Volkswagen Touareg 5.0 V10 TDI

Volkswagen was honestly entrenched when Ferdinand Piech took the reins, as by the time he came in, he had already transformed a very successful company from the inside out: he opened up new opportunities for the brand (s) and attracted others. not a German brand. Turan also dates back to the days before the famous Piyeh (recently) retired. But doubts about his decisions persisted.

Cooperation with Porsche? Well, if you look at the familial and "family" ties between brands, such a collaboration is logical. Otherwise - unencumbered by the previous statement - the connection doesn't seem smart. It is true that both Volkswagen and Porsche, in their historical starting point since the last World War, are closely associated with the even more famous Ferdinand (of course, this is Mr. Porsche himself), but half a century is a whole time. long time in motorsport. In practice, both brands went down completely different paths.

Luxurious, super-expensive (in absolute terms) SUV? Without real experience in this area (and the subcontractor cannot even come close to claiming something like that), the business is risky. Quite a few names from other continents have made a good name for themselves in this area, and even in the southern parts of Germany they have successfully installed their own bowl - or perhaps even a bowl. And everyone is doing well. So how does a beginner compete successfully in a (seemingly) clearly divided field? Both theory and theoretical dilemmas. Then we saw the car in the photographs, saw it live, briefly tested it.

There was less doubt, more confidence. And the co-authors of this project competently divided potential candidates: by technique, by appearance and, of course, by the image of each of the brands.

Despite the "high" demand for both models, Slovenia, of course, is not the least competent market in which to draw conclusions, but in the markets of Western Europe and other countries, where the purchasing power is much higher, it already seems that the starting points were set wisely ... Both are already recruiting buyers according to the scheme they (most likely) come up with, since (most importantly) there are few candidates to buy between them; buyers of both are mostly newcomers to the segment or moving away from other brands offering similar products.

The Touareg, which could also be called a sparsely spiced Cayenne, looks from a distance like (remember?) the Golf (IV) Country. When you get a little closer, the feeling stays the same, only this “Golf Country” gets more confectionery. The Touareg only becomes its own character when you are close enough that the size is fully visible, and when the details are visible, or when you see it next to another recognizable car.

Considered by many to be more attractive than the Stuttgart cousin, the Touareg with its chosen drive technology (and name) is aimed at slightly more conservative customers than the Porsche Cayenne, although the word "conservative" in this case should be taken with great caution. The size of a car, its performance and, ultimately, its price are not ordinary things among the sheet metal that surrounds us.

If you haven't looked at the price list yet (by design or accident), the Touareg will convince you of its value (if not sooner) as soon as you look inside. Spacious luxury is backed up by materials (leather, wood), and the view of the wide dashboard is reminiscent of the Phaeton. No, not that there, but it looks like. It reminds me of her. Especially in the middle (unfortunately) there is no analog clock (information about the time will have to be searched between large devices on an additional screen in digital form), as well as the part where you control related devices in the car (air conditioning, sound, telecommunications, navigation ...) quite different to get used to it.

Wow, what a diameter both sensors have! Yes, it perfectly matches the exterior dimensions of the vehicle. But the gauges seem to be the right size relative to the size of the dashboard and the steering wheel itself, and blend in perfectly with the environment. If something needs to be emphasized, then these are the double sun visors, which at the moment seems quite logical (you can shade the windshield and side glass at the same time), but, unfortunately, we do not see them very often in cars. Also worth mentioning is the disproportionately low windshield, which thankfully does not limit your view. There will be more visibility problems behind the car, as the rear window is also low and the three huge head restraints in the rear seat further reduce visibility.

In the Touareg, even in such a fitted one as the test one, not everything suits. Despite extensive electrical adjustment of the seats and steering wheel, there is no way to store the setting, and the seats themselves provide extremely weak lateral grip. Even a rich (triple!) On-board computer deserves some indignation: it can only appear on the screen between the instruments (even in the Phaeton, we are used to calling it on the big screen in the center of the dashboard), and not all possible data is available in all menus. It's true, it sounds picky, and we admit it is. But on the other hand, we allow ourselves to be picky when it comes to such big money.

