2011 Volkswagen Touareg Reviews

NEW After the generously proportioned first-generation Touareg the second-generation model released in 2011 emerged lighter and much sleeker. Dramatic new curves gave the new model a more dynamic look. Gone was the pudginess of the old model, the new one's lines were taut and terrific. VW's stated aim was to build a

SOCIETY has gone mad. Again. For the past few years you weren't in tune with motoring unless you had an SUV. It's marketed as the car you must have for adventure - even though the most adventurous time your family will have is changing baby's nappy on the tailgate while parked at Saturday morning's footy game. But the game - the SUV game - is getting smarter. You can buy an SUV without all-wheel drive and, in Volkswagen's case, even one that has an optional 4WD package to take on the dirt road to Birdsville.Its second generation Touareg is a highly competent piece of gear and despite its European origins, has significant appeal with Australian families - even those who will go no further than the football oval's verge on Saturday mornings.VALUEVery good. Let's consider that the Touareg is a big wagon built on the same platform and same production line as the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. It's in good company. Prices start at $62,990 - $1000 more expensive than a Toyota Prado GXL diesel. The new model is beautifully made and has heaps of gear, though star-struck new car buyers should be mindful of wading too deep into the enticing options list. However, the 4WD package is a respectable $5000 and may suit the adventurous who also want a refined, spacious and quality family wagon.DESIGNThe previous model was a bit bland and though the bar grille and wide-set headlights improve the Touareg's chances of a dance partner, it's still conservatively penned. That makes it functional and the rounded corners of the two-box wagon shape only prove to gently soften the cavernous interior. Excellent boot space, lots of leg and headroom throughout for five adults, flexible seating and good personal storage spaces add to the practicality. However, overriding everything is the very high standard of fittings and the perfe ct way it's all bolted together.TECHNOLOGYThe 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel has been around so long it's almost as old as me. Sadly, it's not. But the enduring oiler - found in almost everything owned by Volkswagen - has been tweaked to pump 180kW/550Nm through a new eight-speed automatic and picks up kudos for its economy, performance and quietness. The test wagon is a V6 turbo-diesel with all-wheel drive and a Torsen differential to spread the power to the wheels with the most traction. It's a simple system without any bad bugs. The 4WD version gets a different drivetrain with low-ratio gears and locking diffs.SAFETYThis has one of the most comprehensive safety packages on the market - at any price. Value life and this is your machine. It starts with its physical presence and at a tad under 5m long, it's hard to miss but there's a lot of metal surrounding the occupants. It has nine airbags, a sophisticated electronic brake and chassis system that includes rollover mitigation, and optional stuff such as lane-departure warning and VW's take on the Volvo blind-side warning device that prevents potential lane change clashes.DRIVINGIt's big and it feels it. Volkswagen's 90kg weight reduction over the past model is commendable but equates to carrying one more adults passenger. It's a wagon that is firm to drive but utterly stable with confidence that extends through the bends and into the dirt. It's very quiet, very comfortable on perforated leather chairs, and has gobs of room. The engine is startlingly brisk from 2000rpm upwards but if you hit he pedal hard below that, there is an uncomfortable doughy patch as the engine scrambles for turbo boost and the gearbox tries to figure out what you want. In the dirt it's competent but opt for the 4XMotion low-range package (add $5000) if you want to get semi-serious. Ditch the complex compressor/aerosol/collapsible temporary spare wheel while you're there.VERDICTLatest Touareg looks expensive but has lots of value and matches Toyota on more than a few fronts. Its getting very close to Japanese rivals in the dirt and becoming more appealing as a long-distance tourer.VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG V6TDIPrice: $77,990Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assistResale: 55%Service interval: 15,000km or 12 monthsEconomy: 7.4 l/100km; 196g/km CO2Safety equipment: nine airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starEngine: 180kW/550Nm 3-litre turbo-dieselTransmission: Eight-speed automaticBody: 5-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4898 (L); 1965mm (W); 1732mm (H); 2904mm (WB) Weight 2159kgTyre size: 255/55R18, collapsible space-saver, compressor.

