- Handles on-road and off-road like no 4X4 before
- Contemporary European interpretation of prestige SUV
Volkswagen is blazing new trails at the high end of the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) market with the all-new Touareg - the German company's first entry in this dynamic market segment.
Now available in Australia, priced from $67,600, the Touareg is powered by a choice of 3.2-litre 24-valve V6 and 4.2-litre 40-valve V8 petrol engines and the staggering V10TDI twin-turbocharged diesel powerplant which, with 230kW and 750Nm, is the world's most powerful passenger car diesel engine.
There are four Touareg models: V6, V6L, V8 and V10TDI.
Unlike familiar vehicles in this segment, the Touareg combines the features of a high quality off-road vehicle with the comfort of a luxury sedan and the dynamic of a sports car to genuinely deliver a new vehicle philosophy.
Touareg's success in delivering on this complex proposition has been endorsed by the international motoring media:
"Superb first attempt at an off-roader" (Autocar, UK)
"This Volkswagen Touareg can't possibly challenge Range Rover...or can it? The short answer is yes, it can. Volkswagen's new SUV has the all-round ability to scare the established stars." (Car, UK)
"Volkswagen is admittedly late to the SUV market, but there's nothing cautious about its opening bid. Conclusion: Range Rover has company." (Car and Driver, USA).
"The Touareg embodies high value relative to its luxury-SUV competition. It's smooth, solid, comfortable and as off-road capable as they come." (Motor Trend, USA).
With the Touareg, Volkswagen has immediately made a large footprint in the prestige vehicle segment. Not surprisingly, there are styling cues from the Touareg to Volkswagen's Phaeton prestige sedan - most notably the arrow-shaped transition from the front doors and mudguards to the bonnet.
Similarly, the Touareg also possesses the new 'face' of Volkswagen - distinctive grille/headlights, turn signal lights integrated into the exterior mirrors and the distinctive rear light design - just like the Phaeton and the all-new fifth-generation Golf.
Previewing the Touareg's interior, Motor Trend (USA) said: "Volkswagen has emerged as a benchmark of interior layout and quality."
Like the Phaeton - its prestige sedan stable mate - the Touareg sets entirely new accents in the luxury class without compromising trusted Volkswagen features. The geometrically clear layout of the dash panel and centre console, the transition from horizontal to vertical elements and the harmonic arches unmistakably reflect Volkswagen design.
Even the details convey an impression of the highest quality and an ideal balance between form and function. Examples: the large dials for the Climatronic air-conditioning system as well as the drive and running gear
controls are ergonomic masterpieces, their surfaces of precious, scratch-resistant metal.
Depending on the model, select wood inlays can be included to further refine the interior - including Myrtle and Burr Walnut. High-end models come with 'Cricket' or 'Napa' leather upholstery in a new range of colours including Anthracite, Reed Green, Crystal Grey and Teak/Anthracite.
V10TDI Touaregs offer standard satellite navigation (5" colour monitor). Satellite navigation is an option on other models.
4-zone climatronic air-conditioning is standard on V10TDI models and optional on V8 and V6 models (they have 2-zone as standard).
Storage compartments abound and with a 60/40 split rear seat, luggage compartment volume varies from 555 to 1570 litres.
Standard transmission is a six-speed electronic automatic - V8 and V10TDI models with steering column-mounted F1-style paddles for manual shifting. Power is transmitted to the 4XMOTION 4WD via a transfer gearbox - featuring a switchable off-road low-range gear - front, rear and centre differentials. Centre differential lock is standard and the electronic rear differential lock is optional.
In normal conditions, power is split 50/50 front and rear but when the going gets tough, up to 100 per cent drive can be transferred to either front or rear. The driver can also activate the locks (up to 100%) manually using a rotary switch in the cockpit.
Standard on V10 models and optional on V8s, Volkswagen's Continuous Damping Control (CDC) air suspension on the front and rear axles ensures constant damping control both on and off-road for a degree of driving comfort that is second-to-none in the SUV segment.
The dual-wishbone front and rear suspensions feature acoustically insulated subframes to simultaneously provide the noise and comfort levels of a prestige sedan and the exact, precise wheel guidance control of a sports car.
