Due to much support with the first generation Touareg, Volkswagen has decided to launch the second generation Touareg—with roots tracing towards Porsche’s Cayenne. As both brands work in sync, Volkswagen has very predictably launched their Touareg Hybrid—not too long after the launch of the Cayenne Hybrid. With much speculation on whether to adapt to environmental changes, we come to see how installing a hybrid into the popular Touareg SUV, changes the game.
· Design & Engineering:
From the front, the Touareg Hybrid features a slightly rugged, chunky feel, unlike its predecessor. Such acute styling his has to be one of the minute things that simply bug me. On the first generation Touareg, the face of the vehicle was rounder and slightly more appealing. Though VW claims that such styling improves aerodynamics, the front of the vehicle still manages to seem relatively odd. Nevertheless, environmentally friendly hints linger discretely around the vehicle—such as the tiny word: HYBRID inserted into the front grill, and along the side and rear of the vehicle. From the side, the SUV looks smart and clean, once again with chrome outlining the windowsills. From the rear, the Touareg appeals to me, due to the use of avantgarde styling. For instance, the chrome tailpipes come in the form of elongated triangles. The hybrid version also features LED bulbs for its tail lamps making them comparatively sharper than the normal Touareg.
· Interior
I must say, that the Touareg has improved by leaps and bounds, compared to the first generation model. For instance, high quality leathers have been woven into the interior, swallowing most empty spaces. The steering wheel is properly made and properly squishy to the touch, making it perfect for a large SUV. The multi-function steering wheel features many different commands, such as volume control, center console control, etc. The dashboard features easy to read dials, flanked by a large colour screen, featuring the current statistics for the hybrid and engine motor, radio station, GPS navigation, etc. The center console features a large and high-definition touch screen, mated to a superb factory fitted sound system. In addition, it features a built-in hard drive, front and rear parking sensors, along with power flow indicators. Both front seats are electronically adjustable, offering superb support, and comfort. All around, passengers will be pampered with increased space all over (to be precise, the wheelbase has been increased by 38mm, from the first generation SUV). In short, the term ‘luxury’ can be applied to the vehicle, due to the use of top-notch materials, which provide for a solid feel. At the rear, passengers are pampered with rear-air conditioning, along with an optional panoramic glass roof.
· Ride & Handlings
Under the hood, the same 3.0-liter supercharged engine derived from Audi’s S4 makes its debut once more in the Touareg Hybrid. In the S4, the engine is badged as a TFSI. Obviously the latter features a TSI engine. Considering that the engine and hybrid system is similar to the Cayenne’s we can assume that the Touareg’s combined outputs add up to be similar to Porsche’s 380BHP and 580Nm—figures significantly higher than a 3.6-litre standard engine Touareg(280BHP, 360Nm). Just as the Cayenne does, the VW can be driven by either the electric motor, or the combustion engine. At speeds of 50km/h, the Touraeg can run entirely on the electric motor—in essence meaning that it the large SUV can run emission free at certain speeds. With the century sprint achieved in around 6.2-6.5 seconds, and a higher top speed of 240km/h, as opposed to the 3.6-liter combustion engine’s 228km/h. Impressive for a vehicle weighing in at slightly over 2-tonnes. As a nice surprise, one cannot feel the switch between the combustion motor to the electric motor—making for a nice experience indeed. As always, with the addition of an electric motor, off-road capabilities are unaffected. C’est magnifique.
· Verdict
This vehicle is the reason on why I do not write about Cayenne’s. The Touareg is definitely on par with the Cayenne, and surpasses in many areas—that is, if you don’t mind being badged as a ‘people’s car driver’…
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