Both visually and technically, the Touareg luxury off-road vehicle represents a vehicle concept which blazes new trails at the high end of the SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) market. Unlike the familiar vehicles of this segment, it combines the features of a high-quality off-road vehicle with the comfort of a luxury saloon and dynamics of a sports car in a new vehicle philosophy. The Touareg's introduction to the market last autumn started with a 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine and a 5-litre V10 TDI. The V6 engine achieves 162 kW / 220 bhp and develops up to 305 Nm torque. One of the world's most fascinating diesel engines is available with the new V10 TDI; the 230 kW / 313 bhp biturbo engine generates an impressive 750 Nm of torque at just 2000 rpm. The third Touareg engine is now available to order: a 4.2 litre V8, as cultivated as it is sporty, with a power of 228 kW / 310 bhp.
Furthermore, a newly developed 2.5 litre TDI will complement the Touareg engine range as of this spring; this five-cylinder engine delivers 128 kW / 174 bhp. The transmissions on all Touareg models are six-speed gearboxes, either manual or newly designed automatic transmissions depending on the engine. Power flows to the permanent 4XMOTION four-wheel drive via a transfer gearbox — whose standard features include a driver-engaged low range ratio — and a front-axle, rear-axle and centre differential. All Touaregs come standard with a centre differential lock and offer a rear-axle differential lock as an option. The vehicle electronic system automatically triggers the multi-plate clutches of the centre differential lock and rear-axle differential. In normal, even driving and road conditions, the power distribution is 50:50. But depending on the driving situation, up to 100% of the driving force can be transferred to one of the two axles. The driver can also activate the locks (up to 100%) manually using a rotary switch in the cockpit.
An electronic differential lock (EDL) acting on all four wheels supports the fine distribution of the driving force. Perfection down to the details: When driving of on hills, a hill-starting assistant supports the driver of the manual-gearbox versions. It is activated automatically when the Touareg, with the engine running, is stopped on an incline with the foot or parking brake engaged, in first gear (forwards uphill) or reverse (reverse uphill), and the clutch pressed to the floor. When the driver releases the brakes, the car is actively braked and held. The brakes are released gradually when the clutch is engaged, enabling a comfortable uphill start. Drivers of automatic models can also fall back on the same functionality. On steeply declining stretches (more than 20%), an automatic downhill assistant is available for both manual and automatic versions. It is activated when the speed has been reduced to below 20 km/h and ESP is switched on.
If the driver does not apply the accelerator with the car in gear, the Touareg holds a constant speed via braking and rpm reduction in shove mode. The Touareg's commanding climbing capability (100% / 45º) is not its only mark of off-road excellence. The interior is also first class. The Touareg interior is a prime example of sophisticated functionality. A roomy interior and 555-litre luggage compartment (Touareg V10 TDI: 500 litre) make this Volkswagen the ideal holiday vehicle for five travellers. And the synthesis of robust dimensions and elegant details creates an ambience of contemporary luxury reminiscent of a high-class saloon rather than a conventional off-road vehicle. A solid foundation of equipment: First introduced in the Phaeton, the Touareg is available with optional 4-zone Climatronic, which enables passengers in the left and right rear seat area to adjust the air-conditioning individually. The Touareg V6 comes standard with manual air conditioning and the Touareg V10 TDI with a 2-zone Climatronic. High-quality sound systems are also standard features on board. The six-cylinder's system is the radio/CD unit Delta providing 4 x 20 watts of musical power. The ten-cylinder version boasts a system offering 300 watts of sound. The Touareg V10 TDI comes standard with keyless entry; open and close the doors with the touch of a hand, start with the push of a button. The flagship Touareg V10 TDI comes standard with the otherwise optional Keyless Access system. With it, the driver can always keep the key — equipped with a transponder — in his or her pocket. The Touareg recognises its driver using the transponder; when he or she touches the door handle, the vehicle unlocks the door. The engine is started by pressing a button.
