The second generation VW Touareg was good, the third third generation is a huge leap forward and on the brief drive I had at the launch, my first impressions were overwhelmingly favourable.
Initially available only as a Launch Edition, the Touareg is set to shake up the dwindling yet very competitive Prestige SUV market. Directly competing with the likes of the BMW X5, Jaguar F-Pace, Land Rover Discovery and others, the VW has its work cut out for it.
Exterior
The VW looks much smaller than it is, thanks to such clever design. The bonnet and grill are slim and sleek, greatly enhanced by the new LED lighting.
From the side there is a rising hip line, with a lower scallop in the doors and a sloping rear. The 20 inch wheel tyre combination fills the arches perfectly. Roof rails, a rear spoiler all add to the lengthening of the style.
From the rear it avoids a squared off look with sloping profile and two large integrated exhaust tail pipes.
Launch Edition comes in four colours with the Reef Blue Metallic exclusive to the model and it looks good. That’s the one I would be buying.
Interior
The immediate ambience is luxurious yet practical. Some SUV have overdone the buttons simply to bring aesthetics. The Touareg seems to be very much the philosophy of good design enhances the user experience.
Front Savona leather seats are 18 way electronically adjustable including the side bolsters and are ventilated as well.
The vehicles we drove had the Innovision package which has the 12.3 inch dash. The clarity of the white on black instruments are stunning as is the ability to configure the central MFD.
The 15 inch centre screen has stunning clarity, but was a combination of clever design, intuitive user interface and a little frustrating when you’re trying to press something and the screen is too sensitive because of bumps etc.
Soft touch leather abounds on door trims, dash and centre console. The centre transmission tunnel is well laid out with cup holders and a smaller flat area for wireless charging of phones and a USB port that doesn’t intrude. .
Storage is good with a large centre console bin and glove box and the places for bottles in the door trim. Visibility through the dreaded ‘A’ pillars is better than many, with glass quarter panels and sculptured pillars.
Rear seats are comfortable if a little flat in the seat squab. Rear passengers are well looked after with 4 zone air conditioning, rear vents and individual controls as well as two USB ports and a single 12V plug.
The seats fold flat with a release lever in the rear as well as a push button adjustment for the load height for the boot. There are 4 tie down points and a cargo net that can be positioned in two places behind and in front of the rear seats.
Features
This is where the VW Touareg has it all over similar vehicles. VW has managed to pack the third generation First Edition with standard features that makes the likes of Mercedes Benz GLE look for a corner to hide in.
Pricing and a feature list can be found here.
Let’s have a look at some of the key features.
The front seats are superb. Both are ventilated, have a menu driven massage function and can adjust just about everything on the seat, including the side bolsters. They are up there with the best in class.
VW has managed to exceed the segment with their LED Matrix IQ lighting. They comprise well over 100 individual LED’s and feature 11 different lighting distribution styles. They look awesome as well.
The Innovision optional package is almost a given. Then there is a plethora of little features such as rear window blinds, electronic steering wheel adjustment, air suspension and multi drive mode capability, wireless phone charging, Savona leather seats and more. Little design features like automatic reverse external kerbside mirror, electro chromatic rear mirrors and the slight gap under the lid of the centre console storage so that your cords don’t get squashed add to the pleasure of owning the VW.
Drive and Engine
Touareg is powered by a 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo Diesel engine, similar to that found in the Amarok 580. It produces power of 190kW @ 4,000 rpm and Torque of 600Nm @ 2,250rpm. This is matched to an 8 Speed ZF Auto with permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive transmission.
4MOTION is a permanent all-wheel drive system that aims to provide the best possible traction at all road speeds, in all weather and road conditions.
We had the opportunity to drive the Touareg in suburban traffic, on the freeway, along winding back roads, on slushy gravel and on snowy roads. That was a good introduction. The torque delivery of the diesel engine means that the Touraeg proceeds in an orderly and linear fashion that [provides both engagement and balance.
Touareg has the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, yet owners should be thinking this is a driver assist program rather than an off road advantage. The Touareg will be comfortable on dirt roads, lighter forest trails, probably good on the beach, and is the perfect vehicle for the yearly Ski trip.
Safety
Even though the Touareg doesn’t have an ANCAP safety rating as yet it does have a 5 star NCAP rating.
There are four key areas of safety features
- Driver assist features:
- Traction control features:
- Brake assist systems and
- Airbags
As well as the passive structural integrity. For a more in-depth look at the safety features read the review here
Good Bits:-
- Value proposition
- Overall comfort
- Ride, handling, performance balance
Not so good Bits:-
- No factory tow bar option
- Deflated spare tyre
- No V8 SQ7 style engine option
Summary
In short the VW Touareg is excellent. But you would expect that as it shares a number of components and the same platform as the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga.
Ideal for transporting a family of five in luxury, comfort and style, equally at home dropping the kids at school as it is going on an extended family touring holiday. It is absolutely packed with comfort, luxury and safety features and is outstanding value for money.
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Facts and Figures: 2019 VW Touareg Launch Edition
- Engine: 3.0L V6- Turbo Diesel Euro 5 producing 190kWkW/600Nm
- Transmission: 8 Sp AT with 4MOTION AWD
- Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km
- Safety: ANCAP TBA – 5 Star NCAP
- Origin: Germany
- Price: From $89,990 MLP* Innovision Package $8000
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
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