Test Drive Volkswagen Touareg 2002 - 2007 SUV

The most popular Volkswagen.

There is more than the former Volkswagen former ... Of course, in Wolfsburg, everything still goes to her as well as, however, and on the other plants that collect folk cars. Stop! Here I made a reservation
 

Just a people's brand in the initial understanding of the word People and did not. With the advent of the representative Phaeton, and then the premium soldier Touareg, Folswagen made it clear that the interests of the company stretch much further than budget automotive segments. And, despite the presence in the line, for example, the budget pointter, it is the premium SUV that has become the main boomer of the brand, which has achieved a semi-overvant increase in sales in Russia. By the way, Touareg was ahead of clearly at least premium competitors: BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Let's try to evaluate: why this model became the most popular.

 

It became the most affordable one that was the most affordable, but, in my opinion, one of the most balanced versions, packed with 3.2-liter gasoline V6. In the database there is a powerful 240-strong motor, a 6-speed Tiptronic machine, a blockable central differential, the presence of a reduced transmission and clearance of 240 mm, is quite sufficient to master the virgin and broken Petersburg roads.

 

The cabin is quiet and comfortable: noise insulation in all versions is equally good. But there will be no flattery: just comfortable, without any excesses.
  
The finish is neutral and a bit boring, if you look at the Mercedes or Porsche salons before it. Even inserts under grinding aluminum do not strongly change the picture. And fabric upholstery is not the most premium solution. However, sit comfortable. Is that the front armchairs seemed to me too soft, as if the car was intended for fixing trips with mandatory observance of the speedway and exceptionally slow manipulation of the steering wheel. In the turns behind the steering wheel, it was necessary to stay, as it was not enough lateral support. White scales were clearly visible and readable. The steering wheel itself is convenient and functional, just closing the grip on ten and two hours desperately prevented thin parallel knitting needles. The location of the steering switches did not like: they were too low, and their images overlap again the steering knitting needles.

  

Road tires (obviously not for the season) Let it be resorted to the impression, but it was not part of our plans to get stuck in the ears of the suburbs and Len-region. And the aspirations of the car with us completely coincided. On the snow-covered highway moved in the mode of increased transmission Touareg cheerfully reacting to steering actions and maneuvering, strictly following commands. From time to time, the system of course stability reassured the arrogant driver with a decrease in fuel supply and brazing the wheels. It costs to include reduced transmission and block differentials, as Touareg deftly climbed into small bumps and descended on the slopes. The main thing is not to forget about the clearance: the suspension on the V6 spring, so 240 mm and that's it. There would be a pneumatic suspension maximum road clearance could be increased to 300 mm. But for it will have to pay about $ 3,500.


In the mode of Drive I take off the accelerator to the floor: it follows a short jerk, pause, and then smooth, but confident acceleration. Approximately the same thing happens in the Sport selector position, only the transmission turns on faster, the motor spins longer, and about the sixth speed automaton and forgets.
Nothing forgets only the ESP, once again obsessed with spectacular (with the planned rear axle drift), the Volkswagen car dealership. Again, unpleasant sounds to me, automatic reset of gas, brazing ... The next time I will disable this system.
 



Prices:
Touareg cost about 60 thousand dollars in the test configuration. In addition to the basic configuration, there were 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather multifunctional steering wheel, bixenon, chromium package and several other options. The lower price threshold is $ 4,8080 per 2.5-liter turbodiesel with a manual transmission. The basic cost of gasoline V6 with a mechanical CAT will cost $ 56,663. With a machine gun - $ 2160 more expensive.
 


The car is provided for the test Volkswagen auto center of the classic.
During the dough, the car is insured by Rosno.
 
Text: Alexander Korchenko
Photo: Roman Stunnin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     

 
 

A source: Magazine "Wheels" [№101 / 2006]