Test drive Volkswagen Touareg 2007 - 2010 SUV

Golden autumn

Due to the fuel crisis, the demand for voracious all-terrain vehicles falls all over the world in Europe, Asia, and even in the USA. But what about abroad? The proportion of all -terrain vehicles in the Russian market is steadily increasing. If the record prices for a barrel of oil somehow influenced the choice of our compatriots, then this was expressed only in the growth of the popularity of machines that consume diesel fuel. It is curious that among the most popular in the class of medium diesel all -terrain vehicles were not relatively affordable defender or action, but expensive and prestigious XC90 and Tuareg. What is not a reason to meet the barrier?
Higher and higher
These two have always been popular. But now, closer to the sunset, both are simply bathing in the rays of fame sales of both models are increasing record pace. By the way, our heroes are far from young, but they look wonderful. A demonstrational moment of a recent cosmetic update (restyling Volvo happened in the spring of 2006, and Volkswagen in the spring of 2007) practically did not affect appearance. The correct sign is that the stylists in Wolfsburg and Gothenborg got into the point from the very beginning.
Tuareg, in our opinion, is generally the most charismatic and spectacular among the current cars of the brand. And xc90, rising in a road stream, like an iceberg among small ice floes, directly radiates quality and safety, well, real Volvo!
Off-road business class
In the year of his debut, Tuareg set a new standard for decorating the passenger compartment of expensive all -terrain vehicles. Perhaps, before Volkswagen, no one had such a luxurious and spectacular interior, including even a ranger. But even five years later, the inner world of Tuareg is still impressive, it seems, it seems that he has not aged at all. A noble nut veneer will like even those who do not tolerate wooden decoration. The work of all governing bodies, without exception, is characterized by German quality. A high landing and the SUV Arsenal buttons generously scattered along the central console create the impression that you are driving something more serious than just a passenger passenger car.
 
      
Righter than in the Passat, no worse than that of Phaeton, the interior of Tuareg is finished very richly
In the literal sense, the square pillow of the seat is possible a little more than a more pronounced stop for the hips
In the ceiling console, if only you want, you can install the garage gate control panel
 
      
Volkswagen's glove box is deeper
The monumental central console easily accommodated a couple of cup holders and boxes for small things
The display clearly displays transmission modes
 
   
Folkswagen parking sensors is simply necessary, but the rear view camera would look more appropriate here
The main off -road center of the Tuareg with modes switches and adjusting the road clearance
 
And yet the Germans, perhaps, went too far. There is hardly a real need for the dashboard framing the voltmeter and the temperature of the engine oil. Another minus overabundance of buttons and small explanatory icons. For people whose vision is at least slightly different from one, this can become a problem.
 
      
Perhaps some decoration materials and give out the age of the model, but in general, Volvo still looks expensive and comfortable
The driver’s drive is included in the premium package, separately it is too expensive 21,700 rubles.
For 2700 rubles. rear -view mirror can be equipped with a compass
 
    
A two-story box between the seats is perfect for the role of the storage of the CDs
The glove box is small in volume, but comfortable holders for drinks are provided in its lid
Rotating the ring on the steering wheel switch, it is convenient to flip the computer menu
 
   
In the seats of the third row, only adolescents no higher than 160 cm will comfortably place. It will not be difficult to get there, but first you have to fold the back and throw off a massive pillow
Climate control Volvo is intuitive
 
 
Volvo is only a year older than a year, but in the XC90 salon you can already stumble upon decisions that give age to the age of the model. For example, the microscopic display of the radio or solid plastic buttons and switches that does not correspond to the prestigious status of the car. However, if you close your eyes to these little things and these are really trifles, then Volvo will not give in to the Tuareg. Here, perfectly readable devices, adding confidence, commander landing, weapons clarity of the switches and sensitive care of each passenger, expressed at least in individual deflectors in all ranks of the seats.
And the whole is better!
Volvo is one of the few all-terrain vehicles that can be bought with a 7-seater salon. And although for the third row of seats they ask for not cheap from 76,100 to 79,200 rubles. Depending on the engine, this option is extremely useful. If only because XC90 was originally created seven -seater, and in the trimmed configuration it is simply less convenient.
 
