Volkswagen Touareg first drive

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.

VALUE

Volkswagen 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.

TECHNOLOGY

All 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.

SAFETY

The 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.

STYLING

Those 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.

DRIVING

The 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.

VERDICT

We'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 Touareg

Price: TBA
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 TDI turbo diesel, 3.6-litre V6 petrol
Power: 176kW at 4000revs (diesel), 206kW at 6200revs (petrol)
Torque: 550Nm at 2000revs (diesel), 360Nm at 3200revs
Transmission: Eight speed automatic, all-wheel drive Fuel economy: 7.4L/100km (diesel), 9.9L/100km (diesel)
Emissions: 195g/km (diesel), 236g/km (petrol)