2009 Volkswagen Touareg Diesel
The “Great Recession” has changed a lot of things about modern America; and, not in the least, our car buying habits. Before 2008, more was better—more power, more luxury, more size. Now, people want less. Everyone’s thinking twice before they buy a new car—the average age of cars and light trucks on U.S. roads today is older than it’s ever been—and when folks do decide to take the plunge, they want smaller, less ostentatious, and more fuel efficient vehicles. This is a major shift that I suspect won’t reverse anytime soon.
Nevertheless, many individuals and families still want vehicles with safety, room for passengers and their gear, and towing capability. While in the past that meant Chevy Suburban or Cadillac Escalade, now many South Texans think of alternate choices like the Ford Flex, Toyota Highlander hybrid, or Volvo XC 60.
Or the Volkswagen Touareg TDI diesel. The Touareg TDI manages to provide prodigious off-road capability, surprising fuel efficiency, safety galore, and a welcome “Hey,-I’m-not-a-Mercedes-driving bank-bonus-taking-greedy-guy” message. It’s right for the times.
The Touareg, around since the 2003 model year, underwent a major refresh for 2008 and is better than ever. And thanks to a switch from a mighty but over-the-top V10 turbo diesel to a much less expensive V6, the major benefits of diesel technology—lots of torque, great fuel economy and durability, and strong resale—are much more accessible.
The new 3.0-liter V6 TDI is also a turbo diesel, pumping out 221 horsepower and a grunty 407 lb.-ft. of torque. As with other modern diesels imported to this country—all from Germany, so far—the TDI's emissions are brought below legal limits by the injection of urea into the exhaust stream. (The urea tank is filled as part of regular servicing.) The TDI comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, and drivability is excellent in all circumstances I encountered.Towing capacity is 7700 lbs., which covers most boats and trailers. Long gone are the days of smoke-belching, pathetically slow diesel vehicles. If a diesel car winning the 24-hour LeMans race didn’t convince you that these engines are now fully mainstream, test drive the TDI. You’ll be amazed at its quiet exhaust note and impressive refinement on the road.
EPA fuel economy ratings for this 5,361-pound SUV are 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 combined — comparable to the smaller and less capable Ford Escape V6 AWD. Pretty impressive.
As is always the case for Volkswagen, the Touareg TDI’s interior is ergonomically sound and well turned-out. Soft-touch materials reside everywhere you’re likely to rest your hands or elbows, and tasteful wood and chrome accents add a touch of luxury. The seats are comfortable for long drives, and the Touareg’s width provides elbowroom in the back seat that kids will appreciate. Unlike the Touareg’s (more expensive) Audi Q7 cousin, there is no third seat option.
All 2009 Volkswagen Touaregs come with anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability control, hill descent, and incline roll-back control. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are present as well, though knee airbags are not available. An optional safety package provides adaptive cruise control and lane-change assist. The Touareg earned five out of five stars for frontal- and side-impact protection from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It’s safe.
While many enhancements were made to the Touareg during its 2008 refresh, most were either under the skin or in the cabin, so it takes a trained eye to differentiate a Touareg 1 from a 2 (that’s what VW calls the two versions). The headlights have a rounded area on the bottom, the taillights have different coloring, some exterior trim pieces have been changed; and, ummm…that’s about it. If you liked the original Touareg, you’ll like the new one; and if you didn’t, you won’t.
The 2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic wipers, power rear liftgate, sunroof, rear park assist, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 12-way driver and eight-way passenger power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and 10-speaker stereo with CD player and satellite radio. An adjustable air suspension, cool 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, upgraded wood trim, leather upholstery, a 12-way power passenger seat, and driver memory functions are available as options in the TDI.
Bundled options include the Lux Plus Package, which gets you keyless ignition/entry, a better audio system, and a Technology package which adds a rearview camera, hard-drive based navigation, and the upgraded audio system.
2010 may be another recession year, but it’s encouraging to see that automobile manufacturers are adjusting and making cars and light trucks that fit the times. The Volkswagen Touareg TDI is a smart choice in a recession, providing utility, (some) luxury, and fuel efficiency in an attractive package. But since it’s a Volkswagen, you won’t feel as guilty waving to your neighbor who’s still looking for a job in our awful economy.