Away from the bitumen, Volkswagen's Touareg is simply formidable. Ground clearance is 237mm (air suspension up to 300mm); approach/departure angles are 28 degrees (aided by the short front and rear body overhangs); the ramp over angle is 22 degrees and the wading depth is 500mm (580mm with air suspension).
Volkswagen anticipates the sales split for Touareg models will be: V6 11%; V6L 57%; V8 20% and V10TDI 12%.
Recommended retail prices are: V6 - $67,600; V6L - $75,800; V8 - $99,950 and V10TDI - $138,500.
Volkswagen Group Australia's Managing Director, Mr Peter Nochar senses the historic significance of the Touareg's arrival.
"Volkswagen's first SUV will only be launched once and for us, it is one of those 'lifetime' opportunities where we bring to the market a product that is history-making and world's best," Mr Nochar said. "There may be 4WD products that are better-suited to clawing through the ankle deep mud of a remote top-end cattle station and there may be products with jaw-dropping prices and features that make a statement when you cruise down through Sydney's Point Piper or Melbourne's Toorak, but there is no SUV that combines the best of both worlds as well as the Volkswagen Touareg."
Touareg Exterior
A New Generation Of Contemporary SUV
At 4754mm long, 1928mm wide, 1726mm high and with a wheelbase of 2855mm, Volkswagen's Touareg is definitely a large SUV.
The fully galvanized body is the longest and widest amongst its direct competitors, but at the same time it is also lower - an important point in its total concept. This dimensional ratio results in an especially dynamic and elegant appearance that clearly differentiates the Touareg from both its domestic German rivals and also SUVs built in other parts of the world.
But it's not just the classical dimensions that distinguish the body of an SUV...
Measured from the center of the axle, the front overhang is just 926mm, while at the rear, the figure is just 973mm. The result is Approach/Departure Angles of 28 degrees (air suspension 33.2 degrees).
Combined with a complex, 3-part door seal system designed to keep water out, waterproof headlights (as well as waterproof connectors), a special guide for the air intake and engine ventilation and sealed drive shafts, the Touareg can ford creek crossings up to 500mm (580mm with air suspension).
Touareg's large tailgate and separately opening window guarantee optimum accessibility. The two-piece tailgate, opened by invisible spring absorber units, also offers a high degree of technical aesthetics. The tailgate is unlocked electromechanically and on V10TDI models is closed via an electrical closing aid for the lock.
The fully galvanized body construction is characterized by especially high static and dynamic rigidity.
Unlike some rival SUVs, Touareg's bodyshell rigidity is evenly distributed along the entire body structure so that is plays a role in providing optimum performance from the entire chassis but also guarantees the flawless functioning of doors, bonnet and tailgate with extremely narrow panel gaps in all operating conditions.
Dynamic torsional rigidity of Touareg's galvanized steel body is also extremely high - over 40 Hz. This excellent body rigidity, combined with the state-of-the-art joining processes used in production - such as laser-welding and laser-soldering - ensures Touareg customers enjoy outstanding driving comfort with the extremely low levels of NVH one expects from a true prestige SUV.
Volkswagen's Touareg already exceeds the requirements of the EC's upcoming pedestrian protection standards and so not every part of its beautiful exterior paint finish covers steel - the bonnet is aluminium, front mudguards and both bumpers are high-tech plastic.
The front guards are constructed of a plastic possessing flexible material and design properties. The wall thickness varies between 2.7mm and 3.4mm depending on functional necessity. Uniform painting over the entire body is achieved as the material used is resistant to high paint temperatures and with a two-shell construction, the front guards offer a very high degree of form stability.
Bumpers are constructed of thermal-resistant, extremely rugged plastic that is capable of withstanding engine and exhaust temperatures but also protect against deformation in 'touch' parking and off-road dings.
The aluminium bonnet is quite simply a work of art - it is light and has optimum deformation characteristics both for a vehicular accident but also in the unfortunate event of a clash with a pedestrian.
Body acoustic characteristics built in: Volkswagen Touareg's quietness and refinement was 'deigned-in' from the beginning of its development and so the bodyshell's acoustic characteristics genuinely reach the level of a luxury sedan.
