Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Touareg 3.0 TDI SE

New 4x4 shares running gear with Porsche, but has a softer set-up

LINED up against the showy models in this test, the Volkswagen’s styling is very low-key. While this will undoubtedly appeal to some buyers, the new Touareg hasn’t taken a big step forward from its predecessor. In fact, despite being all-new, you could easily mistake it for the outgoing model. 

Smart LED daytime running lights add a dash of style, but the soft lines look disappointing next to the chunky BMW, sporty Porsche and unique Infiniti. Inside, it’s a similar story, as owners of the current car hoping to see a big advance in quality and design will be disappointed. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The uninspiring cabin lacks the upmarket ambience of the Porsche, with which the Touareg shares its underpinnings. For a car in this price range, the VW simply doesn’t feel special enough. The glovebox lid is a prime example, as it’s made of harder and less attractive trim than the surrounding dashboard – and these unappealing plastics can be found in other places around the cabin as well. 

Build quality is solid, but the dated design and mismatch of materials is a shame. However, the large eight-inch screen on the centre console is standard, while the duplicate display between the dials for the driver is a neat touch. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Qashqai

2022 Nissan

Qashqai

26,958 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £15,589
View Qashqai
Qashqai

2020 Nissan

Qashqai

30,821 milesManualPetrol1.3L

Cash £11,989
View Qashqai
MG 5 EV

2021 MG

MG 5 EV

35,712 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £10,950
View MG 5 EV
XC40

2021 Volvo

XC40

54,339 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,197
View XC40

As in the Porsche, you get deep door pockets, decent cabin stowage and a wide range of adjustment for the driving position. The seats aren’t as supportive or comfortable over long distances as those in the Cayenne, but in SE models they’re heated as standard. Sat-nav is also included – both are options on the other German cars.

In the back, space is identical to the Porsche and the seats slide, tilt and fold in exactly the same manner. The 580-litre boot is 40 litres behind the BMW’s for overall luggage capacity.

While the cabin lacks the feelgood factor of its main rivals, there’s no faulting the VW’s pace. At the test track, the Touareg was fastest from 0-60mph, with a time of 7.1 seconds, and was closely matched to the X5 and Cayenne during our in-gear assessments.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As the VW and Porsche share the same V6 diesel and eight-speed Tiptronic auto box, their similar performance figures were predictable. But after driving them back-to-back, they clearly have different characters. The Touareg is less focused. Its handling is safe and composed, but the steering lacks the Cayenne’s precision. There’s also extra body roll and less grip during hard cornering, so the VW doesn’t feel as agile or involving.

The relatively soft suspension set-up delivers a supple ride around town, yet at higher speeds, it’s unsettled as the rear dampers struggle to cope. 

Driven in isolation, the VW won’t disappoint, but in our line-up of sporty off-roaders, it’s outclassed. Only the Infiniti trails the Touareg dynamically, as the German 4x4 is more comfortable than its Japanese rival from behind the wheel. 

Where the VW scores well is on economy and emissions, because, like the Porsche, it features a smooth stop/start system. This contributes to low CO2 emissions of 195g/km for such a fast and heavy vehicle, as well as decent fuel efficiency – we managed 29.7mpg on test. The Porsche and BMW have identical eco credentials, though, and returned better economy.

Details

Chart position: 3
WHY: As before, Touareg shares a platform, engine and some components with Porsche. It’s a cheaper alternative, but is it as good?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £16,629
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,711
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,310 off RRP*Used from £12,420
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,223 off RRP*Used from £15,337
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025