I've been an admirer of the Volkswagen Touareg since it first debuted (2004 model year) for its excellent on-road driving dynamics, luxurious amenities, long-list of safety features and true off-road capabilities.
For 2008, Volkswagen has slapped a numeral 2 after the Touareg moniker, implying that the Touareg 2 is a totally new offering.
Don't be confused, the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 is purely a restyled version that offers additional features and new option packages.
Regardless of what the name says, the Touareg, or Touareg 2, has a lot to offer SUV buyers looking for avant-garde styling, excellent driving dynamics, and a luxurious and comfortable cabin.
Regarding styling, I was surprised when a gas station attendant came out to admire my Touareg 2 test model while I was fueling it up. He said he really liked the way it looked.
Volkswagen should be glad to hear that as they completely redesigned the front, sides, and rear of the Touareg 2. The plan was to give it a more aerodynamic appeal and make it instantly recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family.
I figured the gas station attendant either liked the Touareg 2 tester, or he knew it had a hefty thirst for Premium Unleaded fuel and he hoped we'd be back frequently.
Like many newer SUVs, Volkswagen's Touareg 2, which shares its platform with the Porsche Cayenne, is car-based, but with impressive on- and off-road driving characteristics.
While the Touareg 2 is sedan-like on the pavement, it's more than capable as an off-roader. For example, every Touareg 2 features Volkswagen's 4XMotion permanent 4-wheel drive with low-range gear, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), HDA (Hill Descent Assist), and HCA (Hill Climb Assist).
The Touareg 2 will easily plow through Chicagoland's snow-covered roads and make your commute a breeze.
Inside, the new Touareg 2 features a pleasing and comfortable cabin. The high quality materials, nice textures and rich feel are pleasing to the senses.
My family and I especially liked the optional four-zone climate control system and 620-watt Dynaudio sound system.
The only negatives I noticed inside were the somewhat tight rear quarters (high hump in rear floor), no available third-row seat, and navigational system that did not feature touch screen control.
The 2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 is offered with one of three different engine choices and they're also aligned with the three trim levels: VR-6 FSI, V-8 FSI, and V-10 TDI.
The VR-6 FSI features a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower. The V-8 FSI features a 4.2-liter V-8 engine that produces 350 horsepower. The V-10 TDI is powered by a 5.0-liter V-10 twin-turbocharged diesel engine that puts out 310 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque.
Both the V-6 and V-8 require premium unleaded fuel ,and neither is all that good regarding fuel economy. The V-6 is rated 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. The V-8 is rated at 12/17 mpg, and the diesel V-10 is rated at 15/20 mpg.
All 2008 Touareg 2s feature a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission and available four-corner adjustable air suspension with six adjustable ride heights and three damping settings.
The My Touareg 2 V-8 FSI featured the air suspension and it delivered an incredibly agreeable and supportive ride. Twisting the switch to "Load Height" makes it easier for everyone to get in and out.
With the pneumatic suspension, there's also an "Off-Road" setting for extra ground clearance. Although the Touareg 2 is quite heavy (more than 5,000 pounds), the V-8 engine in the tester provided excellent acceleration and the beefy anti-lock brakes brought it back to zero safely and quickly.
It's easy to like the Volkswagen Touareg 2. The starting price for the VR-6 FSI is $39,320; the V-8 FSI starts at $48,320; and the V-10 TDI is priced at $68,320. Options can quickly cause the price to soar even higher. My option-laden Touareg 2 V-8 FSI tester's price tag came to $59,700.
This is a great SUV with all the creature comforts and ride capability that one could want.
2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 V-8 FSI
Engine: 4.2-liter (350 hp) V-8
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive type: 4WD
Fuel economy: 12 city/17 highway
Base price: $48,320
As tested: $59,700 (including $680 for destination)
Web site: www.vw.com