Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2005 Volkswagen Touareg SUV. Classy is the first words to come to mind when looking at this SUV. And although I like SUV’s like most of my readers I resist recommending them because of the impending fuel fiasco.
15-20 real miles per gallon is unacceptable, so sending the message to the carmakers means consumers will have to buy Hybrids to push the demand up. That’s the only way we can speed up the development of alternatives to using fossil fuels. As long as we accept the cost of gas carmakers will never put money into research in the way they would if sales of “Gas Hogs” sag in a serious way.
Ok, enough stumping on this issue. Let’s assume you don’t give a damn about the extra $1,200 per year (average of 15,000 miles per year at $2.65 per gal.), then this is one of the finest SUVs on the market for 2005. Incidentally, Motor Trend awarded it Sports Utility of the year if you give any weight to awards like that. Me, I believe magazines like that grant such awards based as much on the advertising budget from that car or truck company. Cynical? I suppose, but it’s true no matter what they tell you about the separation of the Editorial and Advertising departments. (Note: I owned two newspapers for a time – but of course we would never be influenced by how much Coors Brewing, for example, spent at our paper).
General Info:
Parts – US/ Canadian 1%, Germany 80%.
Assembly – Bratislava, Slovakia
Class: – SUV
Cars: – Golf, GTI, Jetta, Beetle, Passat, Phaeton, R-32 and Touareg.
Handling & Performance:
Braking should be fantastic with all the various assist programs but I must say I didn’t feel any difference. But it sounds good, eh? Seriously though, the ESP and brake assist programs make safe handling as good as cars can be today.
Styling:
Cream of the crop. It’s a VW but it is as strong a luxury competitor as any on the market.
Fit and Finish:
It’s the tops.
Cost:
Strongly competitive with all the standard features that are mechanically significant. Very nice and they’ve done it at a decent price.
Conveniences:
It sounds simple but I came to appreciate a subtle feature provided with the turn indicator. You can tap and release it and the signal is actuated for three flashes which is just enough for those gentle movements in lane changes or exiting the freeway.
Consumer Recommendation:
If available in your country, you may want to consider the V6 TDI version for better fuel and operating economy.
The Competition:
VW Touareg $37-58,000, Hummer H2 $52,000, Cadillac Escalade $54-70,000, Lincoln Aviator $41-44,000, GMC Yukon Denali $50-52,000, Audi Allroad quattro $40-47,000, Land Rover LR3 $38-49,000, Volvo XC90 $35-45,000, Acura MDX $37-44,000, BMW X5 $42-70,000, Infiniti FX $35-46,000, Porsche Cayenne $41-89,000, Lexus GX 470 $46,225, Mercedes M-Class $40-49,000.
Good News:
Well-appointed and well put together, nice turning signal feature for 3 flashes with a tap, several safety conscious features.
Bad News:
Lousy fuel economy, spendy but priced well in the company it keeps.
Standard Equipment:
3.2 liter 240 hp V6 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, permanent 4-wheel drive, ESP Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Anti lock braking system, Engine Braking Assist (EBA), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Anti Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), inflatable spare tire with compressor, Dual front and side airbags with side curtain airbags, child rear anchors and door locks, climate control, power heated mirrors, rain sensors and heated washer nozzles, in-dash CD player, cruise control, 5 12-volt power outlets, adjustable roof rack, Aluminum and wood interior, adjustable steering column, leather wrapped steering wheel, remote keyless entry, auto headlights with daytime running lights, vehicle alarm and theft deterrent system, homelink, heated front seats, power glass sunroof, 17” alloy wheels, and 24 hour roadside assistance.
Gas Stats:
16 City and 21 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $37,140.
