Volkswagen Santa Monica

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Driving Impressions

Each Volkswagen Touareg model has its own set of distinct driving characteristics defined by engine, suspension and tires, and each feels of-a-piece solidly built and engineered to a point where it feels all the moving parts are light and balanced, with that rigid platform and luxury features responsible for the weight. Regardless of model one must remember this is a three-ton 4WD able to traverse far more than the typical owner's nerves will permit, and it will not change directions nor stop like a sports car half its weight. VW organizes adventures in Moab to show customers exactly what a Touareg will do. We've attended some of those adventures and came away impressed with its capability.

With short gearing in the six-speed automatic transmission, the VR6 engine's 280 horsepower moves the 5,000-pound Touareg better than you'd expect. Torque is rated at 265 pound-feet from 2500 to 5000 rpm, delivering sufficient midrange power for daily tasks and keeping up if not leading the pack. Towing the maximum rated load over 7,000 pounds or driving at high altitudes will use all it can deliver, which it will do without complaint. The narrow-angle V engine (10.6-degree, as opposed to typical V6 of 60 to 90 degrees) looks and feels more like an inline six-cylinder engine, smooth and stress-free to redline.

The six-speed automatic knows this isn't a big engine and where the power lies, and it quickly shifts to the appropriate gear. Sport mode quickens shift response for more enthusiastic driving styles. Under normal circumstances in Auto mode the 4XMotion four-wheel-drive system (which differs from the 4Motion used in all-wheel-drive VW cars) is transparent to the driver; you select alternate modes seeking specific changes in traction in gearing according to terrain, such as engaging low-range for slow-speed rock crawling or very steep hills. Both uphill starts and severe descents can be helped with electronic systems, as only expert four-wheelers could do any better.

Electronic aids include updated antilock brakes that will form a chock in front of the tires on soft surfaces. This means shorter stopping distances on gravel roads, mud, snow, sand. The electronic stability control system is tied into a rollover sensor, side curtain airbags and steering systems, so they can all work as a team.

For 2008, the Touareg VR6 suspension has been slightly softened and carries the comfort label. Since it rolls on 17-inch wheels and tires designed for all surfaces, the comfort spec is logical, and endows the VR6 with the gentlest ride of the three Touareg models. It responds accurately to driver input, though not as quickly as vehicles like the BMW X5 which haven't the off-road prowess, and the quick steering will execute a U-turn in less space than many mid-sized sedans, an important trait in urban areas and tight off-highway trails. This is also the best package if you frequent poor and potholed roads as the tires will absorb most of the impact, or if you do a lot of winter mountain or icy road travel because the 17-inch tires are snow-chain compatible.

A VR6 may be ordered with the 19-inch wheels and low-profile tires, giving crisper response to turn and brake commands and a moderate increase in maximum cornering grip. As with virtually every other wheeled device, you'll pay a price in ride softness with the 19-inch wheels and notice things like lane divider dots; and there will be a bit more noise as the tire noise of the 17-inch aggressive tread is swapped for a stiffer sidewall and a hair more road noise. None of these issues is severe, and a Touareg remains as quiet inside as any other genuine 4WD. Drivers who prefer something softer and have no interest in off-road capability might be better served by a Lexus RX350, a less adventurous vehicle.

The full air suspension is optional on the VR6 and V8 and standard on the V10 diesel. This system replaces the steel coil spring at each corner with an air

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