Premium SUV for the practical executive, the VW Touareg Sport Edition

It’s a little known fact that the Volkswagen Touareg is actually a joint venture with Audi and Porsche, based on the same platform as the Q7 and Cayenne. The Touareg is significantly cheaper than both and is available here with new aesthetics, the Sport Edition.

Powering this variant is a 3.0-liter, 6-cylinder, Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, giving it 242 hp and 550 Nm of torque. This allows the Touareg a 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 220 km/h. This engine blends driving performance and efficiency, resulting in better fuel mileage and range.

The list of safety features and technology is comprehensive for this premium SUV. The Volkswagen Touareg comes standard with 4MOTION - Volkswagen’s permanent 4-wheel drive system - providing optimum grip on any road surface and driving condition, while Adaptive Chassis Control allows the driver to change the handling dynamics of the vehicle based on preference and driving situation with the simple push of a button. 

Some of the passive safety features include Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) with Anti Slip Regulation, Anti-Lock Braking System with Brake Assistant, and a Driver Alert System that warns the driver when steering inputs deviate from normal driving patterns.

Inside, the Touareg boasts leather upholstery and leather inserts. The interior is tastefully done in soft touch plastic with piano black with silver touches, giving a subtle and not overly done premium feel. Future drivers of this SUV would be delighted to know that it comes with a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, and Bluetooth connectivity topped with an 8-speaker sound system with 6.5-inch color touchscreen control.

Launched last April during the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the new variant comes with exclusive updates which include a 20-inch Mallory Alloy Wheels, front and rear underride guard to complete a more aggressive look.

The Touareg is strictly a 2-row, 5-passenger SUV, but its rear seat is quite versatile, allowing passengers to recline and enjoy the generous legroom. Cargo capacity measures 0.908 cubic meters behind the rear seats and 1.81 cubic meters with the 60/40-split rear seatbacks stowed.

Available for P4,290,000, with unmistakably Volkswagen styling and characteristics, the Touareg is a very attractive package for those looking for a premium SUV with efficiency, power and safety in mind.

See the full specs and brochure of the Volkwagen Touareg Sport Edition at the AutoDeal Car Guide.