Volkswagen Touareg 2016 Review

Volkswagen Touareg 150TDI
Road Test

Although it’s growing long in the tooth, Volkswagen’s oddly-named large SUV, the Touareg, was facelifted in 2015, bringing a sharper look, streamlined model list and – in the case of the tested Touareg 150TDI –  increased torque and improved economy. Despite a significant $4000 price rise over the pre-facelift model, the update is priced from a still-competitive $67,990 plus on-roads. This entry-level 150TDI gains satellite navigation and electrically-adjustable leather-appointed heated front seats on its standard equipment list, and this – combined with a satisfying driving experience – means the Touareg ticks many boxes for the modern family.

Remember the first Volkswagen Touareg?

Overtly bulky, it nevertheless introduced the world to the concept of just how close Volkswagen could make something so large drive almost as well as a large sedan.

Now in 2016, the Touareg’s competition is stiffer than ever. But while several new rivals have bloomed, the Touareg had soldiered on relatively untouched since 2011, until a 2015 facelift wrought the changes you see here. It will need to be good, as there appears to be no replacement on the horizon... unless you consider the mooted seven-seat Tiguan-based model we recently reported on, as part of a potential Tiguan SUV sub-brand.

Although Australia missed out on the Euro 6-compliant powerplants the baseline 150kW version of the 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel V6 gained 50Nm (to 450Nm) with a claimed combined fuel consumption of 7.2L/100km. Idle-top tech as well as a coasting function further aid the consumption figures.

Aussies also received a welcome styling refresh as well as interior and spec upgrades. Combined, these improvements make the $4000-odd price hike (now $67,990 plus on-road costs) more palatable, especially when you seek out entry-spec rivals from BMW (X5), Land Rover (Discovery) and Mercedes (GLE-Class).

Like others in the streamlined, three-model line-up the 150TDI gains bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, satellite navigation and the multi-collision brake which can trigger controlled braking once an initial impact has been identified. The latter is an extension of a comprehensive standard safety package, which we have come to expect from Volkswagen, with nine airbags and driver fatigue protection also standard.

Underneath the freshened body, highlighted further in this example by the $700 Canyon Grey metallic paint option, sits the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive system, again standard across the range. Although the eight-speed automatic transmission lacks a low-range option, the Touareg does have a switchable off-road mode that triggers hill descent control.

The 150TDI does miss out the adaptive air suspension of the higher-spec models, restricting ground clearance to 205mm (air: 233mm) and wading depth to 500mm (580mm). Approach, departure and breakover angles are also down two degrees apiece, reading 25, 25 and 20 respectively.

The updated Touareg offers a cleaner interior layout and feels commodious, despite externally appearing a size smaller than the original. Storage capacity stacks up, too with 580L of seat-up storage. Fold the second-row flat via the excellent remote release located in the luggage compartment and that balloons to 1642L.

Twist the key and fire up this base model Touareg (and I mean that literally; there’s no fancy start button here) and you’d be forgiven for thinking it was petrol-powered. There’s next-to-no diesel chatter at idle, and once you’ve engaged drive and moved off without having to manually release the electric handbrake, the climb up to an eighth gear cruise is a breeze, engine and gearbox working in harmony.

Even better, the diesel offers a hint of gravelly V6 sound under load, the strong 450Nm torque output manifesting itself in a strong mid-range. Between 2700rpm and 3500rpm, this Touareg really punches along, to the point where you really don’t need anything more.

The cruising ability is further aided by comfortable seating, lots of storage space, a lovely leather-wrapped steering wheel, a tall top gear and a coasting function that disengages the transmission when no throttle is applied at speed. We comfortably achieved under 7.0L/100km during freeway driving using this function, as part of an overall 8.6L/100km week.

Rear-seat passengers are offered a high-set pew and access to rear ventilation (though there’s only dual-zone climate control) and ample bottle storage in the door pockets. The negative of this added second-row comfort is that the driver can find it difficult to look around the seat backs during head-check manoeuvres thanks to their height. Coupled with the thick b-pillars and relatively small side window openings and the driver needs to take extra time to ensure there’s adequate lane-change space.

Another niggle concerns the cruise control function. Using the stalk, a simple flick up or down will pile on 10km/h. For smaller increments you need to hold the stalk on, and once it starts climbing (or dropping) it does so very quickly, making the system difficult to set-and-forget. While we’re in a critical mood, 150TDI’s base model specs satellite navigation 8.0-inch touchscreen, really does lack the clarity of others in the market.

That said, the overall experience of the Touareg remains pleasant. It offers a plush ride, commanding driving position and decent steering and dynamic response given its remit. The brakes respond with adequate power, though the pedal feel is on the soft side, and we’d recommend a pad upgrade; brake dust covered the front wheels in our week with the car.

Volkswagen offers Touareg owners a capped price servicing plan that will cover the vehicle for up to 90,000km. Given the annual or 15,000km service interval (whichever comes first) that should be enough mileage to cover six years of servicing. Pricing ranges from $514 to $779 throughout this time period. A three year, unlimited kilometre warranty is also supplied and comes with free 24-hour roadside assist for the warranty’s duration.

Although it may be on borrowed time, there’s still a lot to like about the Touareg. It has strong all-road appeal, is quiet, refined, efficient and well put together. But does it excite you? And do those attributes last beyond a week? Let us know of your Touareg ownership experiences in the comments below.

2016 Volkswagen Touareg 150TDI pricing and specifications:
Price: $67,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel
Output: 150kW/450Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 190g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Not yet rated

Also consider:
>> BMW X5(from $84,200 plus ORCs)
>> Land Rover Discovery (from $68,940 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (from $86,900 plus ORCs)