Well, it's still quite true that you're the guy with the Tuareg key. In general, it's even better if you sit in it, and of course it's better if you ride it. True, now even in much cheaper cars it is already possible to enter the car and start the engine without a key, and even a high seating position is already quite common among passenger cars.

With the Touareg, this mighty phenomenon stands out more in terms of both size and appearance and image, and we are very grateful for having tamed the modern turbodiesel engine. It has a slightly less than decent 5 liters of volume to make up for - uh! - 750 Newton meters of torque! Imagine a very good (6-speed) automatic transmission and a relatively fast hydraulic clutch between them and the reaction (albeit heavy at two and a half tons) of the car when you step on the gas pedal. From two flattened exhaust pipes (one on each side) smokes a little, and passengers are already running on their backs.

You have to be annoyingly demanding to run out of power and torque in such a Touareg, or complain about the transmission. This enables manual switching, which is not necessary in most cases. If the normal position of the gearbox (D) does not work, there is also a sports program that overtakes at higher engine speeds and always satisfies full acceleration ("kick-down") if you need a full supply of power.

The large arcuate steering wheel shift levers (left to right down, right up) are a matter of controversy and performance, but as stated, a fully automatic transmission always satisfies, except perhaps for more dynamic driving on twisty roads. Especially when this one fails. Then it is good to leave the gearbox engaged, depending on the pace of the ride. But then the ten-cylinder will also show that it can be thirsty. Be a racing driver and your average fuel consumption can be close to 25 liters per 100 kilometers.

So it's more pleasant with moderate driving; both on the highway and when traveling through the countryside, the engine will get a good 13 liters for every 100 kilometers. And in the city - somewhere between these values, depending mainly on how many times you want to prove to hot young people that you are invincible in front of a traffic light.

There is no doubt: the Touareg is on the road, one way or another, "at home". The air suspension can satisfy three wishes: with a simple button, comfort, sport and automatic damping can be set. There is a noticeable difference in stiffness between the first two (the sporty style should be chosen especially when checking good cornering position, as this significantly reduces lateral body vibrations), the less demanding will undoubtedly be impressed by the automatic mode. However, the technique is not limited here; As an all-terrain vehicle, the Touareg has a downshift and a center differential lock (both electrically connected and always work flawlessly), and the ability to adjust the body height from the ground stems from the air suspension.

With all accessories, the Touareg is suitable for the terrain that its name suggests. You should be aware that tire manufacturers have not yet invented a tire that will perform well on the highway at 220 kilometers per hour, 80 kilometers per hour in bends and on muddy descents. So: while they grip the tires, the Touareg will go. If the tires lose traction or get stuck in the belly, the track will be over.

Otherwise: the desert is already, and probably no owner will send it between the branches. Or in a newly plowed field. You know how I say all the time: XXL also refers to price. You may still be so rich, but you will still appreciate such an expensive car. That is, you do not intentionally destroy it. In the meantime, the Touareg will return XXL pleasure.

Vinko Kernc

Volkswagen Touareg 5.0 V10 TDI

Basic data

Sales:	Porsche Slovenia
Base model price:	71.443,25 €
Test model cost:	74.531,65 €
Power:	230 kW (313 KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h):	7,8 with
Maximum speed:	225 km / h
Mixed flow ECE:	12,2l / 100km
Guarantee:	General warranty 2 years, paint warranty 3 years, anti-rust warranty 12 years

