Sleek, smart and spacious
Volkswagen’s largest SUV — the Touareg — has matured into the first-rate TDI V6 S Touareg with a focus on design, comfort and space. This new Touareg is even a little longer and lower than before and certainly in a class of its own.
A VEHICLE THAT really wants to help? Well, the new Touareg gives that impression with its active roll-stabilization system reducing lateral tilt; its traffic jam assist (relieving driver pressure in stop-go traffic); its night-vision thermal imaging of surroundings and the vehicle interior; and its LED matrix headlights which not only light the road ahead but also turn with the road camber and curves and regulate density depending on oncoming traffic.
That is not all: an easy-opening system allows the bigger-than-previous-model boot to be opened hands-free to load the kids, their sports gear, the dog, golf clubs and everything else that needs to go to the beach house this summer. And, should the mood change on the trip to the beach house, bathe the interior in a new colour with mood lighting to suit. There is also a proactive occupant protection system which identifies potential collision risks and automatically tightens seat belts, moves seats into an upright position, closes windows and the sunroof.
On the open road, it is time to finally let loose thanks to the 3-litre V6 turbo with straight-line speed, which is far from being the most impressive part of this SUV. It is the sophistication and refinement that does that with the Touareg’s array of cool, yet high-tech, aspects.
The new Touareg’s level of smarts relegates other SUVs to the back of the classroom, clumsily scribbling with their crayons. It is the power and precision of the drive that makes the new Touareg the top student in its class.