|
Publication Date: November 2, 2009 The Scoop
If the number of emails I received on the 2009 VW Jetta TDI clean-diesel story I did here about a month ago is any indication, the appetite for diesel vehicles in Canada is strong. I've even done whole shows about this subject on my Sunday, (10am) CKNW radio program. The number of questions I receive about these products easily outstrips the number I get for hybrid vehicles. VW and the other German manufacturers are onto something here as they bring in their popular diesel vehicles sold in Europe to Canada. VW is the only non-premium brand to offer diesel cars and SUV's so they have the market to themselves right now. The Touareg is an interesting vehicle because it is built on the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne and uses the same 3.0L turbo diesel engine that is used in the European Cayenne diesel and Canadian Audi Q7 diesel.
The Skin
VW offers their diesel Touareg in two trim levels, the base "Comfortline" and high end "Highline". The base model costs $48,975 and comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels. The Highline is almost $10,000 more at $57,975 and gets 18-inch wheels but either can be ordered with the $2400.00 sport package featuring sport suspension and 19-inch wheels. The Highline is the model to get for conveniences like power tailgate and park assist, tinted windows and power folding side mirrors. The only way to tell if a Touareg is diesel powered is to look for the subtle TDI badge with the "I" in blue. My test vehicle was a Highline unit with optional navigation (technology package) and added Bluetooth for a total of $63,375.
The Cockpit
When equipped with the Highline the Touareg rivals luxury brands for interior finish and refinement, it is nicer on the inside than the much more expensive Porsche Cayenne cousin. They share a similar layout but the VW execution is richer to look at, with a much better radio interface and pleasing graphics. The front and rear seats are comfortable with plenty of room for five passengers. The Highline comes with heated leather seats and a heated steering wheel. Just like heated seats, once you have had a vehicle with a heated steering wheel you will never go back. The cargo area is nicely finished but the rear seats are tricky to fold down for carrying extra cargo. If you do this on a regular basis, then double check to see if you can put up with the added steps.
The Ride
Just because the Touareg is based on the Cayenne platform doesn't mean that you get a Cayenne. No, these are very different vehicles to drive and when equipped with diesel the contrast is dramatic. First, the suspension is much softer, providing a luxury ride compared to a sporty and dynamic ride in the Cayenne. The Touareg just eats up bumps and rough roads but cornering exhibits some body roll. If you want a very smooth and quiet, luxury feel, then the Touareg doesn't disappoint. The 3.0L turbo diesel V6 is a torque monster, pumping-out 406 lb-ft, which is more than the Mercedes ML-Class diesel (400 lb-ft) and only slightly less than the BMW X5 diesel (425 lb-ft). Torque is what gets you from stoplight to stoplight so if you like a vehicle with very usable power, and lots of it, then this diesel delivers, plus you get superb fuel consumption.
The Good, The Bad
Good: This TDI injects a water-based urea solution into the exhaust gases to produce much cleaner tailpipe emissions than any diesel on the past. This along with much cleaner diesel fuel standards result in no smell or tailpipe soot, making this new breed of diesels a joy to drive; there is no sacrifice driving one of these vehicles.
Bad: Unfortunately there are a limited number of diesels in the market with the VW Jetta and 2010 VW Golf as the only cost effective options. This Touareg is sold by a non-premium brand but the price doesn't reflect the thrifty VW image.
Zack's verdict
To say I loved my time with this new Touareg TDI would be an understatement. I fell for the luxurious interior, classic good looks and gobs of power. The fuel consumption ratings make this a solid choice for any buyer in the market for a heavy German SUV. Which brings me to the downside of the Touareg. When you compare the Highline Touareg TDI to the Mercedes ML-320 diesel, the price matches up almost dollar for dollar. The $58,900 Mercedes with premium package (navigation, heated rear seats and power tailgate) for $4500.00 brings the price within a few hundred dollars of the similarly equipped Touareg. So which would you rather have, a Mercedes or a VW? A BMW X5 diesel is a few thousand more. VW has a wonderful product on their hands but the base model is where the value is. For buyers looking to get the more opulent Touareg, they can also be served by more prestigious brands.
The Lowdown
Power: 3.0L turbo diesel V6 with 225hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Fill-up: 11.9L/8.0L/100km (city/highway)
Backup: 4-year/80,000km
Sticker price: $48,975-$57,975
|
|
|
watch now
listen now