This is Volkswagen's second crack at the Touareg. The second generation sports utility vehicle (SUV) features lightweight construction techniques, more fuel-efficient engines and other advanced technologies.All new models are fitted with VW's fuel-saving BlueMotion technologies including brake energy recuperation and automatic engine shutdown at traffic lights. The 3.0-litre 150 TDI is the entry level model, priced from $62, 990.VALUECertainly not the most expensive SUV out there and not the cheapest either, so you'd expect a bit of kit for your doe and Touareg delivers, especially in the technology department.Standard equipment includes nine airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes, with brake assist and electronic brakes force distribution. Entertainment and technology equipment fitted as standard includes coloured multi-function display and Bluetooth connectivity.TECHNOLOGYThe eight-speed automatic is a real bonus, with seventh and eighth overdrive gears reduce fuel consumption and cabin noise into the bargain. Scores 3.5 out 5 from the Government's Green Guide (Prius scores five), with a greenhouse rating of 6.5 and air pollution rating of 5 out of 10.DESIGNIt's 144mm longer than before with a 49mm longer wheelbase which translates to more rear legroom and more luggage space. Despite being lower and thus appearing sleeker, the new Touareg is larger than the previous model. It is almost 50mm longer in wheelbase, its overall length has increased by 144mm, yet it weighs up to 90kg less and is up to 20 per cent more fuel-efficient.SAFETYLike its predecessor this one scores a full five stars for safety in crash tests, with a total of nine airbags standard. Auto Hold and Hill Hold Assist apply the brakes automatically when the vehicle comes to a stop and a radar monitors the traffic ahead, warning the driver and priming the brakes in readiness to avoid rear enders.DRIVINGIt might be the entre to the Touareg range, but there's nothing entry level about the way this one goes. With 150kW of power and 400Nm of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic, it is surprisingly responsive for a  two tonne plus vehicle.Fuel economy has been shaved to an official 7.2 litres/100km (we were getting 8.6). At 9.0 seconds for the dash from 0-100km/h it's quick out of the gates and cruises easily and economically. Really there's no need to step up to the more powerful version of this engine unless you want the extra kit that you get with it.The four wheel drive system in this model features a Torsen limited-slip differential that distributes torque between the front and rear wheels and has a maximum gradability of 31 degrees.Selecting the off-road drive program tunes the ABS (ABSPlus), EDL and ASR for off-road activity, activates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the shift points of the automatic gearbox.VERDICTPerhaps the only major drawback with Touareg is the fact you can't get one with seven seats. This is the major attraction of these vehicles for families. Othewise it's a classy four-wheel drive which will appeal to both fashion conscious and technologically minded buyers.

Whenever I hear a volume carmaker (it's usually one of the Japanese or Koreans) say it's moving upmarket, I call to mind the case of Volkswagen.

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.VALUEThe 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.SPECSPrices: 150TDI $62,990; V6FSI $77,990; V6TDI $77,990 ; V6 TDI 4XMotion $82,990.Warranty: 3 years, unlimited kilometresResale: N/AEngines: 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 @ 2900-4000rpmThirst: 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/kmWeight: 2097kg to 2222kgDimensions: LxWxH 4898mmX1965mmX1732mm; Wheelbase 2904mmTransmission: Eight speed automaticBody: Five door five seat wagonTowing Capacity: 3500kg braked; 280kg towbar downloadOPTIONS GALORE Metallic/Pearl effect paint $1500Panoramic Electric glass sunroof $3000Sat Nav system $4900Anti-theft alarm $900Dynaudio 620W premium audio $900Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running $3500Driver Assistance Package $5400Area View (150 TDI) $1100Comfort Package $4500Sports interior $100020-inch alloy wheels $4900Air-suspension $5900ODD SPOTThe 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.

