Within this segment, we have seriously impressive contenders such as the Audi Q7, BMW’s X5, Volvo’s XC90, the Porsche Cayenne and of course, the often unfairly overlooked Volkswagen Touareg. The latest Touareg arrived at the Autodealer office for testing recently, and I grabbed the keys to see what this MLB Evo platform-based Volkswagen Group SUV has to offer.
Styling and interior
In a bizarre turn of events, I actually received the lowest spec Touareg available locally in the form of the Luxury, the flagship being the Executive, and without the optional R-Line exterior package.Despite being what some may deem the less desirable specification, I still feel the Touareg looks fantastic.
Up front, there’s a massive chrome front grille which blends into the headlamps and is reminiscent of the recently launched Arteon, while in side profile, the car’s length is really emphasised with sharp shoulder line creases and accentuated wheel arches, although the 19-inch wheels on the test unit did look a touch small for the car after viewing the 20 and 21-inch items available.
At the rear, there are LED taillamps and one silver-tipped exhaust exit on either side of the rear bumper, which rounds off what I’d surmise as a sophisticated and understated exterior design.
Interior bliss
The inside of the Touareg is really a fantastic place to be, with soft-touch materials, leather, a lovely broad glasshouse and general impression that you’re in the very best that Volkswagen has to offer at the moment. I also took the liberty of visiting my local dealership to view the more highly specified Touareg.
In this ‘base’ model, you can expect a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with satellite navigation, Bluetooth and USB as well as a smaller digital instrument cluster with analogue rev counter and speedometer on either side. The R74 900 optional Innovision Cockpit (pictured) adds the sublime 15-inch infotainment screen and a fully digital 12-inch instrument cluster which really takes the Touareg’s interior to the next level.
Aside from the tech fest inside, the latest Touareg is noticeably larger than the car it replaces, with ample front and rear passenger space as well as a massive 810-litre boot. This makes Volkswagen’s flagship SUV the ideal premium family vehicle and certainly worthy of consideration or all buyers shopping within this segment.
Driving Touareg
The local Touareg line-up makes do with a solitary powertrain in the form of the 190kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. This combination makes for effortless progress, although there is a noticeable amount of hesitation low-down.
Once on the go, the engine whispers along; it’s almost spooky when the quiet engine mixes with the excellent levels of refinement and comfort. Adding to the general luxuriousness is the standard air suspension system and in the case of my tester, relatively high profile tyres which really provide the sort of big luxury car feel one expects at this price point.
Verdict
The latest Touareg is certainly a worthy contender within the large premium SUV segment. Opt for the higher specification R-Line variantsm and you’ll have all of the aesthetic appeal, luxury, the latest technology and an overall vehicle package that is very difficult to beat within the market.
Price: Touareg V6 TDI Luxury - R1 024 800
