So we got a 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
Continuing our series on Volkswagen (hey, they’re offering us car after car, so why not), this week we have the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg, a 4×4 that shares its platform with the pricier Porsche Cayenne. Considering we drove a Porsche Cayenne V6 just a few weeks ago, it felt a whole lot similar, yet different.
Aside from the typical VW template styling, which could be considered either classy or boring at the same time, the Touareg gives off an air of premium quality that the Americans have been recently trying to duplicate, but are falling short.
Still, stylish touches include the polygon exhaust tips, the understated metallic trim and the tasteful use of LED lights both front and back.
The interior is lined with soft-touch materials in just the right places, enough so that you don’t notice the hard-plastics bits. And with matching cloth trim everywhere from the front A-pillars all the way to the panoramic roof covering, this VW makes you feel like you’re getting your money’s worth.
The Touareg is “only” a 5-seater, so those shopping for a bus should look elsewhere. We were perfectly happy with the huge space it offers as is.
Of course the Porsche boasts a funkier interior, more premium materials, better handling and an unmistakable exterior. But with the options on offer in the VW, along with a similarly-ideal driving position and identical V6 drivetrains, the Touareg easily gives off an “80% Cayenne” vibe.
The Touareg would’ve become our favourite 4×4 in its price range, were it not for the lack of low-range gearing. But considering most of its competitors are losing their off-road heritage, largely because no one ventures off-road with their premium SUVs, the Touareg is in a good position. More in the full review.
Comments
Davis
Ah! so some of presumptions were correct. Can’t wait for the road test / full review. I think the base price of AED 185,000 maybe deemed expensive by many (including me to a large extent) but I still think its quite good.
Aarav
base price is 155,000 which is abt the same as the base prado :O
hellboy
no low-range??? the previous ones had it yea.?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Yep.
Shibu Daniel
Sp, its coming on the recommended list ??
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Don’t know yet.
Shibu Daniel
So*
Orion
Finally…awaiting the full review and especially the handling part since the new one is more tuned to be driven “on road” and how about a ‘comparo’ between prado/touareg/jeep GC..
Last thing..how did the a/c fare?as a friend had a 2009MY and in summers he had to drive with gloves on! no kidding..
Justin
Ur right about the AC.. I had a 08′ Touareg V8.. and the wood trim on the steering did not help..
Besides that it was a pretty good car..
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
great a/c in this one.
Mohamed
VW gave me this car as a replacement for more than a month. Great handling and interior. BUT AC is very very bad. On top of that it was leather seats so try parking it in the sun for an hour! And the worst was the 8 speed gearbox. The car was always hesitating on the gear that it should be on! I will never buy this car or any other VW in the GCC again!
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
the one you drove had probably crapped out.
Asad A.
VW gave you the 2011 Touareg as a replacement car? .. and that too for a month??
Mohamed
It was only 3000 km!
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Haha. Tells you something then. What VW do you have? And how’s it running?
Rahul Jones
Today I saw 2 touaregs of this same color. First one on Al Maktoum bridge going towards Karama. And second one in Karama parked next to Damas Jewellers. I noted both of their number plate and second one happened to be your test car…… Yeah…. 🙂
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
There’s a Damas in Karama?
Rahul Jones
There used to be one. Not sure if there is one now. There is Tourist Trading if I am not wrong even now. Where my dad bought me cycles and electric scooters from during my childhood days.
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Hehe, I already know which gold shop you mean. You just got the name wrong.
Rahul Jones
Ah….. Ya. Lol
rka
looks more soft..
Ghazy
is it noisy? and what do u recommend a touareg or a prado? are the spare parts really pricy?
ROJ
Could you provide an idea about the running costs..
Some car review sites even offer you the prices of service intervals and consumable parts..
This can help alot when shopping for a car..
ROJ
I like this car but reviews about reliability and expenses makes me hesitate about VW, could anyone enlighten me about this part?
marc
just got released: a 2015 facelift of the touareg
http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1404-2015-volkswagen-touareg-refreshed-china/