Volkswagen Touareg

As the popularity of SUVs grows, it seems that much of the original rugged off-road personality these models were known for has been bred out of the segment in favor of on-pavement comfort and drivability. Among luxury SUVs, that shift seems even more evident. The Volkswagen Touareg was one of the sport-utilities to cling to those off-road roots, but it's recently made the shift toward the everyday.

It's hard to argue with the results, though. The first-generation Touareg was a capable model known for its high-class interior, off-road ability and respectable towing capacity. But it was also heavy and earned subpar fuel economy. The new Touareg lacks off-road chops but is otherwise a superior vehicle that's more in line with what consumers want from their modern SUV.

Current Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg has been fully redesigned for 2011 with a new focus on on-road driving dynamics and comfort. Compared to the first generation, this latest version displays VW's latest design language, which is most evident in its grille. Under the skin, the Touareg differentiates itself from past models by going without a dual-range transfer case, which greatly enhanced its off-road capabilities. The resulting loss of about 400 pounds benefits the majority of drivers who spend most of their time on pavement rather than dirt.

The Touareg remains unchanged or sees improvements in other categories, though. With a maximum capacity of five passengers, those seated in back benefit from added rear legroom and a reclining seatback. The Touareg's interior also scores points for high-quality materials that lend it a look and feel that we associate with luxury-branded vehicles.

The latest Touareg features a choice of a gasoline V6, a turbodiesel V6 or a gas/electric hybrid. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard on all models. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, while the turbodiesel V6 TDI generates 225 hp and a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid variant features a supercharged, direct-injection 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine paired with an electric motor that combine to produce 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque.

Standard equipment for the base Sport trim includes bi-xenon headlights, a power tailgate, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated power front seats, leatherette upholstery and a navigation system. Stepping up to the Lux trim gets you a panoramic sunroof and leather upholstery. The Executive adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, keyless ignition/entry and a premium sound system. These trim levels are available with either the gasoline or diesel engines. Opting for the Hybrid adds a power-adjustable steering column and additional front seat functions.

In our reviews, we've found that the Volkswagen Touareg is a well-designed crossover SUV that offers commendable driving dynamics. The Touareg's base V6 is a solid pick, but we've found the V6 TDI diesel more to our liking and well worth the sticker premium. On the other hand, the Hybrid model boasts the type of power and performance of a V8 engine, but its less-than-frugal fuel economy may fall short of some expectations. In essence, it consumes about as much as a V6 engine would.

Compared to other SUVs in this class, the Touareg comes up a bit short in terms of cargo capacity. Otherwise, the VW compares favorably to its competition as well as a few higher-priced luxury models.

Features

Safety Features
Safety & Security
4-wheel ABS
Front and rear head airbags
Dual front side-mounted airbags
Child seat anchors
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Emergency braking assist
Front and rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks
Cornering lights
Daytime running lights
Engine immobilizer
Front fog/driving lights
Auto delay off headlamps
Dusk sensing headlamps
Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
2 front headrests
3 rear headrests
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Rear center 3-point belt
Front and rear seatbelt pretensioners
Turn signal mirrors
Stability control
Traction control
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Front multi-adjustable headrests
Rear height adjustable headrests
Post-collision safety system
Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
Emergency braking preparation
Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
Self-leveling headlights
Tire pressure monitoring
Brake drying

Best selling accessories

Amarok Pick-up

Hardtop canopy
Made from lightweight ABS plastic, it uses a clamp system so no drilling is required. Robotically painted to match your vehicle, the canopy is available in six colours. It has a kerbside pull-out window on gas struts and a road side dual sliding window.

Towbar and electrics
Removable mounting frame with ball head for use of trailer systems up to 2,800kg load. Electrics work with the ESP system to ensure vehicle stability.

Hard tonneau cover - ABS plastic
Yours as a three-piece cover to be combined with the rear styling bar or a single-piece cover that cannot be used with the style bar. Available pre-painted in six Amarok colours.

19″ Aragonit alloy wheel
Give your Amarok the ultimate curb appeal with these 19” alloy wheels and their brilliant 'silver' finish. 8J x 18 alloy wheel requires 235/50 R18 tyres
set of 4 excl tyres

iPod adaptor
The iPod adaptor easily connects an iPod or iPhone to the radio or navigation system. The iPod or iPhone is charged and controlled through the radio.