An overview of acoustic measures:
- Sealing of all bodyframe openings to the interior
- Complex seal system on doors, windows and luggage compartment. The three-part system for the doors consists of internal and external seals as well as a window-guide profile. Unique-in-class is complete protection of all interior sill panels and interior surfaces of door openings against dirt.
- Engine compartment encapsulation
- Maximum absorption in the drive assembly
- Maximum absorption in the tunnel and lightweight damping
- Selective use of highly effective aluminium-sandwich sound-deadening
- Material damping
- Optimised wheel-housing liners
- Damping between engine compartment and interior
- Absorbing roof lining
- Absorption in the luggage compartment
- Absorption in the pillar trim and dashboard
The entry-level V6 Touareg has an idling noise level of 75dB; the V10TDI is even quieter at 72 dB.
Bi-xenon headlights standard on V10TDI, optional on V8: and that package includes dynamic headlight range control. Standard equipment on V6 and V8 models includes double headlights (H7 main beam, H9 driving beam) which, together with the turn signals, are assembled behind clear glass optics in a mirror-coated module.
The large exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable and high-tech down to the details:
- The mirror base and bearing parts are constructed of light aluminium
- Side LED turn signals are integrated
- Left and right mirrors can be adjusted synchronously and fold in (V8 and V10TDI)
Touareg Interior
Distinguished by functional aesthetics and indulgent comfort
One look at the Touareg's interior confirms this is Volkswagen doing what Volkswagen does best - a perfect blend of functional aesthetics, comfort and outstanding space utilization. Like the Phaeton, Touareg sets entirely new accents in the prestige segment without compromising trusted Volkswagen values.
Touareg's quality of materials combines with the progressive design to create an atmosphere which unites the ruggedness of a high-class off-road vehicle with the elegance of a luxury sedan and dynamic of a tailor-made sports car.
Decorative wood inlays (V6L, V8 and V10TDI) in myrtle or walnut, beautifully crafted wood/leather multi-function steering wheels (standard on V10TDI, optional on V8) and 'Cricket' or 'Napa' leather seats (depending on model) add to the unquestioned refinement of Volkswagen's benchmark luxury SUV.
For the driver, simplicity is the key - Volkswagen's designers have avoided overloading the control areas with functions. For example, the steering column is only used for conventional basic functions (turn signals, headlight flasher and wipers) while all other systems - such as the main light functions - are activated via separate switches. V8 and V10TDI models feature steering column-mounted F1-style shift paddles for manual gear selection of the six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
The entire center console is also designed to be very easy to use: In the vertical area are the center air vents, a lockable storage compartment and audio strip. Below the infotainment area are the controls for Touareg's 2-zone or 4-zone Climatronic air-conditioning.
V10TDI Touaregs feature Keyless access and the engine start button is found in the horizontal portion of the center console, along with controls for the 4WD and running gear. The dial surfaces are aluminium and, like those for the air-conditioning and audio, can be lowered to prevent unintended operation.
A large front center armrest features two storage compartments - one that is suited for a 1-litre drink bottle. A separate, lockable storage compartment is found in the upper area of the dash panel.
V8 and V10TDI Touaregs offer standard 12-way adjustable electric front seats with a memory system. The steering wheel also provides a memory system.
The rear seat consists of individually contoured seats in one bench. All models come standard with three headrests, three 3-point seat belts and a center armrest.
Keyless entry standard on V10TDI model: Another new Volkswagen system first seen with the Phaeton, now also available on the Touareg.
The driver always keeps the key - equipped with a transponder - in his pocket. The Touareg recognizes its driver via the transponder, releases the door locks when the driver touches the door handle and starts with the push on the 'engine start' button.
For safety reasons, the Touareg only starts when the key is actually in the vehicle interior (miniature aerials in the doors can tell where the transponder is located). The driver also needs his foot on the brake pedal to activate the 'engine start' button.
When leaving the Touareg, the driver only needs to touch the door handle again to activate the automatic closing and locking procedure - which even locks the steering column.
With so many systems, range-topping V10TDI Touaregs require multiple aerials - but none are visible from the outside. The FM radio aerials are located in the side windows and the GPS (navigation) aerial is actually mounted in the front left mudguard.
