehicle is a brawny beast, showing off its distinctive grille, now a signature VW moniker.
New in 2013
- The new gas tank holds 100 litres of fuel.
- The TDI model now corrals 240 horses, up from 220 hp.
- There’s a power liftgate on all models.
- A range of interior packages are currently offered.
Drivetrain
The VW Touareg is propelled by a 3.6 L V6 engine, packing 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. You could also go for the 3.0 TDI V6 turbo clean diesel engine which delivers 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Both of these engines are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission which powers all four wheels.
Cargo Capacity
The VW 2013 Touareg can store between 910 litres and 2008 litres, a marked advantage over SUVs like the X5, SRX, FX and Cayenne.
Safety
This model has 6 airbags as well as many active safety systems.
Comparable Models
Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, Land Rover LR4, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90
*References
Laguë Philippe, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.616
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.578
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.618
www.vw.ca
Pros
The 2013Volkswagen Touareg is one of the only crossovers to offer a diesel engine. Thanks to an efficient all-wheel drive system, the agile Touareg handles the snow very well. Its roomy and comfortable cabin is also surprisingly ergonomic.
Cons
However, some of its drawbacks include underwhelming contours and overall heaviness. Plus, it remains to be seen how reliable this vehicle turns out to be.
 |
| Photo: Volkswagen |
Price
The VW 2013 Touareg Comfortline starts at $49,675, with 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seating, Bluetooth connectivity and a power liftgate.
The Highline model is available for $55,670 and includes a sunroof, Bi-Xenon headlights and a heatable steering wheel. The Touareg’s best-equipped model, the Execline, starts at $59,500 with distinctive 20-inch alloy wheels, Dynaudio digital sound package and rear LED tail lights.
Diesel engines are available on all models, for an extra $4,300.
Fuel economy
With a gas engine, the SUV’s fuel economy is rated 12.3 L/100 km for the city and 8.8 L/100 for the highway. The diesel VW 2013 Touareg needs 11.2 L/100 km, city and 6.8 L/100 km, highway.
Exterior Styling
With beefy lines, this sport utility vehicle is a brawny beast, showing off its distinctive grille, now a signature VW moniker.
New in 2013
- The new gas tank holds 100 litres of fuel.
- The TDI model now corrals 240 horses, up from 220 hp.
- There’s a power liftgate on all models.
- A range of interior packages are currently offered.
Drivetrain
The VW Touareg is propelled by a 3.6 L V6 engine, packing 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. You could also go for the 3.0 TDI V6 turbo clean diesel engine which delivers 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Both of these engines are coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission which powers all four wheels.
Cargo Capacity
The VW 2013 Touareg can store between 910 litres and 2008 litres, a marked advantage over SUVs like the X5, SRX, FX and Cayenne.
Safety
This model has 6 airbags as well as many active safety systems.
Comparable Models
Acura MDX, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX, Land Rover LR4, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90
 |
| Photo: Volkswagen |
*References
Laguë Philippe, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.616
Poirier-Defoy Michel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.578
Lachapelle Marc, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.618
www.vw.ca