VW Touareg 2011 V6 review

It’s been eight years since VW first introduced Australia to its new large SUV, and in that time there’s been just the one update, in 2007. Sales peaked at just over 1000 a year in 2008 but since then have fallen away dramatically, to just 27 units so far this year, largely due to supply constraints following the end of production of the old model in March 2010. The company is hoping this all-new model, on sale already for some 15 months in Europe, will revive Touareg fortunes.

Unfortunately, the delay in the start of right hand drive production sees VW Australia in the uncomfortable position of launching a new model (the V6 TDI) with a diesel engine upgrade arriving almost simultaneously. Admittedly it’s only 4kW of extra power and a piddling improvement in fuel consumption on an already efficient engine, but owners taking delivery of the about-to-be-superseded V6 diesel may well take a dim view of VW’s timing.

VALUE

Explore the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg range

• VW Touareg 2011 V6 review
• VW Touareg 2011 review

The Touareg is based on the same underpinnings as VW Group stablemates the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, with all three made in the same Slovakian Republic factory. The substantial technical similarities between the VW and its more expensive rivals won’t be lost on astute Touareg owner.

Prices start at $62,990 for the 150TDI, rise to $77,990 for both the V6FSI and V6TDI, and top out at $82,990 for the V6TDI 4XMotion. These look amd are sharp against the entry level petrol V6 Porsche at $104,000 and turbo diesel Audi Q7 at $88,614, but VW is learning to play the options game almost as astutely as the ‘true’ prestige German brands, with the result that a fully kitted out V6TDI 4XMotion checks out at an eye-watering $116,690.

Having said this, a similar level of equipment on any of the VW’s prestige rivals would no doubt serve only to emphasise the Touareg’s price advantage.

On top of those base prices there are a range of option bundles including the $1000 Sports Interior (multi-function leather wheel, paddleshifts, alloy pedals, tinted glass); the $4500 Comfort package (four zone climate control air-con, climate control front seats with memory, heated leather electrically adjustable wheel); and $5400 Driver Assistance Package (adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, lane departure warning system, proactive occupant protection).

An eight-inch touchscreen sat nav system is standard on the top three models but a $4900 option on the 150TDI.

TECHNOLOGY

There are three engines: two 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6s that are identical but for their state of tune, and a 3.6-litre direct-injection petrol V6. All are Euro 5 compliant and they’re spread across a four model range: 150TDI,V6FSI, V6TDI and V6 TDI 4xMotion.

The diesels feature VW’s BlueMotion clean diesel technology which includes thermal engine management for cleaner combustion, brake energy recuperation, and start-stop system. The petrol V6FSI also gets stop-start.

Interestingly, there’s no automatic reverse parking function, despite it’s availability on the smaller and cheaper Tiguan. VW says its optional ‘Area View’ system, when coupled with front and rear parking sensors and rear-mount camera is sufficient reassurance for most drivers.

Area View utilises a quartet of wide angle cameras in the front, rear and sides of the vehicle to give the driver an all-round view of the vehicle surrounds.

It’s clever tech that, among other things allows a driver to effectively see around corners when exiting driveways, while also helping avoid kerbed wheels and other parking mishaps. Cost is $1100 for the top three models and $2500 for the base 150TDI.

SAFETY

Neither the European or Australian safety authorities have yet crash tested a Touareg but given the previous model achieved a five star rating, and this car is claimed to be five per cent torsionally stronger and has more safety features, it’s safe to assume it’ll also achieve the top ranking.

That extra strength is no small feat, especially when considered against the new body also being five per cent lighter. VW claim to have pulled a maximum of 90kg out of this new model, despite it being slightly bigger in all key dimensions and packing plenty of extra tech. No doubt that’s an optimised figure and some models will come in heavier but it’s still laudable. Lighter doors and tailgate, aluminium suspension components and the adoption of an electronic park brake have all contributed to the weight loss.

4Motion constant all-wheel drive is standard on three models, with the more off-road oriented V6 TDI 4XMotion a permanent ‘four-wheel drive’, with transfer case and low-range gearing, electrically lockable centre and rear differentials, under body protection and a 15-litre larger fuel tank to give it a 100-litre capacity.

Nine airbags are standard as is antiskid brakes and a raft of related safety features such as Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Brake Assist, and stability control. There’s also hill descent control for off-road driving, hydraulic brake assist, which automatically applies extra braking pressure in an emergency stop, roll-over protection and automated engagement of the hazard lights.

Adaptive Cruise Control is the major party trick in the Touraeg’s safety and convenience kit. The system utilises cameras, radars and sensors to not only automatically raises and lower vehicle cruise speed according to traffic conditions, but to also alert the driver in the event of an accident or obstacle ahead. Should the driver fail to react the system pre-tensions the seatbelts and activates the hazard lights before initiating emergency braking.

