WHEN the Japs do a facelift, it will prolly mean a change of the bumper and the lights, plus different interior colours. The Koreans might think a change of body sticker will suffice.
The Germans however think otherwise. Their facelift can be considered an overhaul, though exterior changes might be minimal. For instance is the latest Touareg.
The 2007 Touareg looks as identical as the previous version, but underneath the exo-skeleton (too much Transformers, sorry) you will find over 2,300 new parts. Of course it would be impossible to list down all, but I can start of with its new front facia and a redesigned taillight.
The new nose looks sharper and less boring, inline with the current stable of VW cars. The grilled has a chrome frame that is bold and imposing. The taillight however is just a change in the lens as the shape is still the same.
The interior remains the same, filled with arrays of buttons that can even make the control
panel of U-boat looks simpler. My girlfriend who had a short drive in the Touareg was still impressed with the Touareg, even after a month. Among the adjectives that she used (and she used many creative ones, as she is one word smith) was solid and SOLID.
panel of U-boat looks simpler. My girlfriend who had a short drive in the Touareg was still impressed with the Touareg, even after a month. Among the adjectives that she used (and she used many creative ones, as she is one word smith) was solid and SOLID.I have to agree, the Touareg has an interior that makes you believe you are cocooned in a brick. Being assembled in its motherland, quality is far superior than the ones assembled in South Africa.
First time users will definitely need the manual. Even an Auto Lord like me succumbed to the manual as there are simply too many buttons. Thankfully the air-cond and audio volume remain as knobs. Its easier playing with knobs rather than buttons (hmmm...somehow this sentence sounds funny).
Under the hood you get a stonking 3.6L V6 engine that is coupled to a six-speed transmission, with Tiptronic. Cool.
Keeping the 18-inch wheels on the ground will be independent suspension on double wishbone for both front and rear. No air suspension system but I think its ok as it does a good job of soaking the bumps and handling the bends.
As usual, Vokswagen insists that the Touareg will be a proper SUV, hence the four-wheel drive driveline or what VW will call the 4XMotion permanent all wheel drive. For enthusiastic drivers, this one comes with a Tiptronic function, a low range transfer case and Electronic Differential Lock (EDL). The latter improves traction in off-road conditions by braking individual wheels.
It also has ABSplus, and the "plus" monicker differentiates it from the normal ABS because this one has the ability to make the new Touareg stop shorter on loose terrain (by 20 per cent). Do remember that ABSplus only works if you are tracking straight. If the front wheels are turned, normal ABS kicks in.
Driving wise, it sits nicely between the Merc's ML and BMW's X5. It can outhandle the porky ML but it the ride is not as harsh as the X5. Looks can be sunjective, and I think the VW looks handsome. In fact, I look better driving this than my Austin Healey.
As for me, I'll buy it simply because my girlfriend says it has a solid interior. Just like me.
By Hazman Hamzah
Specifications
Make and model: Volkswagen Touareg 3.5L V6 (2007)
Engine: 3597cc V6 FSI 24-valve with variable valve timing and innovative direct injection technology
Max power: 274hp @ 6250rpm
Max torque: 360Nm @ 2500-5000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Tiptronic 4XMotion with low range gears
Safety features: 2-stage driver and front airbags, airbag curtain for front and rear, side airbags for front and rear, ABSplus, EBD, EDL, EBC, hillascent/descent, TCS, ARP, roll-over sensors, pretensioners
Price: RM437,283.20 OTR
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