So we got a 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

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.

Leave a Reply to rka Cancel reply

*

Comments

  1. 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.

  2. no low-range??? the previous ones had it yea.?

  3. Sp, its coming on the recommended list ??

  4. 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..

  5. 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!

  6. 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…. 🙂

  7. is it noisy? and what do u recommend a touareg or a prado? are the spare parts really pricy?

  8. 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..

  9. I like this car but reviews about reliability and expenses makes me hesitate about VW, could anyone enlighten me about this part?

Browse archives

Share This