This unnoticed SUV is on our spotlight for today.
2013-2017 Volkswagen Touareg
History
Mention the words "German luxury car" and the very answer are the following brands: Benz, BMW, Porsche, and to a small extent, Audi. The brand Volkswagen is synonymous to the Beetle which littered Philippine streets during the 60s to the 70s and to some other models like the Kombi and Sakbayan. Further efforts from the 90s didn't make the brand back to local consciousness since they are heavily priced, as opposed to being called as the people's car. But then, VW's are positioned as a premium mainstream brand, above the likes of Toyota but below Audi.
Jumping on the SUV bandwagon too late, the Touareg was first introduced in 2002 and it shares a platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, two late bloomers in the category. The second generation model first debuted in 2010 with a newer 8-speed automatic and a wide variety of gas and diesel engines (no V10 diesel is available).
One of the vehicles introduced for the return of the Volks in 2013, the Touareg is the flagship model as well as the most expensive vehicle. This time, the diesel engine was brought here unlike the first model's gas burner. It was quietly discontinued in 2017, which we feel the cause of it is the introduction of the brand new model.
Value and Costs
Due to the fact not much were sold when brand new as well as a shorter selling time, finding a used Touareg of this vintage is a challenge but if you find one, you can get one for at least P2,000,000 with the remainder of the warranty.
Since it runs on a diesel engine, expect fuel costs to be slightly lower than several high end SUVs with gasoline powerplants. With this vehicle being new to the market (this one was sold a decade ago but in a different package), not much reports of problems were raised up.
Exterior and Interior
Sure, it may look discreet and anonymous but it still looks imposing and brute. There are two models available: a regular one and a Sports edition which has side skirts and larger rims.
Unlike some of the European competition which are notoriously known for their interiors that have smaller buttons and a transmission shift similar to a joystick of a game console, this vehicle has the opposite which is easy to use. Other niceties include an electronic parking brake and air suspension system, which rivals of the same price range get. Added bonus include ample space for five people and cargo.
Engine
Despite its bulky proportions, the 3.0 diesel having 242hp @ 3,800-4,400rpm and 550Nm @ 1,750-2,750rpm isn't a slouch mover and available torque can be had for as low as 1,750rpm.
Driving Impressions
This SUV excels in both road conditions, both on pavement and off the beaten path. The air suspension settings have a comfort mode which makes it good for a relaxed drive and sports mode for fun driving. You can have all aspects in one body.
Verdict
Based on the excellent Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, the VW Touareg is an excellent choice if you desire something different that stands out the crowd.
Showing posts with label volkswagen touareg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label volkswagen touareg. Show all posts
Monday, October 9, 2017
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Car Profiles - Volkswagen Touareg (2013-2017)
The Good: Standard diesel engine, excellent interior quality
The Bad: No third row, rare in the market
The Say: One of the comebacks which is done better.
Go For: 3.0 Diesel
Avoid:
Price Range:
Our Rating: ***
Related Review: Used Car Review - Volkswagen Touareg (2013-2017)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2013-2017
Monday, July 20, 2015
Volkswagen Touareg - Generation 1 (2004-2006)
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG (2004-2006)
Volkswagen's first attempt in the SUV race, the Touareg shares its platform with the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. Two models are available, a 3.2 V6 and 4.2 V8 petrol engines. No thanks to poor management, the entire Volkswagen line was discontinued in 2006.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Used Car Review - Volkswagen Touareg (2004-2006)
Before leaving October, Myk Belmonte investigates this SUV if its worth the buy.
2004-2006 Volkswagen Touareg
History
Volkswagens are used to be popular in the game of sedans (Jetta, Passat), hatchbacks (Beetle, Golf), and somewhat MPVs and vans (Sharan, Caravelle). With the popularity of sport utility vehicles during the early 2000s, Volkswagen has no choice but to enter since all the profits are in that category.
Bet you didn't know that the Touareg is developed together with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, which shares the same platform but differs in equipment, styling, and technical items. Since the three vehicles are designed with off-roading and sports car handling in mind, they were technically the first SUV offerings of the three German brands. The 7L Touareg was first offered in 2002 and produced until 2010.
Auto Prominence, Volkswagen's local distributor before, shipped in this SUV in April 2004 with the V6 guise arriving first and the V8 being available in October. In terms of price, it competed against its European stalwarts, as well with some high end Japanese and American SUVs. The higher engine was dropped in July 2005 and the vehicle sometime in 2006, with the Touareg nameplate resurfacing seven years later as a second generation model.
Value and Costs
In other countries, this vehicle is marketed as a high end vehicle as opposed to other Volkswagens being mass market ones and this approach is also done here before. Price started at P4.2M for the V6 (an additional P200,000 for units with an air suspension) and the V8 costing P5M, which was rather expensive for something that is viewed as a people's car. Because of this, only a few Touaregs of this generation were sold which meant less supply in the used car market. Another source to look out are second hand imports but they aren't that popular, too.
Since this is a vehicle which didn't sell well, expect limited availability of parts (although the new distributor of Volkswagen may accept servicing of old units) against BMW and Mercedes Benz. Do not expect levels of diesel SUV maintenance, especially when going with the monstrous V8.