 
 
Only the central head restraints of Volvo sofas and Volkswagen do not interfere with the review back

By paying for the third row, you get two additional chairs, which, if necessary, can be removed to the floor, clearing the place in the trunk. A pleasant addition will be the longitudinal adjustment of the seats of the second row in the 5-seater version of this is not provided. If you still decide to save money, take into account the wolvo sofa pillow is quite short. And despite the royal space, a whole meter between the pillow and the ceiling is especially impressive! Sitting is not too convenient, because the hips are not enough support.
Tuareg can only be 5-seater. Apparently, for reasons of prestige. But all five are provided with complete comfort, even despite the traditional molding of the sofa for two persons. Nevertheless, in our opinion, the third row of seats of Volkswagen would not damage the custom-made third row of seats.
 
The dimensions are given in centimeters.
* The distance from the seat pillow to the ceiling. The space for the legs of the seated rear is indicated provided that the driver’s growth is 185 cm.
** The maximum volume of the trunk.
A deceiving impression
At first glance, Tuareg trunk makes a much more solid impression. Smaller loading height, a larger diagonal opening of the fifth door, but the main thing is convincing dimensions of the hold itself. Two large road suitcases are easily placed to the level of windows in Volkswagen, and a place for a couple of medium -sized bags remains on top. In Volvo, such a focus will not pass the distance from the floor to a shelf by 7 cm less. And by the minimum volume of the trunk, Volkswagen confidently replays the opponent 555 versus 480 liters.
But it is worth folding the sofa, XC90 plays out lost, offering the regulars of hypermarkets a luxurious field of activity from the back of the front seat to the edge of the trunk as many as 2 meters! Yes, and according to the maximum volume of XC90, it is rehabilitated, confidently, by more than 300 liters, bypassing Tuareg.
 
  

 
   
The trunk of Volvo is especially good when transporting long -meters
But the Tuareg has a noticeably larger useful volume of the hold with a 5-seater layout
 
And yet, paying tribute to the trunk of both, we will not forget that in the class of medium -sized all -around there are trucks and more talented ones. For example, Nissan Passender.
You will not believe
In Russia, Tuareg can be bought with two different diesel engines. Moreover, even a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter is very good. Excellent thrust at low speeds and a well-tuned 5-speed machine allow you to rightfully occupy the left row of the highway and do not create problems in the city. But if the R5, as they say, is eaten by 160 km/h, then the 3-liter TDI recently appeared on sale at such a speed is just starting to taste. The 225-horsepower V-shaped six declares about its diesel roots only a moderate appetite of an average of 1213 liters per hundred, but it bullets that thoroughbred gasoline V6.
A person is ignorant and will not guess that such wonderful accelerations are available to diesel. Even with 160, the Tuareg is intensively accelerating until it exchanges the third hundred. Moreover, there is no need to convert the Tiptronics selector into mode S or switch to pseudo -rowing switching. Firstly, when the maximum revolutions are reached, the machine itself increases the transmission. And secondly, a short working range of diesel implies frequent switching. Why all this, if you can dynamically and without straining go in a drive?
 
