Touareg gets mild styling changes, more power, and extra standard features for 2008. This five-passenger 4-door wagon comes with all-wheel drive. The V6 model has 280 hp for '08, the V8 model 350; both are increases of 40 hp. (VW says a limited number of 2007 Touaregs were available with similar horsepower increases vs. 2006 models.) The V10 model's turbodiesel stays at 310 hp. All Touaregs have a 6-speed automatic transmission. Their AWD system is designed for off-roading and includes low-range gearing and a locking center differential; a locking rear differential is optional. ABS and an antiskid system are standard. So are front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and a sunroof. The V10's height-adjustable air suspension is optional for other models. Former options now standard include a power liftgate, power driver seat, and front and rear obstacle detection. Leather upholstery is optional on the V6 model and now standard on other Touaregs. Options include keyless entry/starting, navigation system, rearview camera, and heated rear seats. Changes to grille and taillamps are main styling updates, while 19-inch wheels replace 18s as standard on V8 and V10 models. Touareg was developed with Porsche, which offers its own version as the Cayenne. Touareg also lends its basic design to the Audi Q7 premium large SUV.
Acceleration
Touaregs are among the heaviest midsize SUVs, and the V6 labors in mountain driving and highway passing sprints; test example did 8.1 seconds 0-60 mph. The V8 version is no hot rod, but delivers better all-around acceleration, and is a necessity for towing; VW says 7.1 seconds 0-60.
The turbodiesel's monumental torque means brisk takeoffs and ready passing power; VW claims 7.2 seconds 0-60. On the downside, the V10 suffers occasional turbo lag, plus some diesel smoke and smell on cold starts.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure with V6 or V8 versions, but 2007 test V10 averaged 18.3 mpg. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for the gasoline engines. The V10 requires ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. Note that it's is unavailable in California and certain Northeastern states.
Ride Quality
Impressively rigid structure enhances comfort, with the base suspension and 17-inch tires furnishing the best ride. Bumps can intrude with 19-inch tires. Air suspension has three firmness settings, but only the middle one satisfies on-road. Air system's main asset is providing up to 11.8 inches of off-road clearance.
Steering/Handling/Braking
No match for lighter SUVs like the Acura MDX or Lexus RX, but Touareg always feels confident. The steering has a linear feel, but isn't as precise as it should be. Touaregs corner with good balance but marked body lean. The air suspension imparts a slightly more agile feel. A compact turning radius aids maneuvering, but some test V8 and V10 models suffered front driveline binding with the front wheels fully turned. Astute AWD system helped Touareg claw through severe conditions in dry-surface off-road tests.
Quietness
Rivals some upscale cars. Air suspension muffles tire thrum slightly better than conventional version, but 19-inch tires always more audible than smaller-size tires on coarse surfaces. Turbodiesel clatters at idle, but is otherwise muted, as are the gas engines. Wind rush is low for an SUV.
Controls
Gauges, dashboard and console look contemporary and upscale, but a proliferation of buttons and controls requires a preflight briefing. The climate system is a bit too low for easy driver use or view. The navigation system takes lots of study to master and governs too many audio functions, but its Global Positioning Satellite feature is useful off-road. Touareg matches any luxury SUV for quality of interior materials.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Great headroom, generous seat travel. Firm, comfortable seats. The standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps drivers find an ideal position, but for some testers, parts of the gauges are blocked by the wheel rim. Step-in is higher vs. car-type SUVs, but isn't difficult. Hampering visibility to the front corners are large outside mirrors and to the rear are back-seat headrests; the rearview camera is a help. Some test Touaregs had slight windshield distortions.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The tallest riders may want a bit more head clearance. Foot space shrinks to marginal with the front seats more than halfway back, but knee room is never painfully tight. The seatback doesn't recline, but the cushion provides fine support. Narrow rear doorways hamper easy exit.
Cargo Room
The cargo bay handsomely finished, tall and wide rather than long, but spacious enough. The load floor is pretty high, though. The rear seatbacks lay flat, but not before an annoying ritual of flipping the lower cushions and removing the headrests. The cabin has abundant small-item storage.
Value within Class
Touareg is pricey for a Volkswagen, on par with Lexus and Mercedes-Benz rivals offering superior brand prestige, resale values, and customer care. But any Touareg rewards with first-class cabin decor, competent SUV road manners, and terrific off-road prowess.
source: consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com