And, with so much power required, it should come as no surprise that Volkswagen has that aspect covered as well - Touareg comes with a complex electrical system control unit to manage all functions and ensure adequate charge is provided to the battery(ies). An emergency mode ensures that marker lights and dipped beam continue to function even in the event of a microprocessor failure.
The V10TDI model is equipped with two batteries to ensure an optimum supply of energy under all conditions. The starter battery is located under the drivers' seat and the vehicle-system battery is in the luggage compartment beneath the loading bay.
Computer-controlled emergency plan gets Touaregs home: If the power in Touareg's electrical system drops, a computer-controlled stage plan is put into action.
In the first stage, the engine idling speed is increased - for example in the V10TDI, from 550rpm to 650rpm and then to 750rpm.
The second stage shuts-down the high-current comfort devices - these essentially include the air-conditioning and heated seats.
Thanks to the constant monitoring of the battery charge status, such a situation is unlikely to occur at all, but particularly for off-road vehicles which can be used in sparsely populated terrain, Volkswagen feels it is critical to ensure continued travel under all foreseeable conditions.
Touareg Chassis
Perfect Propulsion on and off all roads
Volkswagen's new continuous 4XMOTION all-wheel-drive system guarantees not only outstanding off-road characteristics, but also a high degree of safety and dynamic potential on paved roads.
Here too, Volkswagen's SUV philosophy is apparent - supplementing authentic off-road features with the safety and dynamic attributes of luxury sedans and sports cars.
The flow of power to the drive sprockets is handled by a transfer gearbox - which unlike some other luxury SUVs, comes standard with a low-range off-road reduction gear - then to front and rear differentials (center electronic diff lock is standard, optional on the rear). The continuously adjustable multi-disc clutch of the center differential lock is automatically triggered by the drivetrain's electronic system.
Depending on conditions, up to 100% of the drive force can be transmitted to either front or rear axle (the differential locks are regulated primarily by engine torque and secondarily based on slippage). The driver has the option of activating the differential locks up to 100% manually using a rotary switch in the cockpit, thus temporarily deactivating the lock's automatic control.
A standard four-wheel EDL (Electronic Differential Lock via braking) supports the fine distribution of the drive force.
In normal situations - dry road, even grip, constant engine power - the 4WD is distinguished by a symmetrical 50:50 distribution of power to the front and rear axles. But as soon as a wheel begins to slip, due to aquaplaning or a wet spot on one side of the road, for example, the multi-disc lock of the central differential increases the flow of power (up to 100%) to the axle in order to provide more grip. EDL supports this adjusted power distribution.
The result is that the four-wheel-drive equally enhances both Touareg's handling and active safety. And enables Volkswagen to confidently claim the Touareg handles like a luxury sedan and precise sports car - its driving behaviour is extremely safe and controllable and cornering is outstanding even in unfavourable conditions.
When the off-road going gets very tough, the centre differential is simply locked and low-range selected by the center console-mounted rotary switch. So equipped, Volkswagen's Touareg can overcome even the steepest 10% (45 degree) slopes.
When climbing, Touareg drivers can take advantage of the standard hill-starting assist which, via a function in the transmission, reliably prevents the car rolling backwards.
On steeply declining stretches, an automatic downhill assist is activated at or below 20km/h (with the ESP switched on). With the car in gear, the driver need not hit the accelerator pedal and the Touareg automatically maintains a crawl speed down the hill.
New dual wishbone suspension plus CDC Air Suspension
Touareg's independent suspension features a dual wishbone setup with upper links from aluminium and lower links from steel (front) and forged aluminium top links with steel wishbones at the rear.
Optional on V8 and standard on V10TDI models is a Continuous Damping Control (CDC) air suspension including automatic leveling control and electronic damping control. This system raises the maximum ground clearance to 300mm (237mm on non-air suspension V6 and V8 models).
The air suspension, like the system Volkswagen uses in the Phaeton sedan - guarantees an extremely high degree of comfort and also a very sporty ride - thanks to speed-dependent, automatic two-stage ride height reduction. Off-road handling and comfort obviously benefits in a similar way.