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Technical information

engine:	10-Cylinder - 4-Stroke - V-90° - Direct Injection Diesel - Longitudinally Front Mounted - Bore & Stroke 81,0×95,5mm - Displacement 4921cc - Compression 3:18,5 - Maximum Power) at 1 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 3750 m / s - specific power 11,9 kW / l (46,7 liters per cylinder - light metal head - fuel injection through the pump-injector system - turbocharger Exhaust gas - Aftercooler - Liquid cooling 63,6 l - Engine oil 750 l - Battery 2000 V, 6 Ah - Alternator 2 A - Oxidation catalytic converter
Energy transfer:	the engine drives all four wheels - hydraulic clutch - 6-speed automatic transmission, gear lever positions PRNDS - (+/-) - gear ratios I. 4,150; II. 2,370 hours; III. 1,560 hours; IV. 1,160 hours; V. 0,860; VI. 0,690; reverse gear 3,390 - gearbox, gears 1,000 and 2,700 - pinion in differential 3,270 - rims 8J × 18 - tires 235/60 R 18 H, rolling circumference 2,23 m - speed in VI. gear at 1000 rpm 59,3 km/h - spare wheel 195 / 75-18 P (Vredestein Space Maser), speed limit 80 km/h
Capacity:	top speed 225 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h 7,8 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 16,6 / 9,8 / 12,2 l / 100 km (gasoil)
Transportation and suspension:	Van Eren - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - Cx = 0,38 - front individual suspension, leaf springs, double triangular cross rails, air suspension, stabilizer - rear single suspension, leaf springs, cross rails, inclined air guides. suspension, stabilizer tie rod, disc brakes, front disc (forced cooling), rear disc (forced cooling), power steering, ABS, EPBD, emergency braking system, mechanical foot brake on the rear wheels (pedal to the left of the brake pedal) - rack and pinion steering control, power steering, 2,9 twisting between extreme points
Mass:	empty vehicle 2524 kg - permissible total weight 3080 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 3500 kg, without brake 750 kg - permissible roof load 100 kg
External dimensions:	length 4754 mm - width 1928 mm - height 1703 mm - wheelbase 2855 mm - front track 1652 mm - rear 1668 mm - minimum ground clearance 160-300 mm - ground clearance 11,6 m
Inner dimensions:	length (dashboard to rear seatback) 1600 mm - width (at the knees) front 1580 mm, rear 1540 mm - height above the seat front 900-980 mm, rear 980 mm - longitudinal front seat 860-1090 mm, rear seat 920 -670 mm - front seat length 490 mm, rear seat 490 mm - steering wheel diameter 390 mm - fuel tank 100 l
Box:	(normal) 500-1525 L; Trunk volume measured with Samsonite standard suitcases: 1 backpack (20L), 1 aircraft suitcase (36L), 2 suitcases 68,5L, 1 suitcase 85,5L

Our measurements

T = 10 ° C, p = 1020 mbar, rel. vl. = 63%, mileage: 8691 km, tires: Dunlop Grandtrek WT M2 M + S
Acceleration 0-100km:	7,7s
1000m from the city:	28,8 years ( 181 km / h)
Minimum consumption:	13,2l / 100km
Maximum consumption:	24,7l / 100km
test consumption:	16,7 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h:	73,0m
Braking distance at 100 km / h:	42,4m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear	54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear	54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear	53dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear	53dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear	62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear	60dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear	59dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear	58dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear	65dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear	64dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear	63dB
Test errors:	the car pulls slightly to the right

Overall rating (375/420)

• Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI - the perfect combination of modern power plants, from engine to transmission and chassis; in this this SUV is currently at the top. Unfortunately, due to modernity and prestige, the price is also higher, approaching twenty million.

• Exterior (15/15)

  The exterior shape is modern, cozy and lends an elegant solidity to the exterior. The body is flawless.

• Interior (129/140)

  Some of the components (smaller parts on the dashboard, seat switches) are made of cheap plastic, and many of the useful boxes are impressive.

• Engine, transmission (39
  
  
  / 40)

  The engine is a great product and has no body weight issues. The gearbox shifts from time to time, the gear ratios are perfect.

• Driving performance (86
  
  
  / 95)

  Due to its position on the road, it can also compete with the best pure road cars; great chassis!

• Performance (34/35)

  Excellent on all counts, with the exception of flexibility (automatic transmission response time).

• Security (32/45)

  Despite its heavy weight, it brakes well. Active safety: slightly limited rear visibility. The second would hardly have been better and more perfect.

• Economy

  The engine is indeed a (turbo) diesel, but still consumes a lot. Good warranty conditions, no mobile warranty.

We praise and reproach

elegance of form and interior

materials

ease of driving

motor (torque)

capacity

Equipment

boxes inside

avdiosystem

no parking assistant

some grudge against the "software" of assistive devices

limited view back

price

many buttons