Volkswagen Touareg 2004 Model Review
Unfortunately, Volkswagen discontinued the Touareg last year. Touareg was introduced with a starting price of $67,600 with the choice of 3.2-litre 24-valve V6 and 4.2-litre 40-valve V8 petrol engines and the staggering V10TDI twin-turbocharged diesel powerplant, which, with 230kW and 750Nm, was the world's most powerful passenger car diesel engine.
There were four Touareg models: V6, V6L, V8 and V10TDI. Standard transmission was a six-speed electronic automatic - V8 and V10TDI models came with steering column mounted F1-style paddles for manual shifting. Power was transmitted to the 4XMotion 4WD via a transfer gearbox, featuring a switchable off-road low range gear, front, rear and centre differentials. A centre differential lock was standard and the electronic rear differential lock optional. In normal conditions, power was split 50/50 front and rear but when the going was tough, up to 100 percent drive could be transferred to either front or rear. The driver could also activate the locks (up to 100 percent) manually using a rotary switch in the cockpit.
Standard on V10 models and optional on V8s, Volkswagen's Continuous Damping Control (CDC) air suspension on the front and rear axles ensured constant damping control both on and off-road for driving comfort. The dual-wishbone front and rear suspensions featured acoustically insulated subframes to simultaneously provide the noise and comfort levels of a prestige sedan. Away from the bitumen, Volkswagen's Touareg was formidable. Ground clearance was 237mm (air suspension up to 300mm); approach/departure angles 28 degrees (aided by the short front and rear body overhangs); the ramp over angle was 22 degrees and the wading depth was 500mm (580mm with air suspension).
Inside, Touareg drivers and passengers were protected by a state of the art electronic safety system whose early crash sensors controlled the two-level triggering intensity of the driver and front passenger airbags - depending on the severity of the accident. In addition to front and side airbags, there were curtain airbags that covered the entire window surface between the A and C-pillars.
The V10Tdi also featured dynamic headlight range control. Inside, the interior was quiet and comfortable. Volkswagen had extensive sound proofing systems, with some technology borrowed from the luxury VW Phaeton. Decorative wood, multi-function steering wheels, leather seats and economy of controls projected a prestige finish.
V10TDI Touaregs featured Keyless access and the engine start button was found in the horizontal portion of the center console, along with controls for the 4WD and running gear. The dial surfaces were aluminium and, like those for the air-conditioning and audio, could be lowered to prevent unintended operation. A large front centre armrest featured two storage compartments - one that was suited for a one-litre drink bottle. A separate, lockable storage compartment was found in the upper area of the dash panel. V8 and V10TDI Touaregs offered standard 12-way adjustable electric front seats with a memory system. The steering wheel also provided a memory system. The rear seat consisted of individually contoured seats in one bench. All models come standard with three headrests, three 3-point seat belts and a centre armrest.
The top of the line V10TDI Touaregs offered satellite navigation (optional on other models), and four-zone climatronic air-conditioning (optional on V8 and V6 models). Storage compartments were abundant and with a 60/40 split rear seat, luggage volume varied from 555 to 1570-litres. The V10TDI model was equipped with two batteries to ensure an optimum supply of energy under all conditions. The starter battery was located under the driver's seat and the vehicle-system battery in the luggage compartment beneath the loading bay. The Touareg also had a limp home system in the event of a major breakdown.