When tied in with other systems such as Lane Assist, which uses the same camera technology to effectively ‘read the road’, sending a signal through the steering when the vehicle strays out of its lane, the correctly optioned Touareg make for a formidably safe driving experience.

Under the cargo bay floor there’s a space saver spare and no option for a full-size, so anyone wanting to get properly adventurous will need to allow for that.

STYLING

In true VW style the new Touareg is an evolutionary restyle of the original. There’s a clear familial resemblance that means you instantly identify the low and wide stance of the new model, but there’s also been enough change to not mistake new for old. The 2011 model adopts VW’s new corporate face with strong horizontal grille bars, prominent central badge and large fluted air intakes beneath each headlight. The headlights themselves are now more distinctive thanks to LED daytime running lights and the vehicle overall is handsome and well finished, exuding a sense of strength and capability.

The base 150TDI rolls on 255/60R17 wheels and tyres, the others on 255/55R18s, with a 20-inch wheel option available for $4900.

Boot space is a commendably large and accessed by a new automatic electric tailgate, the opening height of which can be tailored for different garages. As with the Tiguan, the sliding second row of seats can be adjusted to create more boot space, which in standard configuration comes in at 580 litres seats up and 1642 litres seats down. Buttons in the luggage area allow the rear seat backs to be folded automatically and, if you add the $5900 air suspension you can also adjust the load height via buttons in the luggage area.

DRIVING

The optional air suspension system comes with three drive modes, Normal, Sport and Comfort which alter the vehicle’s ride comfort and, in the case of Sport, lowers the ride height for improved handling.

We didn’t try it but did sample a $77,990 V6TDI with metallic paint, Sports Interior and Bi-Xenon headlights, that tipped the recommended retail scales at $83,990. The car proved superbly quiet on road, the extra gear ratios allowing an extra tall eight gear that registers a relaxed 1500rpm at 100km.

Improvements to the cars aerodynamics have also contributed to the sense of calm inside the cabin. Despite this, there’s strong off-the-mark and mid-range acceleration from the up-spec diesel, which combines to deliver mostly seamless shifts up and down the ratios of the eight speed auto. Slowing for roundabouts did catch it out a couple of times, however, the gearbox clunking a little awkwardly into a lower gear and the turbo pausing for a moment to gather its skirts, but these were exceptions to an otherwise very refined drive.

The steering is decently weighted though not notable for its Porsche-like feel, and body control is up to the task in all but real press-on driving conditions, where the high centre of gravity leads to moderate body roll.

The driving position is good and the cabin comfort excellent, although there’s a bewildering array of buttons on the steering wheel, wands and centre console that takes time to master.

VERDICT

With its refinement, efficient engines, eight speed auto, and fundamentally sound active and passive safety systems, the Touraeg makes a compelling case for anyone in the market for a safe and sophisticated large SUV. It’s sized right to fit most families, although the lack of a seven seat option will no doubt exclude it from some shopping lists. In base trim across the model range it provides an intriguing European alternative to the host of mid to large Japanese and Korean SUVs on our roads, while the extensive options list allow those with prestige aspirations to order up a specification level that won’t look out of place in a prestige showroom.

SPECS

Prices: 150TDI $62,990; V6FSI $77,990; V6TDI $77,990 ; V6 TDI 4XMotion $82,990.
Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kilometres
Resale: N/A
Engines: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, 150kW @4000 rpm/400Nm @ 2000rpm; 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel; 176kW @ 4000rpm/550Nm @ 2000rpm; 3.6-litre FSI petrol; 206kW @6200rpm/360Nm @ 2900-4000rpm
Thirst: 150TDI 7.6L/100, 201gCO2/km; V6FSI 10.1L/100km, 240gCO2/km; V6TDI 7.6L/100km, 201gCO2/km; V6 TDI 4XMotion 7.7L/100km, 202gCO2/km
Weight: 2097kg to 2222kg
Dimensions: LxWxH 4898mmX1965mmX1732mm; Wheelbase 2904mm
Transmission: Eight speed automatic
Body: Five door five seat wagon
Towing Capacity: 3500kg braked; 280kg towbar download

OPTIONS GALORE

Metallic/Pearl effect paint $1500
Panoramic Electric glass sunroof $3000
Sat Nav system $4900
Anti-theft alarm $900
Dynaudio 620W premium audio $900
Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running $3500
Driver Assistance Package $5400
Area View (150 TDI) $1100
Comfort Package $4500
Sports interior $1000
20-inch alloy wheels $4900
Air-suspension $5900

ODD SPOT

The Touareg’s integrated automotive hard disc has 60GB of storage volume and can even tell whether you need to top up your oil or not. A menu in the infotainment system allows you to run a check on the engine oil level thanks to an oil sender that relies on the same principles as ultrasound.