Essentially the four air-spring absorbers consist of air spring bellows, a roller piston and the regulated hydraulic absorber. Four height sensors continuously measure the space between axle and body to keep the level between the front and rear axles even. As soon as the level deviates from the set position, the air volume of the suspension is corrected by means of solenoid valves, a compressor and two accumulators.
With the Skyhook damping, an extensive sensor system detects the body and wheel acceleration; the control system itself reacts to the slightest unevenness in the ground and compensates for it by adjusting the shock absorbers. The damping system adapts to the vehicle's speed and current driving conditions, simultaneously minimizing the tendency to roll or pitch.
This positive effect also influences the sensations of extreme acceleration or braking - minimizing the otherwise normal events.
Switches grouped together in a control panel on the center console near the gear lever perform the basic adjustment of the air suspension and damping control. On the left is a rotary switch for the 4WD and on the right a technically identical switch for the air suspension. In between the two is a knob for adjusting the damping. These controls can be used to activate a total of four height levels and three different damping control philosophies.
With air suspension, the Touareg rises and lowers automatically based on road speed in 'Street Level' mode - used primarily on sealed roads. At 125 km/h the ride height reduces to 190mm. At 180 km/h, a level of 180mm is automatically set. The driver has the option of setting other levels manually. Touareg also rises and lowers automatically in 'Off-Road Level' mode.
Standard internally ventilated fixed caliper disc brakes including ESP, braking assistant and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) securely and reliably bring the Touareg to a stop. On extreme slopes, a generously dimensioned foot-operated parking brake (duo-servo drum brake) holds the Touareg securely in place.
Touareg Engines
Volkswagen Brings the V10TDI Masterpiece To Australia
Touareg's introduction to the Australian market starts with a 3.2-litre 24-valve V6 (162kW/305Nm). The other petrol engine is the glorious 4.2-litre V8 boasting five valves per cylinder (40 in total) to deliver 228kW of power.
The remarkable top-of-the-range V10TDI (diesel engine of the year) provides 230kW and a staggering 750Nm of torque to make it the world's most powerful passenger car diesel engine.
While technically related to 3.2-litre V6 powerplant in entry level Phaeton sedans and the high performance Golf R32 models, Touareg's V6 has been re-designed for its off-road purpose. Adjustments include a modified oil pump with altered intake, an adapted sump for high longitudinal and lateral inclinations and a revised belt drive whose enlarged looping angles provide for improved fordability.
The V6 fulfils the EU4 emission standard and is classified as a Low Emission Vehicle in the USA.
The four-valve engine, with a narrow V-angle of 15 degrees, has two overhead camshafts, including continuous inlet and exhaust camshaft timing control as well as cylinder-selective knock control. Adjustment angle of the inlet camshaft is 52 degrees and 22 degrees for the exhaust camshaft.
Roller rocker fingers drive the 32 valves with hydraulic clearance compensation. One individual ignition coil is used for each cylinder and a seven bearing crankshaft is used. Bore and stroke is 84.0mmX95.9mm.
V10TDI - Touareg's Jewel In The Crown
750Nm of torque from just 2000rpm; zero to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds; average fuel consumption of 12.2 litres of diesel for 100 kms are impressive enough. It seems superfluous to add that the V10TDI-powered Touareg tows with ease and can handle even the most extreme off-road conditions.
In addition to its large displacement, the advanced pump-jet high-pressure direct injection (up to 2050 bar) and charging using a bi-turbo system with electrical charging-paddle adjustment play significant roles in this extraordinary power and performance.
Compression ratio is 18:1; cylinder spacing is 88mm; bore 81.0mm, stroke is 95.5mm. The two five-cylinder banks are positioned at a 90 degree angle to each other - it's a space-efficient, flat design.
An important requirement for the compact length of the engine is the control and auxiliary assemblies drive which, for the first time, has been constructed on one level in an aluminium wheel cassette acoustically decoupled from the crankcase.
In addition to its extraordinarily high torque and performance characteristics plus its compact dimensions, exemplary quiet running was one of the mandatories in developing the V10TDI.
