After throwing my kid, a German Shepherd and random errands at the mid-spec Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance this week, I'm convinced of two things.
One, the Touareg more than earns its place in the large and luxurious SUV stable but continues to remain understated in the 'flashy' department compared with its European competitors like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Two, you don't need the flash to be elegant and you certainly don't need the price tag that's often associated with the segment.
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In a surprising (but positive) move, VW has reduced prices across the Touareg range and added some features that may just be the winning combo to entice new fans.
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: 210TDI Elegance
| Engine Type | Turbo V6, 3.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.8L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $101,970 - $117,260 |
| Safety Rating |
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Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 9/10
9 / 10
There are four variants in the updated Touareg line-up with the release of the new R plug-in hybrid performance variant, but the model on test is the mid-spec 210TDI Elegance, which is priced from $99,990 before on-road costs.
Volkswagen lowered prices across all Touareg grades with the 210TDI Elegance now about $8K cheaper than before. And it definitely more affordable than its rivals, with the nearest competitor being the mechanically related Audi Q7 45TDI at $117,284 MSRP, then the BMW X5 xDrive30d xDrive at $134,900 MSRP, and Mercedes-Benz GLE 400d sits at a hefty $141,670 MSRP.
The updated 210TDI Elegance sees a few changes to the standard equipment list, mainly related to the technology offering. It now features the new I.Q Light HD matrix LEDs across the front, with a light bar across the rear and an illuminated VW badge (rear).
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The dashboard is headlined by a new 15-inch touchscreen multimedia system and 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, both of which feature updated graphics. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now also have wireless connectivity.
Other equipment for the 210TDI Elegance includes 18-way powered front seats with lumbar and under-thigh supports, as well as side bolsters, three-position memory function, heat and ventilation functions. Oh and a massage function. Hello comfort!
Practicality is rounded out by keyless entry and start, a powered tailgate, collapsible spare tyre with inflator kit, adaptive air suspension (adjustable from boot), and dual-zone climate control.
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Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10
9 / 10
Not a lot has changed for the external styling of the Touareg.
The classic VW pleating across the panelling remains but the updated I.Q Matrix LED headlights, as well as the long light strip across the rear and an illuminated badge give it some serious sex appeal.
The 20-inch alloy wheels and a heavy hand with chrome accents round out the total look for what is essential a big, handsome and sharply styled SUV.
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The interior has seen most of the updates – with a dual screen setup that houses a huge 15-inch touchscreen multimedia system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The setup looks well-integrated into the dash - it's the best I've seen in the segment - and flows beautifully with the understated but high-quality aesthetic found throughout the cabin.
Our test model has the optional two-toned grey Varenna leather seats which add some flair and the interior finishes look great.
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Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 9/10
9 / 10
The cabin inside reflects that the Touareg is a big car. Stacks of head- and legroom is on offer in each row. The seat comfort is also fantastic with even the rear row featuring plush padded comfort. This is the SUV you take on a road trip.
The individual storage is good with multiple cubbies up front for your bits and pieces, including a ventilated glove box, a drawer on the drivers side and a net on the side of the centre console that can fit a small handbag.
There is also a dedicated phone spot with a wireless charging pad, three USB-C ports and a 12-volt socket.
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Amenities and storage options in the second row are great, with directional air vents, two USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket, reading lights and retractable sunblinds. The latter are particularly handy when travelling with kids and my son loves using his.
I also like that you get hardened kickplates because my kid loves to put his feet on everything and I find them easier to clean.
There's ample storage with two map pockets, storage bins and three cupholders in a fold-down armrest.
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Families with lots of stuff will love the 810L boot capacity and you can bumped it up to 1800L if you fold the rear row. The back seat has a 40/20/40 split which also opens up your storage options and you get multiple luggage nets, a cargo cover and a 12-volt socket.
There is a collapsible spare tyre and a compressor underneath the floor and you can change the height of the boot with the adaptive air suspension. This also has a powered tailgate, which I always find handy.
In terms of the updated tech, you won’t be using the multimedia system on the go until you get used to this system as there is a lot going on with it, but the level of customisation available is fantastic and helps personalise the driving experience. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is wired and wireless and there is a built-in satellite navigation system.
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Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 10/10
10 / 10
The 210TDI Elegance is an AWD and has a powerful 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine which produces 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque.
That supports a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, which should entice camping or boating enthusiasts. Yep, you can have your cake and eat it too.
The Elegance can do a 0-100km/h sprint in a quick 6.0 seconds and features an eight-speed auto transmission which is ridiculously smooth.
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Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 9/10
9 / 10
The official combined fuel-cycle consumption figure is a low 7.4/100km and my real-world usage sits at 8.4L after mostly open-road driving this week.
Considering the power, size and fun that I've had with this model, I'm super happy with how efficient the 210TDI Elegance is.
Based on the official combined fuel cycle and large 90L fuel tank, expect a hefty theoretical driving range of 1216km. Which means this is a perfect road-trip car.
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Driving – What's it like to drive? 10/10
10 / 10
The 210TDI Elegance handles like a thoroughbred - it manages to be smooth but powerful, large but not cumbersome.
It also feels a hell a lot smaller than what it is when you're manoeuvring around a little car park
One of the best things about the driving experience is having the support from the powerful diesel engine. Power delivery feels effortless and assured, no matter the conditions.
The Elegance accelerates smoothly with gear changes that shift on time and without skipping a beat.
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Handling also feels pretty effortless with the suspension absorbing the worst of the bumps without feeling floaty. You get enough road feedback to know what’s going on underneath you but any jiggling or vibration is ironed out.
The steering feels adaptive - quick-witted in the city and controlled on the highway.
Cabin noise is whisper quiet with barely any wind, road or engine noise. The driving experience feels relaxed and refined because of it.
The adaptive 360-degree view camera system, which shifts its view when you turn the steering wheel, helps you easily slide into a tight car spot. This is definitely Westfield carpark friendly. Hurrah!
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Warranty & Safety Rating
Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 9/10
9 / 10
The Touareg has a five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2018 and features a long list of safety features. It has eight airbags, including side chest airbags for the back row but it’s usual to only see these on the front.
Other standard safety equipment includes engine immobiliser, daytime running lights, intelligent seatbelt reminders, hill descent control, adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, traffic sign recognition, pedestrian monitoring, lane keeping and departure aids, 360-degree camera system with front and rear parking sensors.
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The 210TDI Elegance also has front and rear cross-traffic alert, window and door child safety locks and a park assist feature.
The auto emergency braking has forward collision warning, with pedestrian, car and cyclist detection which is operational from 5.0 - 85km/h (up to 180km/h for car detection).
The Touareg has two ISOFIX mounts and three top tethers. The rear row is wide enough to be able to fit three child seats comfortably.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 9/10
9 / 10
The Touareg comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is a normal term for the class.
You can pre-purchase either a three-, or five-year servicing plan and both are cheaper than the pay-as-you-go option and are not outrageous for the class.
The three-year or up to 45,000km plan costs $1900 (or an average of $633 per service) and the five-year or up to 75,000km plan costs $3500 (average of $700 per service).
Servicing intervals are reasonable at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.
Verdict
The Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Elegance is aptly named. It looks handsome inside and out, has a bunch of luxury features and offers true practicality for families. I like how it handles and that it’s relatively affordable for the segment. You don’t miss out with this one.
My son didn’t spend much time in this but thought it looked fancy and loved his space in the back.
Pricing Guides
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