If you want an SUV with a premium feel but not a premium price tag, Volkswagen may have a solution for you in the form of a vehicle called Touareg. While it may share its underpinnings with the Porsche Cayenne, it is significantly less expensive than other luxury off-roaders but offers comparable performance.
The VW Touareg TDI is a very unique vehicle. What makes it so special is that it is the only non-luxury SUV available in Canada with a diesel engine. BMW, Mercedes and, of course, Audi and Porsche all offer diesel SUVs, and theyre great except for the fact that they start at a minimum of about $60,000 and can easily reach $100,000 or more.
For 2013, the Touareg range gets larger fuel tanks, while the diesel engines output increases to 240 horsepower. Otherwise not much change to report on this solid, proven vehicle.
Design
The real story of this vehicle lies under the hood. If you are driving around Europe today, you would notice that the majority of the vehicles on the road are powered by clean diesel technology. It just makes sense and heres a couple of reasons why: diesels get great mileage and provides exceptional torque.
In the Touareg TDI, we have a 3.0-litre V6, which may not appear big for a vehicle of this size but the 2013 version has a 15 horsepower bump over last year and, more importantly, it delivers 406 ft-lbs of torque. Thats a lot of torque. In fact, its more than the average V8 pick-up trucks. Needless to say, you can tow quite a lot with the Touareg TDI.
Another upside is fuel economy. Even with all that torque, it returns 11.2L/100km city and 6.8L/100km highway, which are fantastic in this category.
The other big plus for clean diesel technology is resale value. Kelly Blue Book expects the Touareg TDI retain a better than average resale price. In comparison, the gasoline and hybrid models are believed to fall a few percentage points below the segment average.
Performance
The defining features of the modern TDI engines are that they no longer bring bad memories from the past such as smoke, noise and maintenance issues. The Touareg TDI just gets up and goes about its business with ease, quietness and superb power delivery. It is one of the most fun cars to drive in the traditional SUV category.
The Touareg is also sufficiently capable off-the-road for most buyers needs, thanks to its 4MOTION all-wheel drive system and Hill Descent Assist feature. If you prefer a lower ride height for superior on-road handling, you may opt for the available sport suspension. However, most people will be just fine with the standard model. You still sit high enough to get a good view of the road, while the accurate steering, well-judged AWD system and minimum body roll through corners means this Touareg can hold its own on a back route.
Good news, while the Touareg does have reassuring handling, its still very comfortable. For instance, it just glides over bumps with no issues. When you combine this with a quiet cabin, refined engine, a slick eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a very comfy seat, youve got a car thats extremely relaxing to travel in.
Environment
The interior quality is what you expect of a VW product. All of the controls are logically laid out, and the touch screen infotainment centre is easy to use, if somewhat gimmicky. Actually, the Touareg comes absolutely loaded with standard equipment. As well as a full complement of airbags and safety features, you get climate control, Bluetooth, leather seats, iPod connectivity and a rearview camera among other features.
As well, Touareg has a cargo space to match its more costly competitors. If there is a knock on this car, its that it is only a five-passenger vehicle and there isnt a third row (though keep in mind that other SUVs third seating is typically useless in terms of space and comfort). The advantage of not having that third row is the massive storage space you get in the Touareg. As a result you can use this car as a proper utility vehicle.
If you need additional room, the rear seats fold down neatly. But if you prefer to keep your stowed objects out of sight, the Touareg allows you to slide the entire rear seat unit forward, giving you a bit more space. Then with the parcel shelf in place, your valuables are well hidden.
Now we must point out a few of the Touaregs downsides. It only has a few. The rear doors dont open particularly wide, and while theres plenty of space for rear passengers (the rear seats even recline), the Touareg isnt the best at carrying three people in the back. Thats because the centre seat is more of a perch than an inpidual chair, and whats more, the large transmission tunnel leaves no room for you feet.
Lastly, while the interior is very well done, its no match for the "luxury" feel found in more expensive premium rivals.
Features
The Touareg TDI is available in three flavours. The Comfortline begins at $53,975, the Highline starts at $59,970, and the Execline is available from $63,800.
Some of the many standard equipment items include rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation with an 8-inch touch screen, heated front seats, electronic parking brake, Bluetooth, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, anti-slip regulation, and electronic stability control.
Additional features, available as options or on higher trims, include adaptive headlight system, sport suspension, power adjustable seats, panoramic sunroof, and keyless entry. The TDIs impressive fuel efficiency numbers are 11.2L/100km city and 6.8L/100km highway.
Thumbs Up
The Touaregs premium look and feel without the premium price make it an attractive alternative to the more luxurious brands. Its substantial standard feature list and the TDIs great fuel economy make it even tougher to ignore.
Thumbs Down
The Touareg is reasonably priced compared to luxury SUVs, but there certainly cheaper SUVs offering similar performance and space. Also, while this car is handsome, its looks havent changed much since its introduction, so its looking outdated.
