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The High & Mighty Volkswagen
Touareg

new lighting. upholstery in two-tone grey and
Power is derived from a new 3.0L black is available as an option. All
V6 TDI. There are two versions; a key information – including the
201bhp (332lb/ft) entry level and rev-counter, speedometer, engine
the engine tested here that delivers temperature, fuel gauge and
In his latest car review, GEOFF MAXTED of Drivewrite puts the
Volkswagen Touareg through its paces 258bhp with a huge whoosh of computer display – is displayed
428lb/ft of torque. This is the power within the driver’s visual field in the
The basic exterior shape of VW’s Touareg features larger headlights plant you want on this SUV and instrument cluster.
mighty Touareg hasn’t changed that (now bi-xenon as standard across it’s twinned to a new eight-speed Out on the road it’s more refined
much since its introduction way the range), a deeper new radiator Tiptronic gearbox which is more than previously. Handling is much
back in 2003 but it has been consid- grille with four instead of two hori- frugal and greener than ever improved with better poise into
erably refreshed over time. zontal fins and a re-profiled bumper, before. With the 258bhp engine, corners. Long gone is the woolli-
It was face-lifted again in 2014 to all of which lend the big SUV a wider the Touareg returns 42.8mpg on ness of the steering which is now
resemble the overall look of the VW appearance. the combined cycle, while emitting precise and accurate making for an
range. Impressive upon release, it is At the rear as at the front, the 174g/km of CO². easy-going drive. The Touareg offers
even better now. redesigned bumper gives the Touareg The interior is smart, in an almost comfort and refinement yet it’s still
While it retains all the virtues of a wider look than before, with a austere business-like way, and very a very good car to drive especially
space, comfort and refinement, as new rear diffuser between the twin uncluttered with most functions given the size of the thing.
well as off-road and towing ability tailpipes and LED rear fog lights organised via the big screen. The Ride quality is brilliant and kicks
which have made the Touareg so integrated in the bumper. New door leather front seats come with sand in the face of our ruined
popular, this latest refresh takes the mirror caps, a range of new wheel lumbar support and there’s also highways. Overall, the Volkswagen
model forward thanks to the use of designs and new paint colours com- two optional wood trims on offer Touareg is refined, quiet and the
lightweight construction techniques, plete the exterior makeover. Inside, although our car didn’t feature perfect vehicle for distance travel
more fuel-efficient engines and new the Touareg also gets the option of these. In any case I prefer the and most off-road encounters. It’s a
technologies. new colours for the standard leather brushed aluminium look. Choose bit pricey at £44k but you can feel
The front-end design of the upholstery, new design accents and the R-Line model and Nappa leather the 4x4 heritage.

36 swindonlink.com n July 2015