Volkswagen Touareg 2 SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Volswagen Touareg 2 only stayed the Volkswagen Touareg 2 for about a year. When the 2010 model year rolled around VW decided to drop the number assignment because it didn't make much sense. The original Touareg was only mildly redesigned and the basic features, elements, and quality were all still the same. As a sport utility vehicle, the VW version is stout, rugged, and refined.
The point of the Volkswagen Touareg 2 is very clear just by looking at it. There is an overtly intentional design to enable the VW to fit right in without question on the roadways and then turn around and play hard in the mud and the sand. This is certainly not an easy design to develop but it was done well by the designers at VW. The platform was inspired by and co-developed with the designers from Porsche, making it a solidly built vehicle with the ability to handle the off road functions but also creates a smooth, connected ride with the roadway. The handling on the road surface is what you would expect from a VW. The handling off road is also what you would expect from a VW.
The Volkswagen Touareg 2 was only designed for a single year before the number assignment was discarded. Each one came with standard 4 wheel drive and the 6 speed automatic transmission. Engine choices varied, starting with a 3.6 liter 280 horsepower V6 that delivered 265 pounds of torque. At the other end of the scale drivers wanted the 4.2 liter 350 horsepower V8 with 324 pounds of torque. The turbodiesel was available except in California where the emissions violated state law. The 5.0 liter V10 offered 310 horsepower and 553 pounds of torque.
The Volkswagen Touareg 2 received pretty poor fuel efficiency ratings considering that it was a VW. For the class, it ranked among the bottom. To change things a bit the turbodiesel was revamped for the 2009 season and the V6 gave its all at 221 horsepower and a lower but highly respectable 407 pounds of torque. This helped to improve the fuel efficiency.
When it came to standard features the Volkswagen Touareg 2 had a relatively long list that got drivers excited. Rear parking sensors, automatic sunroof, heated front seats with power adjustments, satellite radio, dual zone automatic climate control, automatic wipers, and a power liftgate just start the list. The Volkswagen Touareg 2 has been given real wood for its trim, adjustable air suspension, and touchscreen navigational system in the options packages. The lane change assist and the xenon headlights are naturally impressive features, and the driver memory function makes it easier to ensure that your settings are the primary settings and that the seat adjustments return to the primary settings even after someone else borrows the keys.
For the manufacturer quality was taken seriously. With a great road feel, driving dynamics that have been tuned to sport suspension, and hefty structure the Volkswagen Touareg 2 could have been one of the best on the roadway until you reach the underdeveloped cargo space and backseat arrangement. From there, you have to decide whether the performance is the greatest factor or if you would rather fit a few more friends and their belongings into the road trip.
The point of the Volkswagen Touareg 2 is very clear just by looking at it. There is an overtly intentional design to enable the VW to fit right in without question on the roadways and then turn around and play hard in the mud and the sand. This is certainly not an easy design to develop but it was done well by the designers at VW. The platform was inspired by and co-developed with the designers from Porsche, making it a solidly built vehicle with the ability to handle the off road functions but also creates a smooth, connected ride with the roadway. The handling on the road surface is what you would expect from a VW. The handling off road is also what you would expect from a VW.
The Volkswagen Touareg 2 was only designed for a single year before the number assignment was discarded. Each one came with standard 4 wheel drive and the 6 speed automatic transmission. Engine choices varied, starting with a 3.6 liter 280 horsepower V6 that delivered 265 pounds of torque. At the other end of the scale drivers wanted the 4.2 liter 350 horsepower V8 with 324 pounds of torque. The turbodiesel was available except in California where the emissions violated state law. The 5.0 liter V10 offered 310 horsepower and 553 pounds of torque.
The Volkswagen Touareg 2 received pretty poor fuel efficiency ratings considering that it was a VW. For the class, it ranked among the bottom. To change things a bit the turbodiesel was revamped for the 2009 season and the V6 gave its all at 221 horsepower and a lower but highly respectable 407 pounds of torque. This helped to improve the fuel efficiency.
When it came to standard features the Volkswagen Touareg 2 had a relatively long list that got drivers excited. Rear parking sensors, automatic sunroof, heated front seats with power adjustments, satellite radio, dual zone automatic climate control, automatic wipers, and a power liftgate just start the list. The Volkswagen Touareg 2 has been given real wood for its trim, adjustable air suspension, and touchscreen navigational system in the options packages. The lane change assist and the xenon headlights are naturally impressive features, and the driver memory function makes it easier to ensure that your settings are the primary settings and that the seat adjustments return to the primary settings even after someone else borrows the keys.
For the manufacturer quality was taken seriously. With a great road feel, driving dynamics that have been tuned to sport suspension, and hefty structure the Volkswagen Touareg 2 could have been one of the best on the roadway until you reach the underdeveloped cargo space and backseat arrangement. From there, you have to decide whether the performance is the greatest factor or if you would rather fit a few more friends and their belongings into the road trip.