The big daddy of the Volkswagen range just got bigger.  You might not be able to tell from the pictures, but the second generation Touareg crossover wagon is actually larger than the previous model.  Even so, it is up to 220kg lighter and VW has managed to significantly improve its fuel economy. Its boffins have also made it ride and handle a bit more like a car than a truck.The company aimed to lift the quality of the new vehicle and the on-road feel, making it more like an alternative to a luxury sedan than the original version which was developed with a focus on off-road ability.  Like the first Touareg, the new model is closely related to the new Porsche Cayenne and the pair also run a lot of the same components.It has a constant all-wheel drive system but the standard car is not designed as a serious mud-plugging off-roader. There is an optional Terrain Tech version with a more rugged transfer case, centre and rear differentials and reduced gearing.  Some Australian models will have airbag suspension, but it is also possible regular spring and damper versions will be standard.The new VW is already on European roads, but it won't arrive in Australia until some stage before the middle of next year. VW won't give us a more accurate date. Until then, VW is only selling a V6 TDI version of the existing Touareg.VALUEVolkswagen hasn't set the pricing of its new Touareg, but it is unlikely to come in higher than the current model which would mean a price below $75,990 for the V6 TDI.Whatever the final pricing, the Touareg is going to be substantially cheaper than any Porsche Cayenne. They do have their differences, and the VW doesn't have a Porsche badge, but it is still a good way to get a similar product for a lot less money.TECHNOLOGYAll of the Touareg's engines have either been overhauled or replaced. The range kicks off with a 3.6-litre V6 petrol with 206kW and 360Nm and moves up to the revised 3.0-litre turbo diesel with 176kW and 550Nm. VW has ditched its monstrous V10 diesel for a far more sensible 4.2-litre V8 version which generates 250kW and a whopping 800Nm. The V8 diesel won't be available at launch but could come later.There is also a petrol-electric hybrid version, but that certainly isn't coming to Australia.  Fuel efficiency has been improved across the range, the petrol V6 now uses an average of 9.9 litres per 100km and the diesel V6 uses a miserly 7.4L/100km.The Toaureg gets all the gear you can expect from a high end prestige car as well as some nice extras. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, which is a first for the class. A high resolution entertainment screen is a highlight of the interior as well as a crisp colour display between the speedo and tacho dials.SAFETYThe Touareg is available with nine airbags and has electronic stability control on all models. It can also be fitted with a system that lets you know if you are drifting out of your lane and another that alerts you to rapidly approaching cars when you change lanes. Adaptive cruise control, which can brake the car to stop it from hitting a car in front is also available.STYLINGThose Volkswagen designers are clever. I naturally assumed when I first saw the Touareg that is was smaller than the last model, not larger. It has ditched the bloated look of the previous vehicle for a hunkered down design with more dramatic curves. Dramatic U shaped daytime LED running lights are available. The interior is far classier, with a smart and functional layout and high-end details.DRIVINGThe Touareg gives the instant impression of being substantially better than the model it replaces, at least on road. Our test drive took us across the west of Germany, through Belgium, The Netherlands and a short run to Paris. Most of the work was on Autobahns, with no speed limits, and tight city streets.Australian Touaregs will operate in very different conditions, but our taste test revealed that VW has lifted its game.  The Touareg might look smaller, but it still feels big, especially on narrow European streets.It appears to handle better than the existing model, which is a bit of a tank, but we really didn't get to test it on any really twisty roads. Our cars had airbags suspension and were a slightly floaty at low speed, but the standard suspension might be a bit better planted.We only drove the V6 turbo diesel and it is a ripper. Despite a weight loss campaign, this Touareg still weighs a hefty 2174kg so the diesel's low down pull is much appreciated. This is a smooth revving engine too. It works well with the brilliant eight speed automatic transmission which changed quickly with little fuss. The amount of gears means the Touareg can cruise at 110km/h doing little more than 1600rpm.It is extremely quiet at highway speeds and even at the kinds of speeds you can do on German autobahns. The interior is luxurious, although our vehicle was packed with options. What really stands out is the remarkable amount of interior space. There is ample legroom and shoulder room and so much headroom that you could wear a big afro and still not touch the roof. The boot is a reasonable size but not cavernous.VERDICTWe'll need to test it on rough and ready Australian roads, including some dirt tracks, but a taste test suggests the new Touareg is a very impressive crossover wagon. It's quieter, more comfortable, has more space and is easier to drive. So far so good.Volkswagen TouaregPrice: TBAEngine: 3.0-litre V6 TDI turbo diesel, 3.6-litre V6 petrolPower: 176kW at 4000revs (diesel), 206kW at 6200revs (petrol)Torque: 550Nm at 2000revs (diesel), 360Nm at 3200revsTransmission: Eight speed automatic, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 7.4L/100km (diesel), 9.9L/100km (diesel)Emissions: 195g/km (diesel), 236g/km (petrol)