The Touareg is a luxury SUV that debuted in 2004. Sharing a platform with the Porsche Cayenne, it offered both off-road durability and excellent on-road handling. The second-generation Touareg 2 debuts for 2008, and with it, a number of improvements. The Volkswagen Touareg 2 is a definite improvement on last year’s model, but to say it’s a full sequel is a bit of an overstatement. While its interior and overall build quality is excellent, the price tag is a bit high, and it could stand to be much more reliable. The Touareg 2, for all it has to offer, is tough to recommend. J.D. Power gives the Touareg 2 stars for dependability. Problems with the original include malfunctioning rain sensors, sagging suspensions, harsh shifting, wiring problems, dead batteries, and faulty door handles. It was recalled three times for insufficiently riveted seatbelt attachments, improperly wired tire pressure monitors, and improperly secured child restraints. Expect below average reliability.
The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles. The Touareg 2 received 5 stars in government crash tests. IIHS results are not available. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, hill assist, full side airbags, and stability control come standard. The Acura MDX includes a CD changer and leather seats, but costs several hundred more. The Audi Q7 has a DVD player, but has less towing capacity, lacks a moonroof, and costs several thousand more. The Infiniti FX35 includes leather and a CD changer, but can’t tow as much and lacks a moonroof. “On the road the Touareg is a bit sluggish off the line as this is a heavy vehicle at 5,100 pounds. Passing power is also not as strong as I would prefer as the engine worked hard to pass a pesky New Beetle that was loafing in the left lane. “I appreciate that the 2008 Touareg gets high safety marks, and as any dancing queen will tell you, this boogie machine’s style is right on. Somehow, though, I just wasn’t overly enthusiastic about it. It costs more than many other vehicles in its class and has too much non-charming quirkyness.
4WD is there to aid in traction and does no significant impact in being an aid to braking situations. More reckless driving. A 2004 National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study showed that SUV drivers have an 11% chance to be involved in their own fatal accidents. The study shows that SUVs tend to be owned and driven by drivers willing to take higher risks and may be more likely to drive the SUV drunk. Fuel Efficiency. There's no other way to say it. Larger tires create a higher drag coefficient. Wider and larger tires create a better grip, but is a detriment to overcoming wind resistance at high speeds, thus wasting gas. Higher profile creates a higher drag coefficient. Wider and higher profiles does not contribute to the SUV being aerodynamic, requiring brute force to overcome wind resistance at high speeds. Larger engine consumes more gas. SUVs usually come in engine sizes larger than 2.0. If you must, the most fuel efficient engine is a turbodiesel. By and large, SUVs consume 40% more gas than the average passenger car.
What can be done? SUVs will still be on the road, so if you're a passenger car driver, what can you do? Yes. Keep them alert by beeping them when you feel they're getting too close for comfort. Maintain active safety mode. Keep on using your senses to react fast to dangerous situations on the road. Drive slower. You can also benefit from driving slower so you can react to situations in time. What if I'm an SUV owner? Sell the SUV and get a more fuel efficient and safer car. A good but drastic choice. If you love your SUV, you won't be doing this. Be more alert. Very good for you. Going into active safety mode will help you. This still does not solve the mileage problem. Car pool. Saves gas but limits mobility. Your passengers will love it though. You'll have more eyes looking out for danger too.
