Description:
2004 Volkswagen Touareg
Worth the Wait
Writer's Notes
Test Vehicle:
2004 Volkswagen Touareg
MSRP:$34,900 (V6); $40,700 (V8)
Showroom Appeal:
Dual duty hybrid that actually works well both on and off-road
Plus:
Satisfying driver, high utility design, nice interior
Minus:
V6 not overpowering on road, no third row seat option
The Competition:
Acura MDX, BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, Lexus RX330, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Volvo XC90
Touareg's off-road performance is even more impressive considering how good it is on road.
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Stuck in the sand. There we were, in Moab, Utah - prime, off-road country - to drive VW's new SUV, and now we were axle deep in the sand and going nowhere. It was embarrassing - for the pilot, not us. Landing in Moab, the charter plane missed the apex on the exit road curve and buried the DC-9's wheels into the sand.
It was the last time that day that we got stuck.
Pretty high praise, when you consider that we spent the next six hours banging over rocks and slogging through sand on Moab's best (worst?) off-road trails. Touareg (tour-regg) marks VW's first entry into the SUV market, and recently, we had a chance to air it out on, and seriously off road.
"The Touareg, as well as our new luxury sedan Phaeton, will move us upscale. And while the brand is in transition, keep in mind that our DNA remains the same. We remain the value leader when you consider the quality of a German-engineered car."
Five years in development, Touareg shared a separate-but-related development process with Porsche's Cayenne. Differences between the two have mainly to do with engines and suspension set-up. The chassis for both is substantially the same and, well - substantial. The platform is fully off-road capable, and employs a full-time, four wheel drive system that goes by the handle of 4XMotion. The electronically controlled 4XMotion swaps torque from axle to axle as dictated by conditions. Two versions are offered: standard, with locking center differential and open rear, or optional, with lockers front and back. Equipped with the latter, it's possible to channel up to 100% of available power to any wheel that has a grip. Under normal conditions, power is split 50/50, front/back by the automatic transmission and the center differential.
Touareg's stock, steel suspension is no slouch off-road, but upgrading to the self-leveling air suspension improves capabilities appreciably. The numbers tell the tale. Angles of approach/break over/departure are 33/27/33 degrees respectively in air equipped Touareg's (vs. 28/22/28 steel). Ground clearance tops out at 8.3" in steel sprung VW's, while air versions can range from 6.3" to 11.8", depending on conditions.
Two other features add considerable convenience when driving off the beaten path. The hill incline assist system will hold the vehicle in place, sans brakes, any time you stop on grade. Hill decline assist will maintain a slow, even speed during steep descents, without need for driver pedal input. The results: no roll-back going up, and less footwork going down.
In practice, off-road, all of the above make for a vehicle that is highly capable and asks little from the driver in return. A Touareg equipped with air suspension will ford water to a depth of almost 23", climb/descend a 45 degree pitch, or negotiate a lateral incline of 35 degrees - deep, and steep. All accomplished on stock, street tires.
Touareg's off-road performance is even more impressive considering how good it is on road. The standard, four wheel independent suspension lends a car-like ride and feel. The optional air suspension system lowers the car at speeds above 80 mph (and again, at 112 mph) to promote greater stability. Continuous Damping Control monitors road conditions and adjusts individual shock dampers accordingly. On road handling is certainly not sports car level, but decidedly closer to sport sedan than sport ute.
Two engines are offered initially, with a monster motor waiting in the wings. All are linked to a six speed automatic transmission (a manual is contemplated for future release). Under hood offerings start with a 3.2 liter V6, rated at 220 hp (@5,400 rpm) and 225 lb. ft. of torque (@3,200 rpm). The six will go from 0-60 in about 9.4 seconds, and has a governed top end of 122 mph. Gas mileage ratings are 15 city and 20 highway. Or, you can opt for a 4.2 liter V8, making 310 hp (@ 6,200 rpm) and 302 lb. ft. of torque (@ 3,000 rpm). Performance-wise, the V8 gets from 0-60 in 7.6 seconds, and tops out at 130 mph. Both engines have been adapted for off-road use, with deeper oil pans and oil pumps designed to keep sufficient lubricant flowing, regardless of the angel of the vehicle. Off-road and around town the engines feel much the same. It's only on the open road at speed where the differences appear. The six labors some on long hills, and lingers longer in the left lane during a pass than you'd like, before tucking in. Curb weight enters into the discussion: a V6 Touareg weighs 5,092 lb., resulting in a weight/power ratio of 23.14 (compared to the V8's 16.9). Towing capacity for either motor is a very respectable 7,700 lb. Coming in 2004 is the V10 TDI. The 5.0 liter, ten cylinder turbo diesel will offer 308 hp and a stump-pulling 553 lb. ft. of torque.
Inside, it's a handsome cabin, nicely fitted. There is comfortable room for 4-5 and fine cargo capacity (31-71 cubic feet, depending on seating configuration). Especially when spec'd with the optional Navigation system, the center dash/center console area is a lot to take in, populated by many controls. The nav system's screen is large and legible. It is unique in that it offers both traditional maps as well as some off-road functions. No third row seat is available. VW says that designing Touareg for a row three would have meant extending the car's overhang, which would in turn would have reduced some of its off-road capability. Visibility is good in all directions save straight back, where rear seat headrests and a smallish window conspire to limit the view. And speaking of views, all of the above is wrapped in beefy, wagon styling that is understated and happily lacking in plastic cladding.
Off-road, Touareg answers questions that its owners will never ask. On road, it's accomplished and flexible. Overall, VW's new SUV may well be the best, all around, dual purpose vehicle for the money, period.
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---Story and photos by Dan Lyons
photos © Dan Lyons 2003 |
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