2011 | 2010 | 2009

This series-two Volkswagen Touareg is indeed all new and bristling with technology. It’s larger than the previous model with improved occupant and load space thanks to an additional 50mm in the wheelbase, it boasts class leading body structure yet weighs up to 90kg less, and the upgraded engines mated to the new 8-speed automatic transmission deliver even better performance while offering up to 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption.

From the moment you slip behind the wheel there is a high quality look and soft touch feel to the Touareg interior and a particularly smart dash presentation. This plush cabin will comfortably seat five adults while drivers get comfort seats with 12way electric adjustment and electro pneumatic side bolsters. That additional wheelbase length translates directly into extra legroom. Versatility has also been improved with the introduction of a rear seat that can slide backward or forward by 160mm to give additional rear cabin or boot space, and the rear squab can also be reclined in three stages. A comprehensive range of features, like touch-screen technology, in addition to the impressive fundamental design makes the Touareg a class leader in both comfort and ergonomics.

All models of the Touareg come with a comprehensive safety package that includes nine airbags, ABS braking with off road function, ESC with active rollover function, hill hold starting assist and hill decent control. Power comes from a 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine delivering 180kW and an impressive 550Nm of torque from around 2,000rpm. BlueMotion technologies, which include faster engine and gearbox warm up, engine stop-start and regenerative braking result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. The new diesel returned a remarkable 7.4L/100km. This figure has of course been assisted by the ultra modern and outstanding in operation, 8-speed auto which not only allows the engine to operate more responsively across the range but more efficiently thanks to reduced friction and overdrive ratios on seventh and eighth. Overall gearing has now reduced engine speed by 34 percent. Touareg’s All Wheel Drive setup called 4MOTION, has a Torsen limited slip differential suitable for maximum grades of 31-degrees and a simple to use two position rotary switch, which tunes ABS, ESC, hill decent and auto shift points for off road driving. For those more adventurous the $5,000 optional 4XMOTION has a five position off road function with a more rugged transfer case including reduction gearing, centre and rear electric differential lock with up to 100 percent locking and maximum gradability of 45 degrees. The Touareg is well set up in ride quality and handling for long distance touring, although not quite matching the BMW X5’s dynamics.

Like most in this category Touareg offers a long list of options like air suspension $5,900, satellite navigation $4,900, panoramic electric sunroof $3,000, or the comfort package with 4-zone climate control $4,500, which can instantly jack the price up. Interesting safety options include Area View $2,500 which provides four camera images on the central touch screen and the $4,500 driver assistance package with Adaptive Cruise Control.

Finalists
Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI
BMW X5 xdrive 30d
Range Rover Sport TDV6

Previous Results

2010 - BMW X5 xDrive 3.0d
2009 - Audi Q5 3.0 TDI