Owing to their sheer size and presence on the road, large SUVs are seemingly designed to convey status while instilling equal senses of fear and envy in fellow road users, right? Not always. The Touareg in question may have been subjected to some sporty visual treatments courtesy of its R-Line package, but it still manages to add some honest substance to an already-impressive package.
R-line package
The latest optional R-line package (R35 000) affords the Touareg extra street cred in the form of restyled bumpers, twin exhaust outlets, side skirts with chrome elements, 20-inch wheels, a sporty leather steering wheel and various other R-line touches around the cabin. The vehicle appears both stylish and classy without straying into pretentiousness or excessive visual aggression.
Interior
The cabin is finished in classically conservative VW design themes that nevertheless portray a high level of perceived quality. An optional panoramic glass roof (R9 330) adds airiness to the cabin, though this feature does add extra strain on the air-conditioning system; particularly during summer months. The elevated driving position is excellent, while a wide spectrum of electric adjustment on the seat and steering column makes finding an ideal driving position a doddle. The leather sports seats manage to strike a good balance between support and comfort.
Powertrain
The entry-level Touareg is fitted with the same 3,0-litre turbodiesel unit found in the current Porsche Cayenne Diesel (with which it also shares its platform) and delivers 180 kW with an impressive 550 N.m of torque. This provides plenty of get-up-and-go and, mated to the eight-speed automatic transmission, lends this large vehicle an appreciable level of responsiveness. The latest generation diesel technology and BlueMotion efficiencies combine to return a claimed fuel consumption figure of just 7,2 litre/100 km. We were sceptical of this figure, especially considering the Touareg’s 2-tonne mass, so we took it on CAR’s fuel route and were pleasantly surprised by the still-respectable 8,8 litres/100 km it returned. With a fuel tank capacity of 100 litres, this translates to a theoretical range of over a 1 000 km between visits to the pump.
On-road
On-road the vehicle must be complimented for its ride quality. The standard suspension soaks up most road imperfections with little fuss, while remaining firm enough to round bends faster than can be expected of an SUV. Refinement is excellent with wind and tyre noise at speed kept to a minimum. The Touareg should thus prove to be an accomplished long distance cruiser.
Off-road
Off-road ability was tested climbing a steep slope on a loose surface with plenty of ditches and holes in the path. The off-road setting altered the ESC electronics to distribute traction and provide hill descend control and worked a treat. Low range was missed at times but serious off-roaders can specify it as part of a R20 000 all-terrain pack. Even without this option, the Touareg should be able to effortlessly transport a family, with luggage, to most remote destinations.
Towing
Towing ability is rated at three tonnes (braked) and our test vehicle was fitted with an optional (R 8 090) electrically-folding tow bar for the owner who prefers the cleaner look when not towing.
Summary
In a segment where such a high premium is placed on the badge displayed on the bonnet, the Touareg has managed to maintain a surprisingly low profile. Boasting the same under-the-skin credentials (by virtue of close family ties) of at least two of its arguably more glamorous rivals (Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7), the Volkswagen comes across as one of the most honest large SUV options in this segment. The engine, transmission, ride quality and overall levels of comfort in this particular model would easily provide the scorers of a comparative test between the Touareg and its aforementioned stable mates with a good deal of food for thought.
Specifications:
Model: VW Touareg 3.0 TDI V6 BlueMotion R-line
Engine: 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel
Power: 180 kW
Torque: 550 N.m
Fuel consumption: 7,2 L/100 km
CO2: 189 g/km
Top speed: 218 km/h
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7,8 secs
Price: R661 000
* manufacturer’s figures
