IT’S been an important few months for Volkswagen, particularly for its all-wheel drive 4Motion products. As the brand’s first serious competitor in the one-ton pick-up market, the Amarok, emerges from the inevitable batch of comparison tests against its most popular rivals, the second-generation Touareg has been launched to continue its battle for a share of the lucrative luxury SUV market. The first Touareg may have two Dakar victories (OK, so that was a “special”, but it bore the name) and a memorable television ad campaign under its belt (think Arno Carstens and a troubled father/ son relationship), but it has often been overlooked in the all-important prestige SUV segment. The latest Touareg aims to be, not only more visible in the crowd, but also to offer a more convincing purchasing argument in these “green” times.
Longer and wider (41 mm and 12 mm respectively) than its predecessor, thanks to a sleek new profile the new VW manages to physically look lighter on its haunches than the vehicle it replaces. It is also worth nothing that the new Touareg is up to 200 kg lighter than the outgoing model. All but the top-of-the-range versions feature “unglamorous” looking 17-inch alloy wheels but the 235/65 R17 Bridgestone Dueler tyres wrapped around them add a sense of purpose to the vehicle’s stance.
One of the largest incarnations of the latest Volkswagen family face to date gives the new Touareg a sharper and arguably classier-looking front end and this should stand up well alongside other prestigious noses in the queue for private school drop-off points. The optional Xenon lighting package, including daytime LED running lights, fitted to our test unit adds even further presence.
The increased dimensions of Volkswagen’s new premium SUV may not be obvious from the outside but the new-found levels of comfort and legroom tell the tale. The Touareg’s cabin manages to feel roomy without coming across as spartan and the VW Group continues to lead the way in creating high levels of perceived interior build quality (even if the optional wood trim installed in our test unit’s cabin did feel somewhat tacky). A multi-function steering wheel is standard fitment, as are dualzone climate control, a neat touch-screen multi-media display, leather upholstery and cruise control.
Rear passenger legroom is very impressive and could easily compete with vehicles in the grand saloon segment. When not required, the backrests of the rear seats can be folded (60:40) flat to open up an impressive 1 400 dm3 worth of utility space. Our test unit featured a fair number of optional items but one that would potentially be most appreciated as standard issue, particularly by the fairer sex, is an electric tailgate.
A total of six airbags, including side curtains, are standard, as are ISOFIX anchorage points on the outer rear seats. An additional two rear airbags can be specified as optional extras. A further option is Area and Rear View, with PDC (park distance control). This innovative system relays a plethora of wide-angle camera angles onto the colour centre display so that no corner of the vehicle isn’t visible during those tricky shopping mall parking bay reverse manouevres.
Three engine options are offered with the new Touareg, including a 3,6-litre FSI petrol unit and a mighty 800 N.m 4,2-litre V8 TDI (replacing the outgoing V10) offering, but after sampling all three, both on the overseas (May 2010 issue) and local launches, we were happy to test arguably the pick of the bunch, the revised 3,0-litre V6 TDI, first. This impressively refined unit offers 176 kW of power at 4 000 r/min, with 550 N.m of torque available between 2 000 and 2 250 r/min. Mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission, this combination provides effortless progress and a healthy dose of low-down grunt when required. The top two ratios are geared towards keeping revs to an economical minimum at cruising speeds and, indeed, it’s at those velocities where the new Touareg is at its most impressive.
There can be some indecision between seventh and eighth ratios as to which one is most suitable at different times, but the gear changes are so seamless that you would only notice if paying close attention to the information display. Sport and Manual modes are also selectable on this transmission.
The V6 TDI engine also features Volkswagen’s “green” BlueMotion technology and includes a kinetic energy recovery system and start/stop functionality. The latter system (which can be switched out) takes some getting used to, especially when a vehicle of this size comes to a sudden halt – though it does help the Touareg V6 TDI achieve impressively low fuel consumption and emissions figures. Our overall fuel consumption index of 8,88 litres/100 kilometres, together with the 100-litre fuel tank, should see a range of over 1 000 km appear on the trip read-out.
The V6 TDI may be a great cruiser but that’s not to say that it’s a slouch around town. We recorded a best 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 7,78 seconds. Braking times were equally impressive, the two-ton Touareg being brought to a halt from 100 km/h in an average time of 2,96 seconds. The standard ABS system also features an off-road setting, similar to the one featured on the Amarok, that improves braking performance on loose surfaces.
4Motion all-wheel drive is fitted to all Touareg models and this system, featuring a limited slip Torsen differential and selectable off-road driving proramme that tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR systems, offers owners with only light off-road excursions in mind the confidence to do just that. An optional 4XMotion Terrain Tech package, consisting of low-range transfer ‘box, locking centre and rear differentials and a five-position terrain selector, can be ordered for those with a more serious off-roading expedition in mind.
The new Touareg features an all-independent double wishbone suspension set-up that is possibly the highlight of this very impressive package. Longer distances are despatched with ease as all road surfaces, including gravel, are smoothed out by the air sprung suspension long before their effects can be felt through the seats and steering wheel. Adding to the good overall comfort levels of the cabin is impressive NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) refinement. The compliant suspension is still firm enough, however, to cater for a more dynamic driving style, though the roll of 2,2 tons of metal is always going to be felt through faster sweeps. ESP with traction control is standard fitment throughout the range.
TEST SUMMARY
Some 3 569 of the 500 000 firstgeneration Touaregs sold worldwide made their way to our shores and, by all accounts, the owners of these vehicles have been more than happy with what the original version had to offer; better-than-average off-road credentials, a classy cabin and relatively imposing looks all added up to a highly competent package.
The new Touareg is down-playing its off-road prowess slightly (in standard form at least), adding a new-found sense of sophistication, more distinctive styling and comfort levels that are near-on best in class. Combine those attributes with the refined, flexible, and economical V6 TDI engine and VW may just have a new segment leader on its hands.
