Available in blue … and other colors
by Lori Lovely
Know your audience when trying to impress with four-wheel dazzle. The response I got from an unlicensed British friend upon hearing I was on my way to Duke Gold’s Speedway Volkswagen to pick up a Touareg was, “What in the world are you going to do with a little blue veiled man?” The Touareg, for which Volkswagen’s new SUV is named, are a nomadic, matriarchal tribe from the Sahara, shrouded in mystery and myth, known for the bluish tint that seeps into their skin from the indigo-dyed robes and veils they wear.
But the satisfying reaction of eager anticipation from my resident Volkswagen expert met my expectations. Like many Volkswagen fans — some of whom have spent years off-roading through Baja in modified Bugs — my husband was curious to see VW’s initial introduction to the competitive sport utility market. He wasn’t disappointed. In fact, the midsize luxury SUV (voted car of the year) surprised us both. Although it shares a few styling keys with its cousin, the Porsche Cayenne, there’s no mistaking this VW on steroids for any other make. Clean, uncomplicated lines speak to its stylish sophistication, while its attractively subtle, richly detailed interior clearly badge it as a Volkswagen. Interior amenities impress. Heated seats front and rear (although it seats only five); 12-way adjustable seats for both front seats; genuine burled wood trim; tilting and telescoping steering wheel; air-conditioned glove box for cool storage; dual climate zones; optional Navigation System; pass-through for skis; and 71 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat — yes, flat. The cabin is quiet, luxurious, spacious and comfortable — just as you’ve come to expect from Volkswagen. Volkswagen has masterfully blended refined design with brawny attributes. But, the handsome, beefy appearance isn’t all for show. Like the people it’s named for, Touareg is independent and full of fire. High ground clearance and rugged suspension testify to its off-road capabilities. Built on a steel unit-body chassis with internal frame rails for added strength, Touareg’s highly rigid structure doesn’t bend or buckle under rough conditions, and contributes to its smooth ride and stability at high speeds. Features enhancing Touareg’s performance include a permanent all-wheel-drive system, electronic stability program, adaptive torque distribution, locking center differential, automatic hill-descent control and low-range gears. An optional air suspension with adjustable ride height and continuous damping control is said to be super-smooth, but the standard steel suspension we experienced was impressive. Once known as undisputed kings of the desert, the Touareg people remain strong, noble and proud, surviving in the harshest conditions. Like them, this nomadic SUV can surmount most obstacles when pushed to the off-road limit. Just as the brochure promises, it swallows potholes like popcorn. Gravel roads become smooth surfaces. Handling is well-mannered, requesting only a light touch for immediate response. A little initial understeer is soon overcome by excess grip. Throw it into a tight turn, mash the pedal and be prepared for it to snap you around the corner with surprising rapidity and precision. It can be driven on a 35-degree offset angle if asked, and it can ford up to 22 inches of standing water. But let’s not get into that; I’m still trying to explain to Speedway VW’s Ron Vanaggs why I didn’t bring him any crawdads from my last test drive — no need to cause alarm with details of everywhere I take his cars! The new Audi A8 L engine delivers good acceleration and plenty of torque. Although the Touareg is a heavy vehicle, it gets off the line quickly without wheel spin. Borrowing from the Audi again, its luxury-grade six-speed automatic tranny is smooth. Uncharacteristically, I preferred the automatic to the Tiptronic mode, where the first three gear ratios are very short. Dropping off a muddy Touareg at Duke Gold’s after a thorough workout, the sales staff pointed out my “next” review: the 2004 Phaeton — a black beauty the length of a football field with a W12 under the hood, priced at a “mere” $89 grand. Wonder if I’ll have to explain to my Brit pal that there is a roof, and the only “horses” are under the hood.
