We’re just going to admit it: we like nice things. We especially like nice cars. That’s why we make them. We also like fuel efficiency* and reducing our carbon footprint. And if you combine a nice car with the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint, then we’ll really like it. That thinking, at its core, shaped the production of the 2011 VW Touareg. With TDI® clean diesel, gasoline and hybrid options for drivetrains, and all the luxury trimmings you’ve come to expect from a Volkswagen, it is very nice indeed.
Shaun Bailey of RoadAndTrack.com recently test drove the 2011 Touareg in Florence, Italy and noted how the supercharged V6 engine knew exactly when to disengage, allowing the 47-hp electric motor to take over and run the vehicle purely on electric power, “the result being a driving experience that reminds you you’re in something mechanically unique.”
Shaun doesn’t just praise the technical achievement that is the hybrid Touareg. He also notes “power aplenty is on tap when you need it.” Shaun loved the interior, too. The all-new 2011 Touareg offers, “high quality soft materials, satin chrome surrounds and fine wood inlays.” Luxury married with impressive fuel economy and exciting performance? Sounds like the perfect vehicle for those of us who like nice things. And we sure do like nice things.
Find out just how impressive the new 2011 Volkswagen Touareg really is:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/impressions/2011-volkswagen-touareg
*2011 Touareg 3.0L V6 TSI® hybrid: 25/TBD mpg
2011 Touareg 3.0L V6 TDI® clean diesel 28/19 mpg
2011 Touareg 3.6L V6 FSI® gasoline 23/16 mpg
NOTE: Fuel economy values for the hybrid are based on manufacturer’s preliminary testing and are not the official EPA fuel economy values. Fuel economy values are subject to change pending completion of the emission certification process and testing. Highway estimates are, as of yet, unavailable.
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OWN: 2011 Touareg sport (base model)
Pros: Comfort, fuel economy (30 plus on the highway @ 70 mph), AWD, and the same touareg features
Cons: More urbanized (i.e. domesticated in comparison to 2010 model), less off road capability, space, and price
Overall, this vehicle is a great buy! I’m a first time VW owner and was skeptical at first about diesel and VW. I used to own a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder and have taken it from coast to coast, up and down, across the country and back. from off road to on road driving, I really got my money’s worth. I loved it because I could throw everything in the back of the car with folded down seats and just go. The Touareg, while less capable of doing so, is great nonetheless. My new job has me commuting almost 100 miles a day and needed a fuel economy vehicle while still giving me room to carry my gear
Package deal- The new base standard of this vehicle is unbelievable. The Nav system is highly interactive, easy to use, and can help you with especially in traffic. Although some features got taken out for the new model, your average American doesn’t use them anyway. Unless you’re racing the Baja 500 or plan on taking this lux level SUV on a patrol in Afghanistan, the capabilities are still overwhelmingly great. Performance is great, with smooth transitions from first to eighth gear. Although the turbo kicks in early, the torque kicks in around 25 mph and keeps you under 1900 rpms at 70 mph with still room to give you that extra push to get past truckers on the interstate with ease.
Luxury- VW found the good balance between lux SUV and performance. You’ve got the style, class, and luxury of a Mercedes or a BMW X series, but the fuel economy, performance, and relative price of VW. I would say that this VW has more features and capabilities than Mercedes, BMW, and Audi combined. VW gives quality on this one and you’re not just paying for a name.
Price- The TDI model is a little steep (MSRP $49,505 with trailer hitch and mats), but worth it if you can find the right dealer. Military members, go through USAA car buying program and you’ll get a decent discount. I traded in also, so in the end I walked out with a great deal and paid the same amount as a base model Pathfinder.
Performance- They advertise 19/28 city/highway, but after driving around town and highway, I’ve been getting more with diesel. As a first time owner of an AWD and VW, it’s pretty responsive, and all systems are synched really well. Very ergonomic and handles smoothly. The pickup from 0-60 is smooth and the only hiccups you experience are when the turbo kicks in (and that’s if you just floor it).
Space- Not that great in comparison to a Nissan Pathfinder, but good enough to haul some gear. As a military member, it can still hold rucksacks, climbing rope, heavy gear, and a good amount of anything else you want. It comes with a towing eye that screws in either the front or back, so you can tow or pull your red neck friends who got stuck in the mud! The con is that they only give you 1 towing eye and not a set, so you’ll have to buy another if you want it.
Sunroof- Not a show stopper for me, but it didn’t come with one. Standard in the 2010 model, I was kind of surprised not to see it in the base model amongst the myriad of other great things. The lux version has one, but the sun cover (or fake roof) that covers between the sunroof and you is no more than heavier sun shade and felt kind of useless when I was test driving the lux version. Panoramic sunroof is cool and all, but winter time can sure suck heat out real well also.
Overall, if you’re looking to upgrade your SUV to something more comfortable, but still have the ruggedness and capabilities to tow and haul gear, this is your pick!