Search Car Reviews



See all makes

Volkswagen Touareg V6

Off-road Volkswagen fans are set to be sprung a surprise! No, it's not the sensational V10 diesel Touareg we drove exclusively last week, but a new steel-sprung entry-level edition which fills the gap between the likes of the Land Rover Discovery and the all-new Range Rover.

By Dan Strong

September 2002

Off-road Volkswagen fans are set to be sprung a surprise! No, it's not the sensational V10 diesel Touareg we drove exclusively last week, but a new steel-sprung entry-level edition which fills the gap between the likes of the Land Rover Discovery and the all-new Range Rover.

Driven here for the first time, the V6-engined SUV is set to cost ΂£28,000 when it goes on sale next year, and will offer the looks and road presence of its ΂£60,000 V10 brother at half the cost. Using the same 3.2-litre powerplant that debuted in the new R32 Golf, this cheaper unit and steel (rather than air) suspension help to cut costs.

Inside, the five-seat machine offers fewer gadgets than the V10 diesel flagship. Sat-nav is now an option, as is the multi-channel air-conditioning. Leather seats, although fitted to the car we drove, will not be standard either. However sitting behind the wheel you still feel every bit the road captain, and are offered the same commanding view of what's ahead given by much more expens-ive cars such as the Range Rover and Mercedes ML.

Fire up the engine and the 218bhp unit spins eagerly to life. Although well soundproofed, you can still hear the powerplant's distinctive hum. Fitted with a six-speed tiptronic gearbox, the Touareg springs eagerly off the line. Indeed, if anything this smaller-engined version - which has no turbos and less weight to move - is more re-sponsive than the bigger V10.

Once you're away, it soon be-comes obvious that the ride is very firm. Small potholes send shudders throughout the cabin, and you experience a surprising amount of road noise. On rough backroads this could become wearing after a while, but the set-up does have its benefits.

The steel spring and damper combination offers excellent body control, and the 4x4 proves extremely stable while braking. Steering is just as precise as it is in the V10 machine, and there's little body roll at the limit. When driving hard, this car feels more neutral than the diesel model, particularly if you carry too much speed into a corner. However, the braking system is worked hard by the Touareg's 2,235kg frame, although the set-up does offer the same ABS-based traction control as on the flagship model. This also means that the V6 edition is almost as impressive off-road. The steel-sprung suspension has less travel than the air-cushioned V10's, and can't offer the same ground clearance either, but these will only be concerns in the toughest of environments. No wonder VW's engineers have such a spring their step.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.

For an alternative review of the latest Volkswagen Touareg visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Sponsored Results

Find New Cars

Find your new Volkswagen Touareg with our new car search:

Find New Cars
Find Used Cars

Find your Volkswagen Touareg with our used car search.

Find Used Cars

FIRST OPINION

    If you don't mind the firm ride, you'll be excited by the entry-level Touareg. For half the price, it offers almost the same blend of practicality and driveability as the range's £60,000 V10 flagship, which is an impressive feat.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Uses conventional steel suspension to keep costs lower
    Basic but spacious interior
     
    - Advertisement -