Bluetooth™ touch phone kit
Enjoy safe hands-free calling throughout your journey. Operation is through voice recognition with quick and accurate text-to-speech function. Text messages can be read out in a clear and easy to understand manner allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Can be mounted on the Amarok dashboard or using the multi-connection point.

Aluminium tonneau cover
This lockable tonneau cover made of sturdy aluminium provides protection against the elements and a secure load area. The cover is supported on two gas struts. It cannot be used in combination with the rear styling bar.

Soft tonneau cover with aluminium frame
This waterproof cover comes with aluminium mounting to secure it to the Amarok. It’s quick and easy to use and can be rolled back and held in place with two belts.

Twin pipe rear styling bar
Available in polished stainless steel. They’re mounted on the edge of the cargo area so they don’t restrict the load area and can be used in conjunction with the three-piece hard tonneau cover.

Rear cabin grid
Ideal for transporting lengthy objects like ladders without scratching the roof, the rear cabin grid is made from black powder-coated steel. It fits exactly to the Amarok’s dimensions and mounts into the rear panel.

Front bumper trim
This two-tone front bumper trim further enhances the Amarok’s imposing grill and striking front end.

Load floor liner - Plastic
Fits perfectly to the load floor, protecting the front wall, cargo area, rear hatch and side walls against scratches and other damage. Made from high-quality, durable polyethylene.




Caddy Vans

16″ Sima alloy wheel
6J x 16 alloy wheel requires 205/55 R16 tyres.


Polished stainless steel side rails
These polished stainless steel side rails not only look good, they also protect the sills from damage.

Tailgate bicycle holder
This genuine Volkswagen bicycle holder can carry up to three bicycles and is designed specifically for vehicles with a tailgate.

Bluetooth™ touch phone kit
Enjoy safe hands free calling throughout your journey. (Will require two Quadlock leads).

Media-in unit
Connect external audio sources such as MP3 Players, iPods, and USB-Sticks via the Media-in unit. Cables purchased separately.
Unit (incl VAT)
iPod cable

Carpet mats
Protect your vehicle floor with these carpet mats.
Front & Rear

Flexible bootliner
A flexible protection for your load area which you are able to remove and store as required.

Reversing aid kit
This kit includes four sensors which can be painted to match the body colour of your vehicle. Not suitable for vehicles fitted with fixed flanged towbars.

Load bars
These load bars fix directly onto the roof rails, are stable but still lightweight and easy to fix in place. They can be combined with a variety of attachments offering further capacity/flexibility. Maximum load 100kg. Only for vehicles with factory roof rails. Cannot be used in conjunction with surfboard holder or kayak holder.

Bi-colour wheel
Make your Caravelle stand out from the crowd with these two colour 18'' alloy wheels. 8J x 18 alloy wheels require235/50 R18 tyres.

Bluetooth™ touch phone kit
Enjoy safe hands-free calling with voice recognition and accurate text-to-speech functions. Will require either Quadlock or ISO leads depending on the model year of your vehicle.

Media-in unit
Connect external audio sources such as MP3 Players, iPods, and USB-Sticks via the Media-in unit. Cables purchased separately to meet your needs.
Unit (incl VAT)
iPod cable

Tailgate bike rack
For transporting up to four bicycles with a 60kg load limit. Cannot be used in conjunction with rear roof spoilers.

Polished stainless steel side rails
These polished stainless steel side rails not only look good, they also protect the sills from damage.

Full leather seat pack
Add a touch of luxury, durability and practicality with single colour, smooth and high quality leather, as well as matching stitching and your choice of pillow or flat cushioning.

Reversing aid kit
This kit includes four sensors which can be painted to match the body colour of your vehicle. Not suitable for vehicles fitted with fixed flanged towbars.

Carpet mats
Protect your vehicle floor with these carpet mats.

Load separator
To prevent forward movement of luggage. Image also shows dividing grille - available to purchase separately.

Volkswagen Touareg Review - What the Auto Press Says
The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg ranks 4 out of 17 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 15 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Touareg, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Redesigned for 2011, the Volkswagen Touareg boasts a sharp new exterior, a luxurious and more spacious cabin, and an all-new hybrid model.

