Volkswagen Touareg V10 tdi

The platform for the Touareg is the same as the one on the Porsche Cayenne. The platform was developed by Porsche and the company shares it with VW and Audi and in return, VW builds Cayenne bodies at its plant in Bratislava. Though these SUVs might share the same platform, the Volkswagen Touareg has a huge advantage that the others don’t – the diesel motor. And, this feature is most important especially in a country like India. What everybody wants to know now is how well this mighty, diesel powered, luxury SUV would do in India. Read on to find out.

The Touareg is designed to look the part; a sturdy, no nonsense SUV. Once you get past the oversized VW badge, details like the simple headlight cluster set behind a well-rounded bumper and bonnet V, the flared body and wheels arches and the overall rugged look of the Touareg is quite unique. The inside of the Touareg, unlike its rugged exterior, gives the impression of luxury and the multiple textures and materials used in the cabin gives it a high-quality feel. The central console is a labyrinth of buttons and the rear seat comfort is also quite good.

Where the Touareg loses points is that some of the plastics used look tacky and legroom for rear passengers could do with some improvement. Even in first gear, the Touareg lunges forward almost like a sports car as you get squeezed hard in your seat owing to the V10 engine that thrusts you forward on a wave of torque and induction. A hundred kilometres per hour comes up in 6.7 seconds! The Touareg might not have the poise or agility of a BMW X5 but for an SUV that weighs as much as the Touareg, it has very driver-friendly handling. Come to a short stretch, steady the moving mass of the car and let rip a three or four-second burst — it’s as fun as letting off a few rounds on a machine pistol. Then it’s hard on the brakes as you steer for the next corner and let off another five-second burst to get the smile back on your face.

A drive along the Autobahn and the speed went up to 220kph, yet the stability of the Touareg, even on such high speeds, was perfect and the V10 is capable of handling this kind of driving without being stressed or strained. In addition, the efficient six-speed gearbox, strong brakes and the light but progressive steering enhance the drive experience. The only thing that causes slight discomfort is the thumpy low-speed ride.

Technical data

Volkswagen Touareg V10 tdi

Top speed 231kph

0-100kph 6.7sec

Length 4754mm

Width 1928mm

Height 1703mm

Wheelbase 2855mm

Turning Circle 11.6m

Kerb weight 2524kg

Engine 10cyls, in Vee, 4921cc, turbocharged

Installation Front longitudinal

Power 309bhp at 3750rpm

Torque 76kgm at 2000rpm

Gearbox 6-speed auto

Suspension (F/R) Double wishbone, air springs, adaptive dampers, anti-roll bar

Brakes (F/R) 350/330mm ventilated discs

Fuel tank 100 litres

Boot 555-1570 litres

Tyres 225/55 ZR18