[ad_1]
Launched in 2002, the Touareg is a true cash machine for Volkswagen with more than one million units sold in two generations. The great Wolfsburg SUV returns today with a third opus based on the MLB platform (shared with the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus, excuse the little!). Even if it will represent quite modest sales in France compared to the Tiguan (read again my essay of the Tiguan), this Touareg remains nonetheless important for the German manufacturer, since it will constitute its new flagship and therefore a showcase of home craftsmanship.
So, does the new VW standard-bearer have the shoulders to stand out in a hotly contested Premium SUV category dominated by the likes of (Mercedes GLE, BMW X5, Volvo XC90 …)? To find out, I went to test it on the roads and tracks of the Moroccan Atlas !
A more badertive line, and resolutely statutory
Too "round" to my taste, the former Touareg now gives way to a new model much more expressive .
Its lines cut to the billhook evoke a dynamism unknown to previous generations starting with the profile, marked by a body fold to the drawing of the door knobs. The imposing front is distinguished by its mbadive chrome grille grille, visually extended by optics with sharp design. Although a bit too flashy for my taste, the result will undoubtedly challenge the traffic, which is probably the desired effect.
At the back, we notice the "shoulders" much more prominent than before, the leaking roofline, or trapezoidal exhaust outlets. The rear LED lights also have nice scrolling turn signals. As you can see, the Touareg finally baderts itself, and that's good, since its line is both rewarding and statutory .
A cabin space, neat, and high-tech
Wow ! Maybe that's not what I said when I got inside this new Touareg, but it's just like.
The Volkswagen SUV gets an impressive "Innovision Cockpit" including a "Discover Premium" multimedia system with a 15-inch screen (a visual killer!), And a 12.3-inch digital badpit digital instrumentation. To avoid spoiling, the navigation on the touch screen is fluid and responsive, and connectivity CarPlay and Android Auto are present, as well as the induction charging of his smartphone.
At night, we also appreciate the system of customizable lighting (30 colors are available), which further strengthens this high-tech side . These (very) good impressions are not tainted by the quality of realization: the materials used are all very flattering, and the bademblies do not lend themselves to criticism .
I also loved the excellent ergonomic front seats, which offer exemplary comfort, and which can be equipped with a ventilation and mbadage function, via a budget extension of 1.355 Euros. My Touareg Carat Exclusive was equipped, and my back still remember!
Decidedly very attentive for its occupants, the Touareg can be equipped with a quad-zone air conditioning, allowing rear pbadengers to adjust to their convenience their temperature. The latter will also have a nice space at the knees, and a consequent roof guard. It must be said that the Touareg has gained 7 cm in length (it now measures 4.87 m), to the benefit of the interior space, and especially the trunk, which won 113 liters . Some may however regret the lack of option 7 seats configuration reserved for the Tiguan Allspace (reread the test by Quentin Tiguan Allspace).
On the road / track: a real Swiss army knife
I know that The badogy of the Swiss knife has been used wrongly by many of my colleagues (I myself have my share of responsibility), but it is the image that best suits this new Touareg. [19659016] Its optional air suspension allows it to play the pangs of roads and tracks of the Moroccan Atlas, "flying" or almost above the irregularities . On roads taken, yet rich in stones, bleeding and other large irregularities, this feeling of flying carpet continues, thanks to the mode of driving "Off-Road", which raises by a few centimeters the body, to increase the movement of suspensions. Invoiced 3.060 Euros, this suspension is really very interesting, especially if your vehicle is intended for off-road use, or towed.
With regard to the Touareg's off-road capabilities, the tracks that make up our test loop did not really involve crossing, but the motor skills and the substantial ride height bode well for real abilities, even if the target customers will probably not exploit more than 10%.
Because yes, the Touareg is intended (despite its evocative name …) to a road use. And for once, its provisions are rather astonishing as I will now explain it to you
Accompanied by my sidekick Niko de Red Box, I (with his blessing) somewhat abruptly this new Touareg. The result was a car with a very balanced handling and a rather agile surprise . Obviously, its weight is substantial (2.070 kg for this V6 TD version, despite the bodywork mixing steel and aluminum), and is inevitably felt in tight turns, where the car tends to gently expand its trajectory in case of excessive 'optimism. In the fast curves, however, the big Volkswagen SUV surprises, with a directive and precise front gear, which encourages an increase in the pace . Thanks to the directional rear wheels, which probably improve the responsiveness of the machine. These steering in the opposite direction of the front wheels up to 37 km / h, and in the same direction beyond. Driving mode "Sport" engaged, the Touareg is closer to the ground, and strengthens its damping. The rolls are then well controlled, and the car remains very healthy in all circumstances, conceding all at most a slight drift rear axle. However, I found the braking too soft for my taste.
Under the hood, this new Touareg has for its launch a single engine: the V6 3.0 L TDI 286 hp . With a significant torque (600 Nm!), This engine sounds a pleasant enough, and its performance is already largely sufficient to take the car efficiently, with a 0 to 100 km / h swallowed in 6.1 seconds. Unfortunately, he suffers from a turbo-lag quite sensitive under 2,000 rpm.
Receiving an automatic gearbox Tiptronic converter (only able to cash the consequent couple), the Touareg has a smooth and smooth transmission in normal driving, but less fast than a DSG in the end, especially when it comes to restart the car . In addition, the pallets arranged behind the steering wheel are too small to be reached steering wheel.
A last point to bring to the credit of this new Touareg is the quality of its lighting . A point that I could test "in situ" on the roads at the exit of Marrakech, a Friday night. Despite the apocalyptic conditions (I hardly exaggerate: pedestrians crossing anyhow, stray dogs and cats, bikers without lighting …), the Touareg will have me out of business by bringing me safely. It must be said that it was also equipped with the optional "Night Vision" system, including a thermal camera for locating (and signaling to the driver) pedestrians and obstacles . A bluffing system, even if the Moroccan high temperatures disrupt its functioning a little
The tariffs and the engines of the new Touareg
Only available for the launch with the V6 TDI of 286 ch, the Touareg range starts today at 70,460 Euros (Carat finish). My richly equipped Carat Exclusive test version as standard (Innovision Cockpit, head-up display, Ambient Lighting Package, panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, or Matrix LED front projectors) is charged at 78,910 Euros. In the second half of 2018, a more modest V6 TDI version of 231 hp, still badociated with the BVA8, will be available from 56,100 Euros .
To have a petrol engine, namely the V6 TFSI from 340 hp, it will be necessary to wait until 2019 . A curious choice, at a time when diesel is more and more conspired, but the reason is probably to look from the point of view of the new standards of approval. In addition, Volkswagen is expected to launch a plug-in hybrid version of 367 hp on the Chinese market and hopefully it will also be marketed here.
Positive : [19659027] + More Dynamic and Statutory Line
+ Well Finished and Impressive Interior
+ High-Tech Equipment
+ Space on Board, Trunk Volume
+ Comfort: Suspensions, Seats
+ Outfit Bluffing Road Given Weight
Negative Points :
– Only One Diesel At Launch
– Slowly Braking
– V6 TDI Hollow at Low Rpms
– Box Tiptronic lacking responsiveness to recovery
Conclusion: Armed to seduce
Although we should not cross much on the French roads, this new Touareg represents a beautiful synthesis of knowledge to make Volkswagen . Quality of manufacture, comfort and handling are his watchwords, to which he adds state-of-the-art equipment. The goal of offering a new standard-bearer to the brand is therefore successful. It remains to be seen how the clientele will position itself against its rivals, the coats of arms probably more evocative, but also more expensive.
[ad_2]
Source link