The Volvo diesel has only one 2.4-liter in-line five with a capacity of 185 liters. With. The Swedish D5 is a little faster than the 175-horsepower toileg, but is quite predictably inferior to the diesel six. True, a slightly more rigid hydrotransformer with a parallel start allows Volvo as if to stay along with a more powerful tuager, but by the time the speedometer arrow is affected with a mark of 100 km/h, it voluntments that the opponent has no longer there are no miracles. Of course, to the maximum for himself 190 km/h, he also gets very controversial and unnecessary. Nevertheless, the degree of freedom that the German 3-liter diesel is guaranteed to its owner deserves a whole score of prestige. CHs90 rides well, the tuareg is excellent.
There are no complaints about the brakes. On XC90-D5 and Tuareg-3,0TDI are the same powerful discs as on 8-cylinder versions of these all-terrain vehicles. It is not surprising that slowdown at any speed does not cause problems.
Has the right to
An excellent turbodiesel accelerates Tuareg cleaner than other gasoline engines, and a magnificent chassis allows the driver of a heavy and high all -terrain vehicle almost passenger liberties. At least this is true for Volkswagen with pneumatic suspension. On the highway, Tuareg is impeccable up to maximum speed as a machine as if primagnet to asphalt. And these are not empty words. At 125 km/h, pneumatics lowers the clearance by 25 mm, and by 180 per centimeter. The steering wheel becomes less sensitive, which means that maneuvers at high speed are predictable and safe.
In corners, however, high mass and solid clearance make themselves felt. Even if you slightly overdo it at speed, the car squats on the inner wheel, and the tires are painfully squealing, asking for mercy. The steering wheel here is not enough a good portion of reactive effort. Incidentally, the 175-horsepower tuareg liked more apparently, the problem is the larger mass of a 3-liter diesel and other tires. In any case, Volkswagen will steer a worse Volvo.
The character of the XC90, like any model from Gotharg, is more likely family than gambling. Reliable exchange rate stability on the highway is his main virtue. Even at the maximum wolf, Volvo is unshakable and confident in himself as an experienced sailor. But in corners it is tapping that the schooner is in bad weather. Everyone, as they say, is his own.
The nobility itself
The three -liter Tuareg turbodiesel resembles gasoline motors not only with dynamics, but also with delightfully quiet work. A characteristic diesel breakfast is practically not heard either at the wheel or outside. And it doesn’t matter whether the engine works on idle or at the revolutions of the red zone. Super!
The Swedish diesel is not so well brought up. With the first turn of the key in the ignition lock, the wolvo salon is filled with a quite tangible hum. Well, at least, both the steering wheel and the gearbox selector are carefully isolated from characteristic diesel vibrations.
But only good can be said about the smoothness of both of them. And the Iron Hs90 suspension with shock absorbers and springs, and the pneumatics of Volkswagen carefully care about comfort for their riders. Small bumps simply do not notice, and to force their long -flowing suspension to work on a breakdown of the task not of the lungs.
I can and can
Each time Tuareg is called a SUV, Volkswagen sellers experience little stress. How can you belittle his abilities! After all, other professional all -terrain vehicles will envy the energy coats of power of this crossover: a powerful reducing gear, blocking the center differential, an air suspension that increases the road clearance to 275 mm, and a specially configured ABS that allows a slip in the mud. By order of any version, except for a 3-liter turbodiesel, you can even install a self-locking differential of the rear axle. Add an impressive geometric patency to this, and you will understand that formally a Tuareg is a serious all -terrain vehicle.
And in fact, the tasks that would be Volkswagen too much, almost does not exist. He plays playfully from a deep rut, does not graze in loose sand, and he copes with diagonal hanging at a time. It is only necessary to remember that the off -road abilities of Tuareg are not confirmed by off -road endurance. Take a look at the thin, almost passenger levers of independent suspension or protection of the crankcase made of plastic. Anyway, what a serious rogue without a spar frame? Crush on your nose: you can jeop on the Tuareg, but extremely carefully. The account for non -planned repairs will easily ruin the entire high from the dashing off -road sortie.
However, there is no need to dream about such adventures at the wheel of Volvo. The advertising booklet, however, assures that the XC90 provides comfort, even when you climbed into the mud on the radiator grille. But this is not even funny. In order not to be in such a situation, remember: Volvo, unlike Tuareg, does not claim the title of an all -terrain vehicle. By and large, this is a station wagon of increased capacity with increased road clearance. A full -wheel drive transmission Volvo is needed primarily for safe driving on slippery coating, but not for jeeping.
However, the XC90 cannot be called completely helpless outside the asphalt. As in many modern SUVs, the stabilization system for slipping imitates the work of inter -degree differentials, so Volvo still has a chance to get out of the diagonal trap. But it is better not to move on it from a solid coating.
As good as it gets
At one time, it was KHs90 that the first of the all -terrain vehicles received five stars in Euroncap crackes. And today his passive security does not cause questions. Still, because even in the basic configuration, Volvo has everything that is needed and even more: six pillows, ABS, active head restraints of the front seats, an anti -bowling system and a dynamic stabilization program (DSTC) with an RSC subsystem that prevents the car overturning. And for an additional 40,200 rubles. You can order a radar Blis, warning about objects in zones of zero visibility.
By the way, a similar scanner for a Tuareg costs half as much as 19,918 rubles. But most importantly, Volkswagen is not inferior to Volvo in terms of security. Here are the same 5 stars from Euroncap and an exhaustive set of equipment from ABS and ESP up to six airbags and mounts for children's chairs isofix.
Full bowl
Medium -sized alternate all -around from Europe will never be cheap, but in your power to make them phenomenally expensive. The fact is that with a magnificent basic equipment both Tuareg and XC90, they offer the widest selection of additional equipment. There are several options for decorating a salon from suede and skin of both ordinary and improved dressing, and all the achievements of the multimedia industry, including DVD players, navigation systems, musical centers of the HIFI class, television tuners and much, much more. The base diesel 5-seater Volvo with the manual transmission costs 1,532,900 rubles. Having added an absolutely necessary automatic machine and a very desirable third row, we get 1,670,400 rubles.
This is cheaper than Tuareg-3,0TDI on air suspension for 1,753,259 rubles. Although those who wish to save can choose the base R5 CO with a 175-horsepower turbodiesel on an iron suspension of 1,419,272 rubles.
 
