Volkswagen Touareg test drive since 2010 SUV

Volkswagen Touareg. Tuarean in Russia

Volkswagen Touareg. Price: from 2 083 000 rub. On sale: since 2010

The tribe of Tuaregs living in North Africa is perfectly adapted to life in the desert. But if you transfer these people to our climate, then it will not seem enough for them. I wonder how things are with the cars of the same name? The first acquaintance with the new Volkswagen Touareg took place in a quiet old European. It is clear that even insignificant flaws are not able to identify smooth asphalt. Thank God, mother-Russia still has enough directions that can only be called roads conditionally

Test pilot
Sergey Krestov, 28 years old, automobile journalist, driving experience of 10 years, personal car - Opel Corsa

It immediately catches the eye that the designers of the new Volkswagen Touareg made a kind of liposuction to the car, removing extra rounded forms. At the same time, the car visually looks easier, and it is pure truth: the model has lost 200 kg.

A three -liter turbodiesel is installed under the hood, which is distinguished by excellent dynamic characteristics. At the same time, unlike the diesel engines of previous generations, the sound of the motor inward practically does not penetrate. For this, you should say many thanks to the excellent sound insulation. Outside, a characteristic hidden is heard quite clearly.

As for the ergonomics of the driver’s place, it deserves a solid five. Not even a person who has never traveled to a Touareg will immediately find the necessary governing bodies like adjusting the seats and settings of climate control. Especially pleased with the completely Russified navigation system, communicating with the driver and passengers with a pleasant female voice. Navigation readings are displayed on a large monitor between two dials on the instrument panel.

The first long trip around the city, which took 2.5 hours, began on the eternally loaded MKAD. When driving along the annular on -board computer, a consumption of no more than 8.5 liters per hundred mileage recorded. When it was possible to break out of the operational scope, the Touareg appetite increased to 12 liters. This indicator should be recognized as excellent for dynamic driving on a heavy SUV. The words of gratitude in this case deserve an 8-speed machine that allows the motor to constantly be at optimal speeds. In Kik-Down mode, the electronics instantly switches from the eighth to third gear. This provides maximum acceleration in a short time. The eighth gear is turned on even at a speed of 7080 km/h.

It is pleasant to note that the Normal, Comfort and Sport suspension modes are not nominal. It was possible to check this on my pregnant wife, who really did not like Sport too hard when driving along an uneven road. The wife liked Comfort. But the sports regime captivated me with the possibility of quick maneuvering, during which the car resembles a hockey striker in an attack. During maneuvering, do not forget that you are dealing with a large SUV. And any SUV, whatever one may say, is prone to some delay in the steering mechanism and rolls. At the same time, Volkswagen remains impeccably stable on long straight lines. There is nothing to say about off -road. There Touareg was and remains a real king. It was possible to check this on the roads of the Moscow Region on the roads.

It is very important that German engineers retained a large adjustable clearance, giving complete confidence during overcoming pits and hillocks for the bumers and the bottom you can be completely calm. Touareg belonging to a noble family of true SUVs is evidenced not only by clearance, but also by short overhangs mowed on bumpers.

Even experienced drivers covers excitement when when driving a steep mountain you see only the sky. You experience no less emotions during the descent, when all those in the cabin hang on seat belts. But you should not be afraid of an electronic assistant. The main thing is not to touch the accelerator pedal, and the car will smoothly descend from almost any height. To overcome uneven surfaces and mud bathtubs, it is not necessary to have a non -road driving technique. You just need to increase the clearance and turn on the Off Road mode. True, it must be borne in mind that in the most raised position the suspension practically does not swallow irregularities, and the car rides along the bogram, like a rubber ball along the asphalt. Well, each medal has a reverse side. It is also worth noting: in off -road mode, many Touareg systems change the algorithm of work. In particular, the reviews for pressing the gas pedal are softer. Agree, this is convenient.


We do not love
Tree decoration is designed to emphasize the premium of the model. Beautiful, expensive, prestigious. Luxuriously

Using regulators next to the KP lever, suspension modes are configured. Comfortable


Driving
With active maneuvering at speed, rolls and a slow reaction of the steering are observed.

Salon
The salon is finished with materials of the highest quality.

Comfort
In the cabin, it will be convenient for both the driver and passengers, and in the luggage compartment you can transport materials for small repairs.

Safety
Touareg is one of the safest cars.

Price
The novelty compared to the predecessor has become closer to the premium class, so such a car cannot be cheap.


Advantages and disadvantages
+ Comfort, good cross -country ability, huge selection of options.
- The rolls with active maneuvering and the slow -off rule at high speed.
 

Specifications
Mark and model - VW Touareg 3.0 TDI
Dimensions - 4795x1940x1710 mm
The engine is diesel, V-shaped, 6-cylinder, 2967 cm3, 240 liters. S./4000 min--1
Transmission - automatic, 8 -speed
Dynamics - 218 km/h; 7.8 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Land Rover Discovery, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado


Our opinion
The second generation Touareg has retained the off -road virtues of the predecessor and at the same time more focused on operation in the city. This is the best option for our country. Expensive decoration materials and a variety of equipment unequivocally hint at the belonging to the premium segment.


Author: Sergey Krestov




 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [October 2010]