Volkswagen, the German automaker known for producing exceptional cars, now enters the midsize SUV segment with its all-new
2004 Volkswagen Touareg.
The Touareg, pronounced "Tour-regg," is available in two intial versions: one model equipped with a 3.2-liter 220 horsepower V6 engine and another with a 4.2-liter, 310 horsepower V8. In case you're wondering about the name, Touareg literally means "free folk" and is the name of a nomadic tribe from the Sahara. A proud people of the desert, the Touareg embody the ideal of man's ability to triumph over the obstacles of a harsh land. And while Touareg was designed to deliver excellent on-road manners, it was also made to be more than capable in extreme off-road conditions, hence the name. Debuting as the most affordable and best-equipped German SUV sold in North America, Touareg pricing starts at $34,900 for the V6 model and $40,700 for the V8 model. Notable standards on the Touareg V6 are: 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, manually adjustable heated leatherette seats, telescoping steering wheel, genuine wood and aluminum accents, and a 10-speaker sound system with CD player. The V8 model adds 18-inch wheels and power leather seats (optional on the V6), while opening up options like 19-inch wheels, four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, seat memory and premium napa leather. Options on all Touaregs include bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors, a CD-based navigation system, OnStar telematics and upgraded sound systems with either 300 or 400 watts. We like Touareg's exterior styling, an elegant crossover with sport and sophistication blended and refined to perfection. The upgraded 19-inch wheels ($1,200) on our V8 tester helped make an impressive statement on all levels. Once inside Touareg, I was pleasantly surprised with how luxurious the cockpit felt. Our tester included soft napa leather seats and elegant wood trim. Touareg seats five, but the back seat is a bit confining, especially if the front seats are in the rear-most position. There are so many features and controls, that it took my co-tester and I some time to familiarize ourselves with the operation. Thankfully, the owner's manual did a good job of explaining how to operate items such as the air suspension and variable damping system. On the road, Touareg is very pleasing. The ride is quiet and enjoyable. With the variable damping suspension in the comfort setting, Touareg does a good job at softening bumps, but it leans a bit while cornering. When we flipped the switch to the sport position, things firmed up quickly. There's also an auto position that automatically adjusts as you drive. Our V8 tester was very strong and it proved more than capable in every situation. The only down side was fuel efficiency, especially if you've got a heavy foot. By the way, Volkswagen is promising a V10 turbo-diesel for next year that will add more power and consume less fuel. All Touaregs feature a 6-speed automatic transmission and full-time all-wheel drive. If Chicago winters have you worried, Touareg will easily take the fear out of driving. Although I didn't get the opportunity to drive our Touareg off the pavement, and neither will a majority of Toureg owners, we'll have to take VW's word that it's quite able. With the adjustable suspension, along with hill climbing assist and hill descent assist, Touareg will undoubtedly make any driver an off-road expert. Touareg is loaded with safety and convenience items. However, the pricetag quickly climbs when adding options. Our Touareg V8 tester came well-equipped. The Premium Plus Package ($7,300) includes AM/FM/CD stereo with 11 speakers and 400 watt amplifier along with CD-based navigation system utilizing voice and touch-screen activated controls integrated through center-mounted monitor and multi-function onboard computer, self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps w/high pressure washers, active/self-leveling adjustable air suspension with six adjustable ride heights, Continuous Damping Control with three settings, and much more, including a great looking silver roof rack.
2004 Volkswagen Touareg V8
Engine: 4.2-liter (310 hp) V8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive Type: AWD
Fuel Economy: 14 city/18 highway
Base Price: $40,700
As Tested: $50,965 (including $615 for destination)
Website: www.vw.com