Exterior and Interior
Unlike the Cayenne which has a love it or hate it design, the Touareg sports a more simpler design which is controversial free than the more luxurious cousin. Although at some angles it may look bulky, it manages to hold itself.
Its large dimension outside translates to a roomy cabin for five in comfort (no third row option available, that's relegated to the Q7 whose extended wheelbase is meant for that) despite sporting a less roomy cabin than other rivals. Inside, a high quality interior with wood panels treats the occupants with the 4WD knob located below the transmission knob.
Engine
A 3.2 V6 (which came standard among 2002-2004 Touaregs) having 217hp and a 306hp 4.2 V8 were the engine options back in the day. The V6 is refined and decent enough for everyone while the V8 gains more power. We recommend going with the lesser one unless you prefer more expenses (which we assume so).
Driving Impressions
Even though it may look large outside, this SUV has driving manners which are civilized on the cemented road and does amazingly well when the rough gets going. Driving this one on-road will reward you a smooth and comfortable drive especially it was tuned that way, as opposed to the Cayenne's sporty handling.
Verdict
With Volkswagen producing an SUV is like a popular celebrity vying for a position in the elections and winning, but the German brand was successful in placing itself in the SUV race. The Touareg may be rare but it is one bargain if you are willing to compromise yourself with several issues.
2004-2006 Volkswagen Touareg
History
Volkswagens are used to be popular in the game of sedans (Jetta, Passat), hatchbacks (Beetle, Golf), and somewhat MPVs and vans (Sharan, Caravelle). With the popularity of sport utility vehicles during the early 2000s, Volkswagen has no choice but to enter since all the profits are in that category.
Bet you didn't know that the Touareg is developed together with the Porsche Cayenne and the Audi Q7, which shares the same platform but differs in equipment, styling, and technical items. Since the three vehicles are designed with off-roading and sports car handling in mind, they were technically the first SUV offerings of the three German brands. The 7L Touareg was first offered in 2002 and produced until 2010.
Auto Prominence, Volkswagen's local distributor before, shipped in this SUV in April 2004 with the V6 guise arriving first and the V8 being available in October. In terms of price, it competed against its European stalwarts, as well with some high end Japanese and American SUVs. The higher engine was dropped in July 2005 and the vehicle sometime in 2006, with the Touareg nameplate resurfacing seven years later as a second generation model.
Value and Costs
In other countries, this vehicle is marketed as a high end vehicle as opposed to other Volkswagens being mass market ones and this approach is also done here before. Price started at P4.2M for the V6 (an additional P200,000 for units with an air suspension) and the V8 costing P5M, which was rather expensive for something that is viewed as a people's car. Because of this, only a few Touaregs of this generation were sold which meant less supply in the used car market. Another source to look out are second hand imports but they aren't that popular, too.
Since this is a vehicle which didn't sell well, expect limited availability of parts (although the new distributor of Volkswagen may accept servicing of old units) against BMW and Mercedes Benz. Do not expect levels of diesel SUV maintenance, especially when going with the monstrous V8.
Exterior and Interior
Unlike the Cayenne which has a love it or hate it design, the Touareg sports a more simpler design which is controversial free than the more luxurious cousin. Although at some angles it may look bulky, it manages to hold itself.
Its large dimension outside translates to a roomy cabin for five in comfort (no third row option available, that's relegated to the Q7 whose extended wheelbase is meant for that) despite sporting a less roomy cabin than other rivals. Inside, a high quality interior with wood panels treats the occupants with the 4WD knob located below the transmission knob.
Engine
A 3.2 V6 (which came standard among 2002-2004 Touaregs) having 217hp and a 306hp 4.2 V8 were the engine options back in the day. The V6 is refined and decent enough for everyone while the V8 gains more power. We recommend going with the lesser one unless you prefer more expenses (which we assume so).
Driving Impressions
Even though it may look large outside, this SUV has driving manners which are civilized on the cemented road and does amazingly well when the rough gets going. Driving this one on-road will reward you a smooth and comfortable drive especially it was tuned that way, as opposed to the Cayenne's sporty handling.
Verdict
With Volkswagen producing an SUV is like a popular celebrity vying for a position in the elections and winning, but the German brand was successful in placing itself in the SUV race. The Touareg may be rare but it is one bargain if you are willing to compromise yourself with several issues.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Car Profiles - Volkswagen Touareg (2004-2006)
The Good: Excellent on and off the road
The Bad: Heavy, there's no dealer support
The Say: Volkswagen's entry to the SUV race had done it right.
Go For: 3.2 V6
Avoid: 4.2 V8
Price Range: P800,000-P850,000
Our Rating: ***
Related Review: Used Car Review - Volkswagen Touareg (2004-2006)
See the different versions of this vehicle:
2004-2006
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Volkswagen Touareg - Generation 2 (2013-2017)
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG
Available elsewhere since 2010, the Touareg nameplate returned three years later with a much improved package. A diesel engine with an eight speed automatic comes standard, alongside numerous luxury goodies.
See the overview of this Touareg
See the overview of this Touareg
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