2005 VW Touareg

You’d think if Volkswagen wanted an SUV that was all the talk, they could have come up with a name we could pronounce. But the verbal challenge seems to be the only difficult aspect of the Touareg, VW’s first foray into the hot sport utility market. Everything else about this vehicle is easy as they come.

Now in its second year, VW gives this base V-6 Touareg a little more power and dealers something to talk about until the new Jetta and Passat debut this spring/summer.

The good news
A few basics: The Touareg, so named for a nomadic tribe, is based on the same platform as Porsche’s Cayenne. Its size is comparable to the BMW X5 and Acura MDX. But the “U” in those SUVs really stands for “Urban.” VW has something else in mind here.

The Touareg’s goals are lofty: to perform as a luxury sedan on-road and a fearless trekker off-road. Most SUVs are either/or. I can only speak from experience to the Touareg’s on-road personality, not having blazed any jagged trails. But it’s obvious from the equipment this SUV knows what it’s doing off pavement.

The full-time all-wheel-drive system features high and low ranges and locking center differential. The hill-climbing system keeps the Touareg from rolling backwards on inclines and engine braking automatically walks it down descents. Adjustable air suspension lifts ground clearance to 11.8 inches and creates 33-degree approach and departure angles. It fords 23 inches of water. You get the picture.

But all those rugged attributes become transparent when you hit the highway. The Touareg does the Jekyll/Hyde thing, turning into smooth, nimble, refined transportation. Like most upscale SUVs, it is unit body with full independent suspension. Steering communicates clearly, and handling reacts precisely. It rides without ruffling passengers, unless you dial damping to max its cornering skills.

The choice of engines includes a 3.2-liter twin cam 24-valve V6 and the 4.2-liter V8 found in the Audi A8. I had the V6, which produces 240 horses this year, up from 220, and 229 foot pounds of torque, up from 225. It tows up to 7700 pounds. Although I find the V6 competent, it doesn’t blow me away. It downshifts frequently under pressure, searching for help. Ready to respond is a noble six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic, standard on all Touaregs.

As for the Touareg’s aesthetics, I think it’s the best-looking of the mid-luxury bunch. There’s nothing forced about its tidy design, and nothing dull about it either. The interior carries out this German simplicity with leather, aluminum and real wood in a tightly constructed, straightforward design. It’s not overly roomy, but reasonably comfortable for five. There is no third seat option.

Safety features include front and side airbags for front passengers and head airbag protection front and rear. Extras abound, both as standard equipment and options. In the first category are rain sensor wipers, power sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and much more. Options on mine included a $2,440 package for leather seats with 12-way power adjustments and power folding and self dimming exterior mirrors with memory. Bi-Xenon headlamps with washer system ($750), electronic park assist ($800) and Four Corner Air Supension ($2,600) round out the add-ons. Obviously, this Touareg is not trying to compete for Pathfinder customers here. Its sights are set on a more demanding, better-heeled group. The next category confirms that.

The bad news
Many people still take “Volkswagen” literally, getting the impression the Touareg qualifies as a “people’s car.” They expect it to be affordable. Although it could be considered a bargain given its superb on-road and off-road attributes and what you pay elsewhere for this level of performance, the Touareg is still expensive. Add a few options packages and, before you know it, you’re well past $40,000 for this most basic V6 model.

More troubling, however, was the fact the door latches on my test vehicle were prone to malfunction and the doors would pop open. Although this happened more than once, it was only temporary and the car was not moving. Otherwise, somebody might have fallen out. Which can be very inconvenient.

Is it worth it?
Despite this frightening quirk (likely limited to this test car as a subversive plot to dump unsuspecting journalists) I join the ranks of those impressed with this Touareg. I can appreciate its off-roading capabilities even untapped and applaud the increase in power. But my sense of its value is tempered by which perspective I take. On the one hand, I question VW loading it with expensive (and heavy) off-road engineering most people will never use. I would be happy if it were less courageous and less costly. On the other hand, given all it does offer, the Touareg far outshines all those in its mid-luxury class and even nudges the Porsche Cayenne and $70,000 Range Rover a bit. Either way, it’s a cool vehicle. However you pronounce it.

Particulars
Mid-size, front-engine, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV
Engine
Type: 3.2 24V V-6
Power: 240 bhp @ 6000 rpm; 229 lb-ft torque @ 3200 rpm
Drivetrain
Transmission: automatic 6-speed Tiptronic (manual shift)
Permanent four-wheel-drive with low-range gear and adaptive torque distribution
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 112.4 in.
Overall length: 187.2 in.
Curb weight: 5,086 lbs.
Gas mileage
EPA rated at 16 mpg city/21 highway
Price
Manufacturer’s base, $37,140;
Price as tested, $44,195

Website: www.vw.com