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2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI
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2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. Leather, burled walnut and brushed aluminum trim add some flavor to a generally conservative palette.
2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. Full size spare option is coming soon for all Touaregs. Price is expected to be around $1,200. It offers a clean look for the rear end but like all outboard carriers, cuts down on your straight back visibility.
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2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. Touareg does double duty as well as any SUV or hybrid we've driven.
2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. Touareg's late season addition packs a wallop. V10 TDI makes 310 hp, 553 lb. ft. of torque.
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2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. Off-road, the Touareg will tackle trails that would give misgivings to a mountain goat.
2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI. The TDI adds unlimited torque into the equation, which essentially leaves you with a hardy off-roader with tons of tractive force.
Touareg made a lot of noise when it arrived on the scene in 2003. Introduced last year as an early 2004 model, Volkswagen's SUV/Station Wagon hybrid spent a lot of time since its debut taking bows and picking up awards. Two engines were offered at roll-out, with the promise of a third, monster mill, waiting in the wings. It's here, at mid-model year, with the introduction of the Touareg V10 TDI.
Outside
Little distinguishes the heavy metal Touareg from its line mates. Touareg looks like what it is: a cleanly styled, four wheel drive wagon. The lines are smooth and simple. Look closer and you see clues to its off road prowess: the nose and tail tucked neatly underneath, the gap between tire top and wheel well. The lift gate has a discrete reference to the powertrain within: a simple V10 TDI callout on the lower right. Back views on some Touaregs (V10 or otherwise) may soon show a new look. Select the full size spare instead of the inflatable and you get an outside tire carrier that swings away for access to the cargo bay. It costs about $1,200 and looks classy, though the rising moon profile in the backlight will chip a little of your rear view off. VW says this option will hit the streets in the next month or so.
Inside
Touareg TDI is unchanged in the cabin. Leather, burled walnut and brushed aluminum trim add some flavor to a generally conservative palette. There's adult sized room front and back, storage for items big and small. Main controls and switchgear are easy to operate. Off-roaders will want to spend a little quality time with the manual for the adjustable suspension and height settings, but for most people, they're set and forget. Most often used in this array are the suspension stiffness settings. They range from comfort to automatic to sport and are simply set with the roll of a thumbwheel. The navigation system works well, once you learn the input drill. No third row seat is offered, leaving lots of storage room in back. Cargo capacity ranges from 31 to 71 cubic feet, depending on how many seats you fold.
Functional
Need to yank your house off its foundation? Your engine is waiting. The twin turbocharged V10 employs VW's new "Pumpe Duse" technology. Designed in collaboration with Bosch, the direct injection diesel uses unit injectors, located in each cylinder, for fuel delivery. The advantage of this approach is high fuel pressure. High pressure makes for a finer spray, which in turn leads to more efficient combustion. Better combustion yields more power, improved fuel economy and less noise. TDI is "biturbo" - a separate turbocharger provides combustion air for each bank of five cylinders. A charge-air intercooler and intercoolers in the exhaust gas recirculation lines boost efficiency. A Bosch designed electronic diesel management system coordinates the action.
The V10 TDI has big stats: 310 hp @ 3,750 rpm, and a stump-pulling 553 lb. ft. of torque @ 2,000 rpm. A new six speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shifter was designed to stand up to the massive muscle and channel it to the tires. A hydrodynamic torque converter with lockup minimizes power transfer loss and intelligent gearing of the six speed maximizes the match between the engine's power and the pavement. Towing capacity is a healthy 7,716 lb. The diesel engine is for sale in 45 states currently - not for sale in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and California.
Impressions
Touareg does double duty as well as any SUV or hybrid we've driven. VW's 4XMOTION platform provides full-time, four wheel drive. Adaptive torque distribution automatically controls the amount of torque transfer between front and rear wheels. Drivers select from 6 possible ride heights and three suspension damping settings.
Off-road, the Touareg will tackle trails that would give misgivings to a mountain goat. Robust approach and departure angles (33 degrees), a maximum ground clearance of 11.8" and fording depth of 22.8" hint at Touareg's impressive rock 'n roll capabilities. On road, Touareg's suspension combines a double wishbone up front with independent four-link out back for a comfortably smooth ride.
The TDI adds unlimited torque into the equation, which essentially leaves you with a hardy off-roader with tons of tractive force. The Uber Diesel takes its place at the top of a three engine platform for Touareg, joining the 220 hp V6 and the 310 hp V8. V6 Touareg gets from 0-60 in 9.4 seconds; V8 models make the trip in 7.6 seconds. Touareg TDI is quick enough to turn a 7.5 second 0-60 time, with a top end of 130 mph. EPA rates its mileage potential at 17 mpg's city and 23 highway. Mild vibration and engine chatter at idle offer telltale reminders that you're in a diesel, but these disappear under way. At speed the V10 actually seems quieter than the V8. The power advantage of the big motor is felt at low and mid range. Above that, it's hard to distinguish from the other VW mills.
If the V10's massive grunt appeals, you best act fast. VW only plans on importing 443 units into the U.S. this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the advantage of the V10?
Power, principally. The diesel means lots of low end power for off-roaders, and plenty of pull for those who tow. The TDI is rated to pull 7,716 lb.
When and where does the V10 TDI go on sale ?
Now - in 45 states. Not - in five states: California, New York, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts. It is not expected that the diesel will be available in these states in the near future.
Why buy the TDI?
Capacity and exclusivity. Few vehicles can match the Touareg TDI's combination of towing and off-road capacity in a package this size. And VW plans to import under 500 units for this year.
2004 Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI Reviewer's Notes
MSRP: $57,800
Destination: $650
As tested:
$58,415
Plus: V10 adds massive power boost to versatile Touareg
Minus: You pay for your power: $57,800 V10 TDI compares with $35,900 for a base, V6 model.
---Story by Dan Lyons
---Photos by Dan Lyons
© 2004, Dan Lyons, All Rights Reserved. |
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