2014 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

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the big questions, including the one that most needs answering -- would you buy one?

Volkswagen Touareg is now offered in V8 TDI R-Line variant. It’s a high-performance turbo-diesel version that gives plenty of driving fun without making a huge donation to the oil companies.

Volkswagen has announced styling changes to the 2013 model Touareg and at the same time has significantly upgraded the equipment levels of its medium-large SUV.VALUEEntry level Touareg 150TDI now has a standard Rear View Camera (RVC Plus) that improves reversing safety by displaying static and dynamic guidance lines on the display. This is an important safety features as their can be no worse feeling than reversing into a child hidden behind a large vehicle. The petrol powered Volkswagen Touareg V6 FSI was never a big seller in Australia so has been discontinued to make space for more turbo-diesel models on the importing ships.TECHNOLOGYAll Volkswagen Tuoaregs are powered by V6 engines that drive through a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission. The entry level Touareg is powered by a 3.0 litre, six cylinder engine with an eight speed sports automatic transmission. This results in 150kw of power and 400Nm torque.DESIGNThe Touareg V6 TDI 4Motion body now has the same exterior design as the other variants, incorporating the body coloured lower side and bumper trims with chrome mouldings as well as dual chromed triangular exhaust tips on either side. The previous styling of grey and silver coloured lower body side and bumper trims as well as oval chromed exhaust tailpipes is now being offered as an option at no charge for those customers intending to put the Touareg’s off-road credentials to the test.The Touareg 150TDI has bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime driving lights and Karakum 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside the cabin, there’s now a luxury look provided by Vienna leather seat upholstery. The driver and front passenger seats have 12-way electric adjustment and electro-pneumatically adjustable backrest side bolsters. The new design of safety-optimised front head restraints permit height and longitudinal adjustment.The rear backrest now provides the convenience of split-fold 60:40 that can be operated from within the luggage compartment creating more convenient solutions for transporting bulky items.SAFETYThe biggest news is on the safety front with all 2013 Volkswagen Tuaregs getting Volkswagen’s clever Driver Fatigue System (DFS). At the start of each trip the system analyses the driver’s characteristic steering behaviour, their use of pedals and transverse acceleration. If the monitored parameters show a significant deviation from the steering behaviour recorded at the beginning of the trip, warning lights and buzzers alert the driver and recommends they take a break. If the driver does not take a break within the next 15 minutes, the warning is repeated. Which seems rather too long a gap to us, but hopefully Volkswagen’s engineers have considered this. The optional Driver Assistance Package now also contains the added City Emergency Braking function. The City EB function is active below a speed of 30 km/h and also reacts to stationary vehicles; if necessary, it automatically initiates a braking manoeuvre, thereby contributing to avoidance of an impending front end collision or at least minimising the resulting damage.DRIVINGVolkswagen Touareg V6 TDI has received 20-inch Pikes Peak alloy wheels with 275/45 R20 tyres that team with air suspension with adaptive dampening control. This gives the benefit of the looks of the big wheels without the harsh ride that can be created by low profile tyres on rough Australian backroads.The complete 2013 Volkswagen Touareg range is:150TDI 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $62,990 (automatic)V6 TDI 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $78,990 (automatic)V6 TDI 4MOTION 3.0-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $83,990Volkswagen TouaregPrice: from $62,990Warranty: 3 years roadsideEngine: 3-litre, 6-cyl, 150kW/400NmTransmission: 8-speed diesel, AWDSafety: n/aBody: 4898mm (L); 1965mm (W); 1732mm (H)Thirst: 7.2L/100km, 190g/km CO2