Though reviewers are divided about their opinions of the base model of the redesigned Volkswagen Touargh, they love the new hybrid model and the carryover diesel powertrain. The all-new Touareg Hybrid is estimated to achieve 21 miles per gallon in the city and 25 on the highway, which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. On top of that, test drivers say its transition from gas to electric power is incredibly smooth. They even say it’s fun to drive.

"Early first-drive results reveal that the reworked 2011 Volkswagen Touareg has not only taken its place alongside contemporary rivals like Acura's MDX and BMW's X5, it also appears to have what it takes to compete against cutting-edge hybrid rivals like the Lexus RX 450h and Mercedes ML450 Hybrid," says Edmunds.

Plus, reviewers love the clean-diesel model of the 2011 Touareg as well. They say it's well worth the extra money, and adds some much-needed horsepower that the base model lacks.

Though it’s significantly improved, the 2011 Touareg is expected to cost about the same as the previous model. With a base price around $41,000, the Touareg is one of the more affordable SUVs in its class. Even the more expensive TDI diesel model, which is expected to start at around $45,000, is relatively affordable for a luxury midsize SUV. But the new hybrid model isn’t as good of a value. It’s expected to start at $51,000, which is high for the class. However, it still costs less than the Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid, which starts at $55,000.

Though the base model is the cheapest, reviewers largely recommend its hybrid and diesel counterparts instead. The base Touareg’s 16/23 mpg city/highway rating is in the middle of the class. But while the base Volkswagen Touareg has some flaws, don’t entirely discount it. It’s nearly identical to its platform-mate, the Porsche Cayenne, which starts at about $4,000 more -- and can skyrocket depending on trim.

Other Luxury SUVs to Consider
You can save money and fuel by choosing the Lexus RX 350. It starts at about $4,000 less than the Touareg and has a much better 18/25 mpg fuel economy rating. If you’re considering the Touareg Hybrid, it’s also worth it to look at the RX 450h hybrid. Its 32/28 fuel economy rating is the best in its class, and the RX starts at about $8,000 less than the Touareg Hybrid.

Details: VW Touareg
As part of its redesign, the Touareg has lost its permanent four-wheel drive system. While the previous model was a competent off-roader, the new Touareg gets an all-wheel drive system that makes it more of a soft-roader, but is still plenty competent in slippery conditions. All models also come with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg comes in three trims: the base VR6 FSI, the diesel-powered TDI, and the all-new Hybrid. If you prefer the old Touareg, don’t despair. There are still plenty of 2010 Touaregs on dealer lots, and you could snag a great deal on one simply because a 2011 model is sitting right next to it.

"There's a lot of variety here with the three powertrain configurations, and the hybrid is one heck of a satisfying drive. This is a crowded segment, and VW stays competitive with the 2011 Touareg." --AutoWeek
“With the 2011 Touareg, though, Vee-Dub has not only acquiesced to hybrid demands but has also built one of the best gas/electric vehicles on the market" --Car and Driver
“We'll have to wait until the fall for final specifications on fuel efficiency and cost, but expect the Hybrid to cost about $51,000, whereas the venerable VR6 powered model will be priced around $41,000. The V-6 TDI, with its Hybrid like fuel economy, will start at around $45,000. As good as the Hybrid is, isn't the TDI the best bang for the buck?" -- Road and Track
“We spent a few hours in one to see what a Touareg reset looks like. Our first impressions: So good, this is what the first Touareg should have been like." --Autoblog
Touareg Performance - 8.2 (Very Good)
While the previous Touareg was light on power, VW has lightened the 2011 model by dropping the permanent four-wheel drive system. Now, thanks to that and an eight-speed automatic transmission, all Touareg models have strong acceleration. They are most impressed by the new hybrid model, which has a seamless transition from gas to electric power. Read More

Touareg Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Reviewers love the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg’s updated styling. It has a more masculine front end and is lower and wider than the 2010 model. Read More

Touareg Interior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The redesigned 2011 Volkswagen Touareg has a more spacious and comfortable cabin. Reviewers love its refined style, even going so far as to say it rivals Audi for quality. Read More

Touareg Safety - NA
The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg has not yet undergone federal government crash testing, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it a "Top Safety Pick." Read More

Touareg Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The 2011 Touareg is expected to come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty.