It could be argued that back in 2004, when Volkswagen arrived at the SUV party all decked out in its new Touareg clothes, the celebrations were ready to wind down. Truck-based SUVs were big, but there was about to be a major shift to crossover vehicles.
That, as it turns out, should not be that big a deal for Volkswagen. While the Touareg turned out to be impressive off road, the equal of just about any rough riding, truck based SUV, the Touareg offered crossover-style ride, handling and sophistication when driven on pavement. In other words, as customers began to shy away from sport utes, especially the mid-sized ones, and embraced crossovers for their melding of passenger car ride, handling and comfort – not to mention better fuel economy – the Volkswagen Touareg had what was needed to remain attractive.
While there are those who question the wisdom of Volkswagen assaulting this market in the first place, there is no doubt that the vehicle they designed should be appealing to a wide range of buyers. For 2008, Volkswagen has done some updating of the Touareg and the changes are sufficient to prompt a slight modification to the name. Henceforth, this model is to be known as the Touareg 2.
The changes range from a minor updating of the front and rear styling to the addition of direct fuel injection to the V-6 and V-8 gasoline engines. Both motors now produce 40 more horsepower, an addition that is welcome in the base V-6 – now rated at 280 horsepower – and probably unnecessary, but still welcome, in the 350-horsepower V-8 version that Volkswagen loaned us for this review. What makes it welcome is that the added power does not take an added toll on fuel economy. Perhaps I should have mentioned earlier that another reason driving the movement to crossovers is that they manage to go farther on a gallon of gasoline.
The added power can be felt with each press on the accelerator pedal. Working through a six-speed automatic transmission, our review Touareg was certainly lively. Sixty miles per hour showed up in just 7.3 seconds, which when this vehicle’s 2.5-ton curb weight is remembered, makes this performance even more impressive. As icing on the acceleration cake, the engine is a paragon of refinement. As the tachometer needle swings toward its redline, there is not so much as a hint of any undue noise, vibration or harshness. Other than pitch, there is nothing in the performance to suggest that the engine was working hard.
That said, it can also be reported that the added power really does seem to come with no increase in fuel consumption. Unfortunately, that does not mean that the V-8 powered Touareg is thrifty with fuel. It was, in fact, decidedly thirsty before the adoption of direct injection and it remains thirsty now. I averaged 14 miles per gallon using premium gasoline during my week with the vehicle. The EPA ratings for 2008 are 12 miles per gallon in the city and 17 on the highway. The V-6 model carries ratings of 14 mpg in town and 19 on the open road.
The ride impressed when the Touareg was first introduced and it still does. It is firm and nicely controlled, yet compliant, giving drivers good handling and comfort. Our review vehicle was equipped with the optional 4-Corner Air Suspension system that allows the driver to select comfort or sport modes for suspension compliance or to opt for a third setting that allows the suspension to make that decision. It also allows the driver to raise the vehicle for nearly a foot of ground clearance when going off road, something few Touareg drivers do, according to area dealers.
Volkswagen has come up with an interior in the Touareg 2 that is at once useful, luxurious, comfortable and impressive for its design, materials and assembly. Adults fit in front very nicely and in the rear with somewhat lesser comfort. There is no third row seat. The cargo area is also beautifully finished and it is appealingly wide and high, though not very long.
When it comes to pricing, the Touareg has the look, feel and performance of a premium product and it is priced accordingly. The V-6 model starts at $39,320 plus $680 in transport charges. Our V-8 was $9,000 more costly and it had the air suspension system for $2,750, a Lux Package with keyless start and the Dynaudio upgrade, four-zone interior temperature control and heated rear seats for another $3,400. Top that off with the Technogie Package with its in-dash navigation system, backup camera and six-disc CD changer for another $3,350, throw in a few smaller extras and the bottom line came to $59,700.
Everyone who rode in the Touareg was duly impressed and those who did not know the brand upon entering thought the price reasonable. Most of these, however, then thought it high when they learned that this was a Volkswagen. Such are the problems of trying to take a brand up market.
For those willing and able to overcome this prejudice, the new Volkswagen Touareg 2 deserves careful consideration for its ride, handling, performance, off-road prowess and design.