The original version of the Volkswagen Touareg was designed to have good off-road ability - in the mistaken belief that buyers wanted a 4WD. The new model has been backed off in its standard format as very few people ever take their SUVs away from sealed surfaces.The Touareg 150TDI we tested is priced from $62,990, and also came with the $5400 driver assist package that includes active cruise control, lane assist, front assist and occupant protection system.TECHNOLOGYThe engine sits in front of an automatic transmission with eight forward speeds, there is no manual option. The automatic is a conventional torque convertor unit, not a double-clutch DSG as the latter are notoriously awkward at very slow speeds, such as in off-road driving.The Touareg 150TDI we tested had the basic 4Motion AWD system which does not include low range transfer case or differential locks. It is ideally suited to gravel roads as opposed to 4WD tracks or fire trails and rock hopping.The transition from ‘on-road’ to ‘off-road’ is achieved by turning a knob in the console that changes the traction control for better grip on loose surfaces. On dirt tracks, forest trails and the like we found it to have excellent traction and it retained it good on-road ride comfort.The Touareg has sensors fitted to the underneath of the external rear view mirrors and these monitor road markings. If the vehicle starts to drift to one side or the other the steering wheels shudders alerting the driver. Front assist lets the driver know there is insufficient braking space between the Touareg and the car in front.Weight reduction has been achieved as a two-speed transfer box is no longer fitted as standard. Instead it is an extra-cost option for those who do want go into the bush. The 4WD system without a transfer case uses the tag of 4Motion. The heavy-duty 4WD with a transfer case is called 4XMotion.DESIGNThe second generation Volkswagen has styling that follows the latest neat and tidy VW theme that is likely to remain timeless. Europeans are becoming increasingly anti-4WD in their thinking so Volkswagen has been sensible in making the Touareg look more like a sensible station wagon than an off-road vehicle.Though it looks smaller than the superseded gen-one model, the new Touareg is significantly larger inside due to its longer body and stretched wheelbase. This results in a spacious back seat so there's legroom for the tallest of adults. Comfort in the rear has been further improved by making the backrest adjustable for rake.VW has given the interior an all-new look, with a classy appearance and intelligent use of soft feel materials on the dash. There is the usual neat and easy to read Volkswagen instrument layout as well as an integrated LCD multifunction display that’s also simple to use and minimal in the distraction it causes,The Touareg’s luggage area has also been increased in size and is easy to load thanks to the squared off rear end, though the height of the floor may cause hassles for smaller owners.The cargo area is large at 580 litres and with the rear seat folded there’s a cavernous 1642 litres. The rear seat has a 60/40 split and the centre section of the backrest folds down to create an armrest with cup holders. It also folds down completely to create a ski hatch.DRIVINGThe new VW SUV has a solid feel and excellent refinement in noise, vibration and harshness control. At a cruising speed of 110 to 120 km/h there is almost no wind noise so the big VW wagon offers quiet relaxed travel for hours on end.We found the front seats comfortable and supportive. Leg and headroom is not an issue in front or back. The rear seat passengers also enjoy dual air conditioning vents at head height. However, the middle seat in the rear is rather firm - not a place we would like to be on a long trip.The interior has a good number of usable storage bins that makes it an ideal family vehicle.Visibility outwards is excellent thanks to the slimming down of the windscreen pillars and the moving of the windscreen slightly closer to the front seats. The view out to the rear is also very good and one of our shorter road testers said she had no trouble at all in normal driving and reverse parking.Touareg is predictable in the way it handles and only a tiny number of owners will ever come close to finding its limits, when the aforementioned safety electronics will get them out of trouble. Body roll for a largish SUV is minimal.Cleverly, though it has increased in size, the new VW Touareg is almost 100 kilograms lighter than the outgoing model. This weight reduction has been achieved not only by the different 4WD systems, but also in many other areas throughout the vehicle.Clever engine and transmission design, as well as the aforementioned trimming of weight, has reduced fuel consumption and emissions by as much as 20 per cent compared with the outgoing Touareg. Our review vehicle used about seven to nine litres per hundred kilometres in country running, increasing to nine to eleven litres around town or in hilly country. These are excellent figures for a large vehicle in this class.VERDICTAll-in-all the new Volkswagen Touareg has logical improvements on the original in almost all areas and should be a big seller with appealing combination of style, space and safety.MODEL RANGE150 TDI 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $62,990 (automatic)V6 FSI 3.6-litre V6 petrol five-door wagon: $67,990 (automatic)V6 TDI 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $77,990 (automatic)V6 TDI 4XMotion 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel five-door wagon: $82,990 (automatic)Volkswagen Touareg 150TDIPrice: From $62,990Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited kmSpare: space saver/ temporaryEngine: 3.0-litreV6 diesel 150kW/400NmTransmission: 8 gears, sports automaticBody:  4898mm (L), 1965 mm (W), 1732 mm (H)Weight: 2154 kgThirst: 7.2 L/100km, 190g/km CO2

VW Touareg TDI and Land Rover Discovery go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Volkswagen Touareg and Land Rover Discovery4 go head-to-head in this comparative 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.DESIGNThere 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 DRIVETRAINSPrices 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.ECONOMYFuel-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.DRIVINGThe 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.EQUIPMENTStandard 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 AmbitionPrice: $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.Volkswagen Touareg V6 FSIPrice: $77,990Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assistEngine: 206kW/360Nm, 6 Cylinder, 3.6 LitreTransmission: Eight-speed sports automaticBody: 4-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4898 (L); 1965 (W); 1732(H); 2904(WB) Weight 2097kgTyre size: 255/55 R18, alloy, space saver/temporary 

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.