Many Americans associate Volkswagen with small, fun-to-drive economical cars, but few premium mid-size SUVs can match the automaker's Touareg 2 in comfort, ride, handling, acceleration and off-road prowess. A twin-turbocharged diesel engine fits the move toward greater fuel efficiency.
Developed with Porsche, which calls its version the Cayenne, the smooth, luxurious 2008 all-wheel-drive Touareg 2 has styling changes, more power and added standard features. Volkswagen says it has "the comfort of a luxury sedan, dynamic driving characteristics of a sports car and off-road prowess of a mountain goat." The Touareg has set records -- from the highest volcanic peaks in Chile to the dunes of the tough Dakar Rally.
The athletic-looking four-door Touareg 2 has a redesigned front end with a new stylized grille, redesigned front bumper and organically shaped headlight housings with polycarbonate lens covers. Side mirrors are more aerodynamic, and changes to the rear include a new roof-edge spoiler. New exterior colors are intended to enhance the revised styling.
The athletic-looking four-door Touareg 2 has a redesigned front end with a new stylized grille, redesigned front bumper and organically shaped headlight housings with polycarbonate lens covers. Side mirrors are more aerodynamic, and changes to the rear include a new roof-edge spoiler. New exterior colors are intended to enhance the revised styling.
The five-passenger Touareg 2 has no third-row seat, partly because large interior areas are carved out for tire clearance. Newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels are standard for the base V-6 version. Huge 19-inchers are on the V-8 and V-10 turbodiesel versions.
List prices are $39,300 for the V-6 version and $48,390 for the mid-range V-8. The turbodiesel V-10 costs $68,340. All have a permanently engaged four-wheel-drive system.
The Touareg 2 has a relatively long 112.4-inch wheelbase (distance between axles) for its 187.2-inch length, but short body overhangs make it easier to tackle off-road terrain. Mechanical parts are put high in the underbody to minimize dragging over humps and "drowning" in deep water.
My test Touareg 2's modern turbodiesel shouldn't be associated with the old, loud, smelly diesels. While quiet and refined, with no diesel "smoke," the turbodiesel seemingly has enough torque to pull houses from their foundations. Torque counts a lot when towing and, while the full-size Chevrolet Suburban SUV has a 6-liter V-8 with 352 horse-power and 383 pound-feet of torque, the Touareg 2's 4.9-liter turbodiesel generates 310 horsepower but a monumental 553 pound-feet of torque. It can tow up to 7,716 pounds.
The Touareg 2 is among the heaviest mid-size SUVs at 5,086 to 5,825 pounds, but the turbodiesel version has fast acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds). There's also a base 3.6-liter V-6 developing 280 horsepower with 265 pound-feet of torque and a mid-range model with a 4.2-liter, 350-horsepower V-8 producing 324 pound-feet of torque. Both are increases of 40 horsepower, while the turbodiesel retains the same power rating.
The V-6 is no slouch, but the V-8 and turbodiesel are best for a heavy SUV and have near-identical 0-60 mph times. All versions have a responsive six-speed automatic transmission that upshifts seamlessly and has manual-shift capability.
The turbodiesel delivers the best highway economy, at an estimated 20 mpg, although I got a few more mpg during cruising at a steady 65-70 mph. The V-6 delivers 14 mpg on highways, while the V-8 provides 17. Estimated in-town fuel economy with all engines is so-so, as would be expected for such a large, powerful, all-wheel-drive (AWD) SUV. For instance, the turbodiesel's city rating is 15 mpg. Premium fuel is recommended for the gasoline engines, but a large 26.4-gallon fuel tank for all models assures a long cruising range.
The Touareg 2 drives very smoothly on roads with its unit body and all-independent suspension with adjustable shock absorbers. The turbodiesel has a standard height-adjustable air suspension that further improves the ride and is a $2,750 option for the other Touareg 2 models.
Handling and road manners are so good one might never suspect that this SUV has tremendous off-road abilities, although the brake pedal needs a more linear action. The electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system has low-range gearing and a locking center differential, with an optional ($700) locking rear differential.
The Touareg 2 is loaded with comfort, convenience and luxury features, including a power tailgate. The interior is definitely an uptown affair, with excellent attention to detail shown by even such minor items as brushed-alloy threshold plates under all doors.
Besides the usual power equipment, the Touareg 2 has such items as dual-zone automatic climate controls and heated front seats. The V-8 adds leather upholstery (optional for the V-6) and wood trim, while the turbodiesel adds a heated power tilt/manual telescope steering wheel.
Optional for all is a Luxury Plus package that costs $3,400 for the V-8 and V-10 and $6,300 for the V-6. It contains four-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, keyless access and starting and an upgraded sound system.
Safety features include hill ascent/descent control, front-side and curtain-side air bags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist for surer sudden stops and a "dry-braking" function that wipes away water film that can lengthen braking distances. There's also an anti-skid system with rollover sensors and a front/rear obstacle detection system.
Optional is $2,100 adaptive cruise control that effectively slowed my test Touareg 2 on highways if it was getting too close in a pre-set zone to a vehicle ahead. Also extra is a $3,350 Technology Package containing a navigation system, rearview camera and upgraded sound system.
The Touareg 2 stands rather high, but entry and exit isn't difficult. Occupants sit high for a good view of surroundings. There's ample room up front in supportive seats. Gauges can be quickly read, controls are easy to use and console cupholders are conveniently located. The spacious rear seat area has a fold-down center armrest with pop-out cupholders, and there's a good number of storage areas, including pockets in all doors.
The cargo area is large, with a wide but rather high opening, and the entire rear seat folds forward for more cargo room.
The hood has an interior lining to enhance quietness and raises smoothly on twin struts.
You'd probably impress neighbors more with a Porsche Cayenne, if only because of its nameplate, but it's costlier and doesn't offer an impressive diesel engine.
2008 VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG 2
Prices: $39,300-$68,340
Likes: Revised styling. More power and equipment. Roomy. Smooth. Refined. Fast. Luxo interior. Good handling. Off-road prowess. Diesel towing ability. Developed with Porsche.
Dislikes: So-so city fuel economy. Fairly high load floor. Brake pedal needs more linear action. |