2004 Volkswagen Touareg Review

Each time it seems as if the last sport-utility vehicle has been introduced, another automaker introduces a new one. The latest is the first sport-ute from Volkswagen, which has become more adventuresome with vehicles.

Volkswagen calls its new upscale sport-ute the Touareg, which also is the name of a rugged nomadic tribe that roams the Sahara. Quickly spell "Touareg'' four times in a row and chances are you'll end up spelling it "Touraeg'' at least once.

Correctly pronouncing "Touareg'' could be another problem. (Volks-wagen says pronounce it "Tour-regg,'' but Car and Driver magazine recommends "Twah-reg''--and says the tribe often were "villains in blood-and-sand B-movies from the black-and-white era.'' Volkswagen wants a more flattering image for the tribe, that of "strong character and self-reliance.''

The Touareg was jointly developed with the also-new, far costlier Porsche Cayenne, which is faster than the Touareg but looks ungainly next to it. Volkswagen says the Touareg has a "strong family resemblance'' to its upcoming costly Phaeton ultraluxury sedan.

The Touareg has a bulldog stance and combines good off-road prowess with "German engineered luxury'' and sporty on-road performance. It's a mid-size, four-door sport-utility with no third-row seating and a big hatch. An electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system automatically switches power between axles to match driving conditions--and can handle serious off-road use.

The Touareg targets the BMW X5 sport-ute for on-road driving and the new Range Rover Land Rover sport-utility for off-road prowess--although it's hard to image many owners of such costly vehicles using them for paint-scraping, fender-denting, off-road use.

The Touareg has unit construction, with an all-independent suspension for more carlike ride and handling. Its 112.4-inch wheelbase is long for the Touareg's 187.2-inch length, so that means short body overhangs for a trimmer appearance and better off-road capabilities. (You wouldn't want its front or rear end hung up on a big rock.) Hill roll-back and descent control systems also make off-road driving easier.

There are two nicely equipped versions. The $34,900 Touareg has a 3.2-liter, 220-horsepower V-6, while the $40,700 version has a 4.2-liter, 310-horsepower V-8. (Coming is a V-10 turbocharged diesel engine.)

The Touareg V-6 provides rather casual acceleration (0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds, with average 65-75 mph passing times), while the V-8 storms to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds.

Both engines have a 7,716-pound towing capacity. Neither is a fuel-miser because the V-6 model weighs a hefty 5,086 pounds and the V-8 version is 5,300 pounds--despite extensive use of weight-saving aluminum and plastics. The V-6 delivers an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 20 on highways, while figures for the V-8 are 14 and 18. However, a 26.4-gallon fuel tank allows a long cruising range.

Both engines work with a six-speed automatic transmission. It has an easily used manual shift feature and "sport'' setting. The transmission is a plus because most sport-utes only have four- or five-speed automatics. With transmissions, the more speeds the better.

The Touareg upshifts abruptly during hard acceleration in "drive'' mode and often downshifts with a jolt. Volkswagen probably could have made the transmission smoother, but that probably would have cut down on its efficiency. The Touareg comes from German engineers, who highly value efficiency.

The Touareg drives somewhat like a sports sedan, thanks partly to its rigid body and solid chassis. It stands high, but there's no tippy feeling when zipping through curves. It has precise steering and athletic moves. An anti-skid system kicks in to keep the Touareg on the road if, say, a driver enters a curve too quickly. The V-6 model has pretty large 17-inch wheels with good grip. The V-8 has 18-inch wheels, with optional 19-inch ones.

The ride of the Touareg V-6 I tested was a curious blend of softness and hardness. It was almost too soft on smooth pavement, but instantly became much firmer when roads got rough.

Optional is an air suspension, which has components that adapt the suspension to driving conditions and vehicle speed. At high speeds, it automatically lowers the body for better control and wind resistance. It raises the body for more ground clearance for off-road driving.

Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution help ensure quick, stable stops, although the brake pedal should have a more linear action.

There are wide doors with oversized outside handles. But it takes extra effort to get in the high, quiet, luxurious interior, which has burled wood walnut trim and metallics of chrome and brushed aluminum. Leatherette seats are standard, with optional leather seats offered in two textures.

The firm front heatable seats provide good support in curves, and the Touareg comfortably seats four 6-footers, who sit high for a good view of surroundings. The center of the rear seat is too hard for anything but short trips. Volks-wagen said there's no third-row seat because it would diminish the Touareg's driving dynamics.

The speedometer and tachometer are large, but secondary gauges--including the fuel gauge--are so small they almost seem like afterthoughts. However, all controls are in easy sight and reach of a driver. Climate system controls are large, and those for the sound system are OK. There are 12-volt power outlets throughout the vehicle and good-sized storage areas. Attention to detail is shown by the sliding covers for sun visor mirrors, which are surrounded by lighting when the covers are opened.

The hatch opening is low and wide to allow easy loading. At 31cubic feet, the cargo area is large with the split rear seat in its normal position. Cargo volume jumps to an impressive 71 cubic feet with the entire rear seatbacks and bottoms flipped forward.

But moving the bottom cushions of the rear seats forward was a hassle in my test vehicle. In fact, I never got one of the cushions fully forward--nor did a person sent by Volkswagen to assist with the problem. The remote release on the key fob for the hatch worked only occasionally.

Safety features include front side air bags and curtain air bags that cover the entire side window areas for outboard occupants.

The Touareg is late to the party, but the same has been true of a good number of desirable sport-utilities. In fact, with all the introductions, can anyone say for sure if the party ever will end?


VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Prices:
$34,900-$40,700

Likes:
Roomy. Tough. Fast with V-8. Good handling. Smooth styling.

Dislikes:
Average acceleration with V-6. Marginal fuel economy. Balky folding rear seat. Tiny secondary gauges