The Touareg was
Volkswagen's first SUV (though purists might argue that the Beetle-based Thing of the 1970s takes that title). Introduced in 2003 and designed in conjunction with the
Porsche Cayenne, the 5-seat Touareg delivered a blend of car-like handling and off-road prowess despite its low stance, according to the manufacturer. The 2007 model year saw the return of the diesel-powered Touareg, with a 10-cylinder twin-turbo engine that delivered better acceleration and fuel economy than its gasoline-powered counterparts. For 2008, the changes are broad enough that Volkswagen decided to give the model a new name: Touareg 2. The front end features headlights similar to those found on Volkswagen's
Passat and
Eos models. Other changes include a revised interior with improved front seats; new programming and features for the electronic stability control system; and braking assistance features.
