NOMAD’S LAND
‘Not bad’ is the classic understatement for Volkswagen’s first ever SUV. In fact, it’s very good, feels Harmaan R A J Madon
Oh, forget about all that talk about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Instead, let’s talk about versatility for that is what the Touareg is. It’s not about duality of character; it’s about all the roles the Touareg can play. Mud plugger? Given the right tyres, sure. Expressway cruiser? Easy as can be. Barnstormer? That too.
So, what are the antecedents of Wolfsburg’s first 4×4? It was developed to complete the VW range, which had until then been all about hatchbacks, family estates and executive saloons. VW and Porsche collaborated on the design and engineering. Indeed, under the skin, the humble Touareg shares a lot with its high society cousin – the Porsche Cayenne. The world got its first taste of the Touareg back in 2003, at a time when Volkswagen wasn’t even vaguely on the Indian car buyer’s radar. Now, seven years later, we get to drive it. 
The Touareg’s stance leaves you in no doubt about its off-road credentials. It does appear rather utilitarian though, and the styling won’t attract comment. It’s as bland as cotton wool. The nose does have a dull chrome centrepiece, which immediately draws the family lineage to the Passat. Step inside and it feels plain ho-hum. It’s really well put together, no doubt about it, but the cabin lacks verve or flair. Sober dual tones and plain lines dominate. The steering wheel with its array of buttons really feels a decade old in 2010. 
The engine cranks to life mutedly and indeed, this is a brilliantly refined motor. In fact, it’s the same 240PS 3.0-litre V6 that lurks under the bonnet of the Q7, the Q5 and lately, the Cayenne diesel. It is mated to a six-speed Tiptronic gearbox and Volkswagen’s version of an all-wheel drive called 4XMotion. An electronic centre differential and low range are part of the package, endowing the Touareg with considerable off-road ability, as you can see from our photographs. The Touareg also has sophisticated traction control and hill descent control which are worked by the brakes. Sensors on each wheel detect slippage and slow each wheel automatically. It’s not entirely foolproof however, and if driven spiritedly, you can feel the Touareg scrabbling for grip with mild oversteer. 
The flat floor and high ground clearance give the Touareg true off-road credentials. Our test car was hampered by tyres which were biased for tarmac use. Yet it still managed to scale a muddy hillside at 29 degrees, which is quite good, although VW claim the Touareg can manage 45 degree slopes. The claimed side slope angle of 35 degrees isn’t to be taken lightly either. Low range is selected by a rotary knob on the centre tunnel and you have the option of locking the centre diff as well.
On the way to the quarry for our photo shoot, we had to take a narrow road with patchy bitumen surfacing and numerous blind crests. The rate at which the Touareg covers ground in the real world is an eye-opener. You can exploit the smooth and punchy engine – a large reason for this is the double-
wishbone suspension at each corner. The Touareg enjoys good wheel articulation and precise control so when you’re in the driver’s seat you always know what’s going on. Our car didn’t have the optional air suspension, but even the standard dampers are totally sorted. This is the flexibility I was referring to earlier; be it on broken village roads, through a quarry or out on the expressway, the Touareg always felt game for the task. In traffic, the wide Touareg will have you wincing as its overly pessimistic proximity sensors go off. Switching them off might seem like a good idea, but then given our bizarre traffic sense, it’s best to leave them on. You can live with the beeps!
The armchair-like seating is very comfortable as well and even after an entire day in the car, fatigue is at a minimum. The Touareg will acquit itself well with the country’s fat cats, as I experienced at a tea break on the expressway. Two businessmen and their burly armed guards spent more than a few minutes taking a look around the car and even asked so take a peek inside. It has only five seats though and that might restrict its appeal for some. There aren’t even jump seats for the last row, but then you do have a huge boot which could easily swallow a small refrigerator or washing machine. 
Would you buy one? Would I buy one, if I had that kind of money? Here’s what: it is as well-engineered and built as any of its more premium competition. At Rs 61.9 lakh (on- road Pune), it is quite a bit cheaper than its obvious rivals. It is a curious case for sure. While the VW is a good ten lakh cheaper than either the ML or the X5, it’s about the same amount more than Audi’s Q5, which also has only five seats. Arguably, the Touareg is better off-road and more spacious. Buy it if you like that underdog status. It is an understated yet hugely capable SUV.
Refined and punchy, the Touareg’s engine complements the character of this SUV
Parking sensors might be pessimistic, but are useful in our traffic nonetheless
You have to open the spare wheel mount before you can access the rear compartment. Could be troublesome in a confined space. On the other hand, it does allow the rear to open like a hatch rather than a door
Smart key means key slot is redundant. You can however turn the key to crank the engine in the conventional way if you like.
Low range and differential lock can be selected by this knob on the centre tunnel. You have to be stationary though.
The Touareg has tremendous breadth of ability, even on road tyres
