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2006 Volkswagen Touareg SUV
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What’s New?
The significant changes to the Volkswagen Touareg arrive late in the 2006 model year. They include a new engine and a new navigation system for VW’s sport utility vehicle. A rear-mounted spare tire carrier and a rear-mounted parking-assist camera system also will be available.
Overview
Volkswagen launched its first sport utility vehicle in 2004. At the time, the Touareg also was the most expensive Volkswagen-badged model available (subsequently, VW launched its even more expensive Phaeton sedan). The Touareg shares much of its vehicle architecture with the Porsche Cayenne. (More recently, Audi, the luxury arm of the VW Group, launched its version of this platform in the form of the Q7).
The Touareg is a five-passenger, mid-sized SUV that has been praised by automotive journalists for what is considered by some to be an ideal 50/50 front/rear weight balance (which improves the vehicle’s handling dynamics) and for its impressive off-pavement capabilities. All Touaregs ride on Volkswagen’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. For 2006, VW also has upgraded the Touareg’s braking system. Standard equipment includes traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability technology, as well as front and side curtain air bags. Touaregs also come with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and aluminum and walnut wood interior trim.
The standard 240-hp, 3.2L V-6 engine will be replaced during the 2006 model year by a more powerful 3.6L version. Also available are a 4.2L V-8 and a 5.0L diesel-fueled V-10. The gasoline-fueled V-8 generates 310 hp, enough to propel the VW SUV from a standing start to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds. The V-10’s strength is torque. With twin turbochargers, this engine also produces 310 hp, but 553 lb.-ft. of torque is the kind of substantial power that is needed for serious towing. (Interestingly, this V-10 produces more torque than a Dodge Viper, which generates 525 lb.-ft.) The diesel also carries a 23 mpg fuel economy rating at highway speeds, providing the Touareg with a range of more than 600 miles between fuel stops.
The Competition
The Volkswagen Touareg competes in the Midsize Premium CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) segment, where customers expect everything but extreme size and off-road capability. They want room and comfort as well as the confidence that comes from driving with all four wheels providing propulsion.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM the Lexus RX Series was the segment sales leader in calendar year 2005, with 108,775 units sold. Other leaders include the Acura MDX (57,948), BMW X5 (37,598), Volvo XC90 (35,976), and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (34,959). Volkswagen sold 18,050 Touaregs in calendar year 2005. Other competitors include the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX series, Mercedes-Benz M and R-Class, and the Volvo XC90.
The significant changes to the Volkswagen Touareg arrive late in the 2006 model year. They include a new engine and a new navigation system for VW’s sport utility vehicle. A rear-mounted spare tire carrier and a rear-mounted parking-assist camera system also will be available.
Overview
Volkswagen launched its first sport utility vehicle in 2004. At the time, the Touareg also was the most expensive Volkswagen-badged model available (subsequently, VW launched its even more expensive Phaeton sedan). The Touareg shares much of its vehicle architecture with the Porsche Cayenne. (More recently, Audi, the luxury arm of the VW Group, launched its version of this platform in the form of the Q7).
The Touareg is a five-passenger, mid-sized SUV that has been praised by automotive journalists for what is considered by some to be an ideal 50/50 front/rear weight balance (which improves the vehicle’s handling dynamics) and for its impressive off-pavement capabilities. All Touaregs ride on Volkswagen’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. For 2006, VW also has upgraded the Touareg’s braking system. Standard equipment includes traction control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability technology, as well as front and side curtain air bags. Touaregs also come with heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and aluminum and walnut wood interior trim.
The standard 240-hp, 3.2L V-6 engine will be replaced during the 2006 model year by a more powerful 3.6L version. Also available are a 4.2L V-8 and a 5.0L diesel-fueled V-10. The gasoline-fueled V-8 generates 310 hp, enough to propel the VW SUV from a standing start to 60 mph in just 7.6 seconds. The V-10’s strength is torque. With twin turbochargers, this engine also produces 310 hp, but 553 lb.-ft. of torque is the kind of substantial power that is needed for serious towing. (Interestingly, this V-10 produces more torque than a Dodge Viper, which generates 525 lb.-ft.) The diesel also carries a 23 mpg fuel economy rating at highway speeds, providing the Touareg with a range of more than 600 miles between fuel stops.
The Competition
The Volkswagen Touareg competes in the Midsize Premium CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) segment, where customers expect everything but extreme size and off-road capability. They want room and comfort as well as the confidence that comes from driving with all four wheels providing propulsion.
According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,SM the Lexus RX Series was the segment sales leader in calendar year 2005, with 108,775 units sold. Other leaders include the Acura MDX (57,948), BMW X5 (37,598), Volvo XC90 (35,976), and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (34,959). Volkswagen sold 18,050 Touaregs in calendar year 2005. Other competitors include the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX series, Mercedes-Benz M and R-Class, and the Volvo XC90.
