Performance:
Just one petrol option is available; a 3.6-litre V6 that produces 276bhp. Three turbodiesels are offered. The entry-level 2.5-litre is a little sluggish, so the 3.0-litre V6 - which provides a mighty 369lb ft of muscle - is the pick of the bunch. The 5.0-litre V10 TDI pulls like a train, but it's very expensive.
Ride & handling:
The Touareg shares a chassis with the Porsche Cayenne and the handling and steering are particularly sharp for a full-size 4x4. The downside is a ride that's firm at low-speed, although an adjustable air-suspension system is standard on the V10 diesel and optional on other models. Despite its on-road bias, the Touareg is also capable in the rough.
Refinement:
While the ageing 2.5-litre diesel is gruff and noisy, the Touareg's other engines are impressively refined and have automatic gearboxes that shift smoothly. Road and wind noise are well contained, but you can hear the suspension thumping over sharp bumps.
Behind the wheel:
The driving position and seats in the Touareg are comfortable and the driver's seat has enough adjustment to make it suit all shapes and sizes. The steering wheel moves for reach and rake, too, and all-round visibility is fine. Some of the stereo and air-conditioning controls are small and fiddly, however.
Space & practicality:
Sheer size means the Touareg is able to swallow five adults and all their luggage with no problems. Unlike many rivals, however, there's no seven-seat option. A high loading sill for the boot is inevitable, but the cargo bay is large and well shaped, with no intrusion from wheelarches or suspension struts
Equipment:
Basic Touareg trim includes air-conditioning, four electric windows and hill descent assist. It's worth upgrading to SE, since it adds leather upholstery, climate control, satellite-navigation and steering wheel stereo controls. Altitude trim adds sporty interior and exterior upgrades, while V10 TDI models come with electric everything, automatic lights and wipers and all-round parking sensors.
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