VW's Touareg 2
Right up front, some of you reading this are going to ask how could some unibody air–suspended Luxury SUV replace my tried-and-true full-frame dually pickup or even that trusty Suburban or Excursion sitting in your driveway? Well, I’m not here to sell you on that concept. No, my only purpose is to get you thinking about a tow vehicle alternative. The idea was spawned when ToyHauler Magazine honcho Pat Brady and I were chatting a few days ago and he mentioned that a Porsche Cayenne passed him on the highway towing a large boat. Since I just finished a test drive in the Cayenne’s first cousin, the Volkswagen Touareg 2 with the V10 diesel, I figured it might be time for a closer look.
A NEW KIND OF NOMAD
The Touareg’s name fits the norm for VW’s vehicles lately--hard to pronounce and even harder to decipher. For the record, the TOOR-eg gets its name from the nomadic Touareg tribe who worked the caravan trade across the Sahara Desert. See, there is a tie-in to sand and desert buggies--even toyhaulers !
For 2008, the Touareg gets a “2” tacked on to its name based on its fresh front end sheet metal and grill redesign that brings its appearance more into the VW fold. There’s a big list of redesigned bits including reshaped side view mirrors, a freshened rear end with reworked LED taillights and a new roof edge spoiler.
One thing that has remained the same is the feeling of a quality and high–end fit and finish. Doors close with a thud and seal like those found on a Sub-Zero brand refrigerator.
The inside sports a new instrument cluster and redesigned seating with 12-way adjustments standard on the driver’s throne. Our Cranberry-colored Touareg came with the optional Lux-Plus Package that brings push button start, stop, four-zone climatronic control, upgraded Dynaaudio and rear heated seats to the party. Oh yes, one of my favorite features, the ultra–bright flashlight that plugs into the console power outlet, is still there.
Sitting on the Anthracite–colored Cricket leather and panning around the interior, I was struck over and over again by the overwhelming sensation of being in a high-end vehicle. It can’t be stressed enough how much this VW product has benefited from the Audi parts bin and the shared Porsche architecture. Who would have thought Volkswagen, “the people’s car company,” would be selling such a high-end vehicle.
BIG TORQUE/SMALL DISPLACEMENT
There are three power train options available on the 2008 Touareg starting with a 3.6 Liter V6, a 4.2 Liter 350 hp V8, and at the top of the food chain 5.0 V10 TDI twin turbo diesel.
Since we like to tow, of course, we opted to test the V10 diesel. With horsepower rated at 310 and torque coming in at 553 ft-lbs, how does the VW compare with diesels like the Duramax, Power Stroke and Cummins found in heavy domestic pickups? Even with its much smaller displacement, a 5.0 liter compared to over 6.0 liter for the domestics, the Vdub holds its own in the horsepower department with about 40 or so less ponies, but gives up about 100 ft-lbs of all important torque.
Still, you have to put it all in perspective. In the case of this V-10 we are talking about a power plant with the same displacement as a typical Mustang or Crown Victoria gas engine. German engineers opted for twin intercooled turbos and a Bosch engine management system to maximize power. And we enjoyed being pushed back in our seats as the turbo boost did its work.
We liked the way the V10 performed around town and on the highways; however, it was noted that the engine still had a fair amount of clatter at idle, something that has all but disappeared from most modern diesels. There was no exhaust smell or black smoke even under heavy throttle conditions. VW says many owners will be able to improve upon the 20 mpg highway rating but our results were more in the 14 mpg range in mixed city and highway driving.
Be warned: For 2008 the Touareg diesel can only be sold in 43 states due to emission regulations. It looks like the folks at VW may be bringing in a 50-state legal 4.2 liter V6 diesel for 2009. Plans are uncertain at this time as to the fate of the V10.
AIR RIDE
Standard on all V10 diesels is the adjustable 4-corner air suspension with continuous damping control. The system allowed quick vehicle height adjustments and had none of the wallow you might think is part of the deal when riding on air. Like all Touaregs, ours was equipped with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and the 4XMOTION all-wheel drive system that had a selectable low climbing gear.
So how does Touareg do when it comes to towing? The answer: Not bad for a unibody vehicle. If you thought opting for the V10 diesel, which adds a mind-blowing $29,000 (that includes the diesel engine, luxury upgrades, air suspension and additional equipment) to the base price of the standard 3.6 L would boost your towing capacity you would be wrong. All Touaregs regardless of engine are rated at a maximum of 7,716 lbs for trailers with brakes. But let’s face it: Towing with the V10 will be a whole lot more pleasurable experience.
So is the Touareg V10 diesel a dually replacement? Well, I think you already know the answer to that one. But if you’re looking for a vehicle that lets you travel in the lap of luxury and still haul its share, then you might want to give it some consideration.
-Frederick J. Staab
