Volkswagen Touareg

Introduction

Volkswagen Touareg is a product of a joint venture project between the three prominent automakers namely – Volkswagen Group and their subsequent manufacturers named Audi and Porsche, which was developed to create an off-road vehicle with the driving experience of a sports car. Volkswagen Touareg is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) which was first introduced in the year 2002 and was marketed as being the most capable off-roader to date. The SUV was introduced in the Malaysian markets in the year 2012 when the car was in its second generation. The car is a high performance based 5-seater SUV which is developed to find its business within the segment of buyers who crave a venturesome driving experience along with the basic benefits of an off-roader.

Engine, Mileage and Variants

The need for a ferocious power required by the sporty SUV is met by a 3.6-litre V6 FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) petrol engine encased in the car. The powerful engine gifts the driver a maximum power output of 206kW (280PS) at 6200 rpm and a maximum torque output of 360Nm at 3200rpm to explore every adventure. Incorporated with the engine is the 8-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic function and DSP (Dynamic shift programme), which gives a 4Motion permanent all-wheel-drive. The sporty SUV can fly with a top-speed of 228kph and attains a speed of 100kph from naught in just 7.8 seconds. The car has a fuel consumption of 13.2 litres/100km and 8.0litres/100km for urban and extra-urban conditions respectively, with a combined fuel consumption of 9.9litres/100km, which is fairly adequate with those high power and torque values available.

Exterior

Volkswagen Touareg sports a broad shouldered macho look which solemnly compliments its classy masculine image. The wide and elongated radiator grille with bold horizontal bars and the embossed Volkswagen logo adds to the car's stylish ruggedness. The car has an expressive refracting edge along the shoulder line which in collaboration with the 18-inch Karakoram cast alloy wheels, and silver anodized roof rail makes the sideline look exclusively dynamic. The car displays a fascinating exterior body with features like the Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic bending, LED daytime running lights and the silver anodised roof rails. The overall dimensions of Volkswagen Toureg measure 4795mm x 1940mm x 1709mm (L x W x H) with a huge wheelbase clocking 2893mm.

Interiors>

The stylish SUV encases a very sporty and jaunty interior design, which anyone can fall for. The interior designers have crafted the cockpit with a great sense of creativity. Keeping in mind the sporty instinct of the off-roader they have implemented features like the 3-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel with electric height and longitudinal adjustment, 12-way electrically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and a compact and well configured control panel and infotainment system. The car is also loaded with luxurious comfort with the features like 'Vienna' leather seats, Climatronic air-conditioning system with 2-zone temperature controls, RNS (touchscreen) 850 Radio/Navigation system, 8 speakers and interior rear view mirror with auto-dimming functions.

Safety, Braking and Miscellaneous

With a very long list of advanced safety features the car excels in this part and offers a extremely safe driving experience. The list of these safety features include EDL (Electronic differential lock), EBD (Electronic brake-force assist), ESP (Electronic stabilization programme), ABS (Antilock braking system), BA (Brake assist), hill holder and descent assist, Roll-over sensors and curtain airbags for rear and front passengers. The SUV also has distinctive features like Regenerative Braking system and Servotronic speed-dependent steering system. The off-roader is supported on a suspension system consisting of Independent suspension on double wishbone for both front and rear axles.

Verdict

Volkswagen Touareg is elegant as it is all muscle. There is not really much to dislike in this drive, it drives seamlessly, provides excellent performance numbers and sports a rather amazing 8-speed gearbox. The only drawback is the lack of third row seats, which lessens it target audience.