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Volkswagen Touareg review (2003-2010)

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Volkswagen Touareg
Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
RRP
£71,850 £83,410
Avg. savings
£7,033 off RRP*
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Like the thought of the Cayenne but not the looks? Or maybe its premium price is just too scary? Here's the vehicle for you then; a Volkswagen directly related to the Cayenne, with styling as refined and as classy as you'll find in this sector. Competing against BMW's X5, Mercedes' M-Class and Volvo's XC90, the Touareg really does look more expensive than its £30k starting tag suggests, with flawless paint and attractive details. The interior's even better, truly luxurious, with adorable features such as the watch-like instruments. Equipment's pretty good too, all models featuring climate control and plenty of electrical toys. Seats are very comfortable up front, there's a decent booth (with split tailgate), but rear passengers may be disappointed. There's decent space, but not an excess of it.

There's an extensive engine range though, opening with five-cylinder 2.5-litre diesel and V6 petrol units. Also included are a V8 and, eventually, mighty W12 petrols. The current range-topping engine is the awesome V10 diesel its combination of fairground-ride torque levels and decent economy, make it well worth the hefty list price. Most will go for the cheaper units though, which are both refined and effective enough; but watch the economy of the V6 when you're pressing on. As for ride and handling, both are naturally thoroughly competent. Handling is particularly impressive, the large body seeming to shrink around you, while ride quality firm but not uncomfortably so. More expensive models come with air suspension, which offers different settings, overall, it's very impressive.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

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Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    3.0 TSI eHybrid 4Motion Elegance 5dr Tip Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £71,850
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Most Economical

  • Name
    3.0 TSI eHybrid 4Motion Elegance 5dr Tip Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £71,850
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Fastest

  • Name
    3.0 V6 TSI eHybrid 4Motion R 5dr Tip Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £83,410
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New & used car deals

Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen Touareg

RRP £59,805Avg. savings £7,033 off RRP*Used from £23,750
Audi Q7

Audi Q7

RRP £65,740Avg. savings £8,936 off RRP*Used from £31,489
Volvo Xc90

Volvo Xc90

RRP £53,570Used from £21,324
BMW X5

BMW X5

RRP £62,955Avg. savings £8,226 off RRP*Used from £27,588
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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