VW Touareg V6 FSI & TDI 2012 Review

Efforts by Volkswagen to entice buyers to the latest generation of the Touareg appear to be paying off. Monthly sales are up more than four-fold since the 2012 models went on sale in August. For good reason.

The latest version is roomier, lighter, better proportioned and easier on fuel than its predecessors, the first of which arrived here eight years ago.

DESIGN

There are four models -- three diesels and one petrol -- and all have been to the gym. They are up to 90kg lighter and look slimmer, yet are 114mm longer and 37mm wider than previous models. The big gains show in greater cabin space, especially backseat leg-room and a larger load volume.

PRICES AND DRIVETRAINS

Prices reflect the competitive nature of the luxury SUV market. The entry level 150kW TDI 3.0-litre V6 diesel is $62,990 -- or $13,000 less than the outgoing 176kW TDI, which was the only Touareg available after the V6 petrol and V10 diesel were dropped late last year.

Next is the 206kW FSI petrol V6 at $77,990, the same price as the 180kW TDI. Top of the range is now the 180kW TDI 4XMotion at $82,990. All models come with eight-speed automatic transmissions, up from six, and all-wheel-drive that, in the 4XMotion, includes low-range gearing. 

For an extra $5000, the 4XMotion has serious off-road gearing, with a 2.72:1 reduction and a lockable centre diff. The wide spread of gear ratios provides a short first gear for launch and two overdrive top gears for touring, the diesel being slightly taller geared than the petrol.

The all-wheel drive versions are well set up for moderate off-road forays. They have high clearance, off-road settings and a torque-sensing centre differential to vary drive from a normal 40:60 front to rear up to 20:80 and 60:40.

ECONOMY

Fuel-saving tricks include lower drag, the multi-speed gearbox, engine stop-start, brake energy recuperation and fast warming of the driveline. Fuel efficiency improves by up to 20 per cent.

On test, the 3.0-litre 180kW diesel had a combined average of 7.4l/100km and the 3.6-litre petrol FSI a combined average of 10.1l/100km, both about 2l/100km less than their predecessors.

Both engines are smooth and quiet and perfectly matched to the silky and decisive eight-speed auto, reaching 100km/h in a sprightly 7.8-seconds, a little more than a second quicker than previously and impressive for a 2.2-tonne wagon.

DRIVING

The Touareg is easy to drive and feels more agile than its size and weight suggest. Handling is accurate and poised, with minimal body roll. The ride is mostly composed and compliant, although there is still some tyre thump over rough edges. Fit and finish are excellent, the interior has a quality feel and the controls are clearly marked and mostly easy to use.

The front seats are wide and firm, with plenty of adjustment. The rear seats are well padded, recline and have generous leg and headroom. Load space is useful and benefits from the extra length in the latest models.

EQUIPMENT

Standard equipment includes nine airbags, stability control, leather seats, alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, hill descent control, hill-hold assist, active rollover protection, multi-function display, Bluetooth, an equal-top-of-class 3500kg towing capacity, heated and folding mirrors. But there is no full-size spare wheel, not even as an option, just an inflation kit.

Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI Ambition

Price: $77,990
Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assist
Resale: 55%
Service interval: 15,000km or 12 months
Economy: 7.4 l/100km; 196g/km CO2
Safety equipment: nine airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC
Crash rating: 5 star
Engine: 180kW/550Nm 3-litre turbo-diesel
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Body: 5-door, 5 seats
Dimensions: 4898 (L); 1965mm (W); 1732mm (H); 2904mm (WB) Weight 2159kg
Tyre size: 255/55R18, collapsible space-saver, compressor.

Volkswagen Touareg V6 FSI

Price: $77,990
Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assist
Engine: 206kW/360Nm, 6 Cylinder, 3.6 Litre
Transmission: Eight-speed sports automatic
Body: 4-door, 5 seats
Dimensions: 4898 (L); 1965 (W); 1732(H); 2904(WB) Weight 2097kg
Tyre size: 255/55 R18, alloy, space saver/temporary