The 2008 VW Touareg 2 V10 TDI may just be the most fun you can have in a Volkswagen.
I will be honest here, when I knew I was getting this car (especially after turning in the keys to the
Audi S5) I did not think I would be in for much. I approached this
2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 with low expectation. We're talking Beverly Hills Chihuahua low expectations here.
Sure, it has a 5.0L 310-hp V10 twin turbo diesel engine, and that seems interesting, but I wasn't sure it would be enough to propel this 5,800-lb+ behemoth along with any sense of urgency. Perhaps I was a bit hasty when reading the specs on this VW Touareg because I should have focused more on the torque...all 553 lb-ft of it.
The VW Touareg is like a never-ending surprise party, where you have a smile on your face the entire time.
The 2008 VW Touareg comes standard with the 4XMOTION permanent 4WD system. Combine that with the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), 4-corner air suspension with electronic shock absorbers, Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), center differential lock, optional rear differential lock, the 6-speed automatic Tiptronic(R) transmission, and the Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)--this car, in addition to being a perfect discussion tool on Sesame Street, thanks to all those abbreviations--is made to get up and go. I have never driven such a heavy vehicle that feels so willing and comfortable to be pushed as hard as I pushed this Touareg, that is until Bentley decides to return my phone calls and provides me with something just as heavy and much faster...
The acceleration and power are certainly epic, but coupled with that is the sound from the engine as both turbos squeal in delight. As you push your toes deeper into the gas pedal, the sound gets louder and better. It is not only fun at speed however, as the vehicle is extremely easy when meandering around town. The 19" alloy wheels, fitted with 275/45/R19 all-season tires, provide the Touareg with a sure foot underneath its large size. This, in addition to the standard ABS, Engine Braking Assist, and Hydraulic Brake Assist, help keep you comfortable and confident as you maneuver around (and over?) the crowd. When you are driving in the city, you can expect gas mileage in the 15-mpg range (20 mpg hwy, if you have a light foot).
Put the air suspension into "SPORT" and the 5,800-lb+ Touareg stays low and nimble-ish.
Once you get tired of flooring the Touareg from light to light (and you may never), you can start to get a feel for the various comfort and convenience options that abound inside this VW. The car I drove came equipped with the Lux Plus package which includes keyless start/stop, Dynaudio, and a very nice 4-zone climate control system, as well as heated rear seats (heated front seats are standard). The car also came equipped with the Technologie package which features a DVD-based navigation with Sound Upgrade, a rear-view back-up camera, a 6-disc trunk mounted CD changer, and an auxiliary audio input jack. The sound system is great and the rear-view camera comes in handy when you use it in coordination with the Park Distance Control system.
I think you can gather that I really enjoyed my time in the VW Touareg. The one point I keep coming back to, as far as a reason not to buy the Touareg is the price. The MSRP for this VW is $68,340.00. The one I am driving, as equipped, is a mind-blowing $79,080.00. That is a few thousand dollars more than the Corvette Z06 I tested a couple of weeks ago! I think the problem I have here is simply based on the badge this vehicle wears. If you called this an Audi Q7 V10 TDI it would be a good deal, and if you called it a Porsche Cayenne V10 TDI, it would be considered a steal. It is just as comfortable...and more than powerful enough...to keep up with that crowd, but most people will be turned off by the big V W in the grille. This is sad because they are missing out on an amazing vehicle.
How amazing? Can your Porsche or Audi tow a 747 Jumbo Jet? Watch this:
See the new 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 at NADAguides.com, the most trusted source for car pricing since 1933.