One of Volkswagen's solutions for this is to use a balancer shaft rotating counter to the crankshaft in what is already a low-vibration engine. This eliminates the residual, free first-degree moments of inertia. Its effect is supported by six tungsten alloy counterweights fastened to the crankshaft.
In addition, the V10TDI is characterized by a uniform ignition interval of 72 degrees due to a split pin displacement of 18 degrees on the crankshaft - this delivers favourable vibration behaviour even under full load.
The basic construction of the cylinder head is similar to Volkswagen's already acclaimed pump-jet diesel engines however for the V10, it was redesigned as a crossflow model enabling the inlet side to be realised within the V.
Technically speaking, the continuous double-flow construction of the gas exchange is particularly interesting. All important components are arranged in pairs - one per cylinder bank. These include the air filter, hot film air flow meter, the turbocharger, the charge cooler, the exhaust gas recirculation (line and valve) and the throttle valves. So the V10 consists of two five cylinder engines where the air and exhaust are completely separated, but which are coupled in terms of mechanics and control.
The joint control of the twins via a master-slave system is also highly innovative. Especially the synchronicity and the load distribution over both cylinder banks places the highest demands on the use of electronically controlled actuating elements. They manage all important components such as the throttle flaps, the pump nozzle elements and the turbocharger.
In order to properly and reliably regulate the multi-layer organizational duties in the V10, Volkswagen, for the first time, uses a new control unit generation with the designation EDC16. It also consists of a duo, has a 32-bit microprocessor and a significantly improved computing performance. One control unit regulates each five cylinder bank, but the Touareg driver does not detect that one of the two control units is always issuing commands (master) and its partner (slave) is always obeying these commands - he only feels the combined power of 750Nm when he accelerates!
The innovative design of the exhaust-gas system, with its two chrome-plated tailpipes, is an essential element of the exhaust gas cleaning system. The engine is also equipped with pneumatically controlled exhaust recirculation valves for reducing emissions. Furthermore, oxidation catalytic converters close to the engine help optimize the raw emissions - even though they already low in general. The Touareg V10TDI fulfils the stringent EU3 exhaust gas standard for diesel engines.
Touareg Safety
Class-leading protection for passengers and pedestrians
With the launch of the Touareg, Volkswagen has shown that it is possible to provide an SUV with the safety reserves of a luxury sedan.
The requirements of Euro-NCAP, US-NCAP and the North American FMVSS208 test were taken into account during development of Volkswagen's first SUV. In addition to these tough standards for passenger and pedestrian protection, the Touareg also had to meet Volkswagen's own demanding internal standards.
Touareg is thus characterized by very high energy absorption at the front and an extremely rigid passenger cell, including reinforced A, B, C and D pillars and pillar connections.
Inside, Touareg drivers and passengers are protected by a state-of-the-art electronic safety system whose early-crash sensors control the two-level triggering intensity of the driver and front passenger airbags - depending on the severity of the accident.
In addition to front and side airbags, there are curtain airbags that cover the entire window surface between the A and C-pillars.
The Touareg also boasts electrically igniting belt tensioners for window passengers (with force limiters for driver and front passenger), five 3-point automatic seat belts with height adjustment (B and C-pillars) for both front and rear passengers.
If small children are traveling in child safety seats in the front passenger seat, a switch can de-activate the front passenger airbag. Rear seats provide Isofix fasteners for standard child safety seats.
Following an impact, Touareg's protection system continues to work - airbags are triggered, all doors are automatically unlocked, the battery is isolated from the generator cable, the fuel supply and all high-power electrical units (such as the air conditioner) are shut down and the hazard lights are switched on.
Pedestrians and cyclists - the weakest users of the road - need to be protected and Touareg leads the way. Volkswagen's fundamental philosophy is seen by the decision to adopt a softer front end design and to forego bull bars.
Touareg's bonnet is made from aluminium and - combined with the engine trim material - offers optimum deformation characteristics for pedestrian protection.
Front mudguards are made from a high-tech plastic material.
V8 and V10TDI models come standard with Ultrasonic Park Distance Control. Ultrasonic transmitters and receivers in both front and rear bumpers detect distances up to 120cm in front of and 150cm behind the vehicle.
If the Touareg approaches an obstacle, first visual then acoustic warning notify the driver.
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