If you are not embarrassed by the price of the RNS510 navigation system with MP3 and DVD-video player (from 79,148 rubles), order a set of acoustics and the Dinaudio amplifier for 50,669 rubles.
The warranty for both cars is 2 years, however, the Volkswagen does not negotiate, and Volvo is limited to 100 thousand. But the Swedes from this year have increased the interval interval from 15 to 20 thousand km. But the first one for diesel tuareg will have to pass through 7500 km. Further after 15,000. The total maintenance costs for the first 70 thousand in XC90 will amount to 50,742 rubles, and in Volkswagen 42,902 rubles. Just keep in mind that the price of the latter includes only the replacement of oil and filters, you will have to pay extra for the rest.
In general, high basic prices, the high cost of options, to put it mildly, an expensive service and the absence of a three -year guarantee, which is called, in aggregate, is pulled only on assessment with satisfactory, although with a plus of Volvo.
 
  
Volvo XC90 D5
Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 TDI
 
 
general information
 
Body, number of places/doors
Universal, 5/5
 
Equipped mass, kg
2010
2300
 
Dimensions, mm
4805x1900x1785
4755x1930x1725
 
Base, mm
2855
2855
 
Road clearance, mm
220
210
 
Trunk volume (5/2 places), l
480/1835
555/1570
 
The diameter of the turn, m
12.7
11.6
 
Speed, km/h
190
205
 
Acceleration 0-100 km/h, with
11.5
8.9
 
Fuel consumption, l/100 km (highway/city)
7.4/11.9
8.6/14.1
 
Fuel supply, l
80
one hundred
 
 
Engine
 
Location
Front transversely
Front longing
 
Design
5-cyl., In a row turbodiesel
6-cyl., V-shaped turbodiesel
 
Diam. Tsil. x stroke piston., mm
81x93
83x91
 
Working volume, SMZ
2400
2967
 
Max. Power, l. With. at rpm
185/4000
225/4000
 
Torque, kgsm at rpm
40.8/2000-2750
51/1750
 
 
Chassis
 
Drive unit
On all wheels
 
Transmission
6-st. Automatic
 
Transporting numbers: I; II; III; IV; V; VI; Z.Kh.
4.1; 2.4; 1.6; 1.2; 0.9;
0,7; 3,4
5.4; 3; 1.8; 1.3; 1;
0,8; 4,5
 
main gear
3.7
3.3
 
Suspension:
Independent
 
spring
Pneumatic
 
front
Type McEzerson
on double transverse levers
 
behind
Mollycent
 
Steering
rack type with amplifier
 
Brakes
Disk ventilated
 
The size of the tires
235/65 R17
 
Car
13.8 rubles/km
14.95 rub/km
 
price, rub.
1 670 400
1 753 259
 
 
It would seem that cars similar to each other were actually almost opposites. Tuareg (average rating 4.3) is a full -fledged all -terrain vehicle dressed in an elegant dress of a fashionable crossover. On which, however, it is not recommended to be particularly jeeped. A magnificent all -wheel drive transmission provokes the driver to off -road adventures, but limited endurance outside the asphalt threatens to turn into unforeseen expenses for repairs. Volkswagen is so comfortable, convenient and fast that most buyers are not very necessary for its off-road arsenal. That is why the crossover from Wolfsburg in the suit would have been a version of Light with a lightweight all -wheel drive transmission. It produces the Mercedes-Benz asphalt and off-road M-class options.
On the contrary, to advise the creators of XC90 (the average rating of 4.1) to pay more attention to the off -road qualities of the model, even does not come to mind. Why, because the Swedish crossover is almost an ideal family all -around. Large and presentable, it is convenient in everyday use, moderately economical and acceptable, and for years the cherished reputation of a safe and comfortable car allows you to feel completely protected at the wheel of this colossus.
 
Mikhail Medvedev, photo of Maxim Goncharov

 

Source: Magazine buy a car [08/2008]