Volkswagen has not always been known for intelligent product design look at the Passat W8, or better, the Phaeton, but the new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg TDI looks like a triumphant symphony in three strategic SUV: regular gas engine, hybrid and diesel.
The hybrid is the new star of the lineup for several reasons: serious go-power, eye-effect technology and the ability to turn off its gas engine at speeds up to 99 kilometers per hour, making it attractive to those who regard the electric and hybrid as a solution. But if you do not mind an extra flash to 60 km / h, 6.9 seconds for the hybrid and 5.9 you do not mind saving a nice piece of dough in the process, then the diesel is the alt-fuel Touareg for you. It has an impressive fuel consumption of 2.5-ton SUV standards and tidal torque. Plus, you’ll never spend a nickel on spark plugs.
The new Touareg is not as large as its predecessor, a little more, a little broader in the beam, and a little more aggressive in their attitude, with a 1.5-inch increase in track. All this adds up to more sporty look, and make the adjustments to the measured suspension, the responses by the appearance. Fun-to-drive is not the first characteristic that comes with vehicles in this class in mind, but the Touareg chassis is narrow and limited movements make the body better than most. In particular, the control and tactile feel extremely precise, with examples of on-center. Coaster brake feel is very good, though stopping distance is 70 miles per hour so-so at 177 meters.
The fundamental problem here, of course, 3.0-liter turbo diesel VW. It is this year joined a new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, and the combination produces a very smooth operator indeed. Up-and downshifting, but underlying all, kick downs are just a toe tap and manumatic operation is more responsive than most.
Although a little more noise at idle than the gas engine Touareg, especially if the driver moves the fire on a cold morning, VW new compression-ignition V-6 exceptionally quiet different. And of course, diesel fuel economy-19 mpg city, 28 highway, according to EPA, 21 during our travels. The Highway No. 4 mpg better than the satisfaction with the new hybrid programs.
As is the case with VW and other car manufacturers, you pay a premium for diesel fuel economy and durability. The prices for the base Touareg TDI starts at $ 48,770, $ 3,500 more than the basic Touareg V-6, and $ 3,620 more than the basic TDI model in 2010. The mid-grade Lux version starts at $ 52,620, and tested the top-of-the-line executive model here is a great $ 58,320. In addition, diesel is more expensive than gasoline right now, but you’ll also go further on a gallon of gas when the engine get the same amount of gasoline Tuareg.
Nevertheless, if the first is not across the intersection a priority (as it is, looking in the wrong class of vehicles), this drive, combined with cosmetic upgrades and a hip and an enlarged interior, the new Touareg TDI is a very smooth operator and an attractive offer.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED: $58,320 (base price: $48,770)
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve turbocharged and intercooled diesel V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 181 cu in, 2967 cc
Power (SAE net): 225 bhp @ 4000 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 406 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 113.9 in Length: 188.8 in
Width: 76.4 in Height: 68.2 in
Curb weight: 5186 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.9 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 27.2 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 7.7 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.9 sec @ 85 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 125 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 177 ft
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 19/28 mpg
C/D observed: 21 mpg
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