Times change and we are well past the time that we consider Volkswagen as the Beetle maker. The New Beetle is alive, but Volkswagen does many other things. There’s the sporty Eos hard-top convertible, the GTI hatchback, the workmanlike Rabbit that was the Golf and was the Rabbit before that, the European-designed Jetta, and the Passat wagon. There’s also the Touareg, the mid-level luxury SUV that combines off-road worthiness with lavishness and power.
The initial impression is that Volkswagen has gone more lush, larger, more expensive and less green-friendly than one would imagine VW would endeavor to be. But remember that Volkswagen owns Audi, Bentley and Lamborghini and it knows how to produce luxury cars. As for larger, the Touareg is a hefty 5210-lb. wagon on a 187-inch-long platform that is 76 inches wide and 68 inches high on a 112-inch wheelbase. That DOES diminish the thought that all Volksies are small.
An upgrade in power propels this year’s Touareg with decisiveness. My test vehicle came equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that thumps out 276hp and 265 lbs.-ft of torque -- last year’s model came with a 3.2-liter plant that put out only 240 horses. The improvement in performance is readily apparent. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the set-up is EPA rated at only 16mpg in the city and 20mpg in highway driving. My weeklong test garnered about 16.4 mpg, and admittedly, that was disappointing to me for a VW product.
It WAS thirsty, but it impressed me with solid acceleration in all ranges, and while inclement weather kept me from track-testing it over the quarter-mile, I was able to move from zero to 60mph in about 8.3 seconds, which is pretty nimble for a 2.6-ton SUV.
Other than the V-6 engine power change, and available V-8 and V-10 powerplants, the 2007 Touareg is essentially the same SUV that consumers saw in 2006. Those who believe the Touareg to be simply a family van with attitude and class, are wrong. The Touareg is a legitimate SUV and can go off road with style.
I utilized the poor weather around me to take the Touareg off road and found it had more than enough strength and steadiness to successfully and easily take on mud, water, hills and valleys. Performance and handling off road was good for its class, while the center of gravity is a minor concern. A high balance point causes the vehicle to wobble slightly during tight turns and slaloming. But the electronic stabilization program, double-wishbone front and four-link rear independent steel spring suspension make for a confident ride on and off road.
Other performance-related factory amenities include center differential lock, 255/60R17H all-season tires, anti-lock braking with engine brake assist, hydraulic brake assist, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock and an inflatable spare with air compressor.
Safety features include driver and front passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system, driver and front passenger side air bags, side curtain protection head airbags in front and rear, LATCH seats for children, child safety rear door locks and intelligent crash response system.
Comfort and convenience items include dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, power, heatable exterior mirrors, intermittent wipers with rain sensor, heated windshield washer nozzles, self-dimming interior rearview mirrors, interior ambient lighting, privacy glass (rear side and tailgate windows), in-dash single CD player, cruise control, four 12-volt power outlets, one 115-volt power outlet in the cargo area, wood interior accents, 8-way manually adjustable front seats (upgraded in an option), height-adjustable telescoping steering wheel, leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, multifunction trip computer and compass.
Upgrades at no cost include vehicle alarm and theft-deterrent system, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and power glass sunroof with tilt, slide and pre-select.
That is a lot of lavishness to go with a quiet, stable ride. And remember, that this vehicle competes with others in a niche that runs from $28,000 to $58,000. But it is difficult to review a Volkswagen without remembering what brought the company its success: price and fuel economy.
So, we come to the bottom line. The Touareg’s base price is $37,990, and the price as tested came to a sticker that doesn’t seem people’s-car friendly, at $45,840.
My Blue silver-exteriored Touareg was matched to Kristal Gray leather inside. Options included a $3350 Navigation-plus system that is a bit complicated and not as accurate as several other systems I have used this year, but still a worthwhile add-on. Upgrades also included a $2980 package that consisted of front comfort seats with cricket leather, 12-way power driver and passenger seats with 3-position memory for driver, leather-covered sliding center armrest and front and rear audible park distance control. Bi-xenon headlights will set you back $850, and there is a $650 destination charge.
While NOT your typical VW price and NOT your perceived fuel economy, the Touareg is quiet, with solid fit and finish. It is a mid-level, luxury SUV that is equally comfortable taking you to the market, driving the kids to school, getting you to the theater in style, or handling off-road chores. Not bad for a company built on Beetles.
Visit http://www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.
Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.
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