Site RSS Feed2007 Volkswagen Touareg
Sit chilly in a mid-sized SUV that'll take you anywhere in style
Mon, Dec 10th 2007
| VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS | |
|---|---|
| type | 4 door, suv - mid, 4wd |
| msrp | $34,000 |
| trans | automatic |
| gas mi. | 14mpg/16mpg |
| rating |  |
When I think of what German cars are good at, I think of speed on the Autobahn or sure-footed handling on icy roads. I don’t think of bone-chilling air-conditioning – and yet I was sure glad for it the week I tested the Volkswagen Touareg.
Triple-digit temperatures are rare in late September, even more so in the cooler climes of the
Sierra foothills, where my dogs and I had a date with a dog show. But we got there in back in roomy comfort and style, thanks to the chilly, quick front and rear AC of the sporty mid-sized SUV named for a tribe of nomadic Africans.
And the Touareg’s charms didn’t end there. Fold-flat seats offered good space for crates, with plenty of room forward for all the gear you could want to haul. For just one dog or less gear, the 60/40 fold-flat seats are wonderful. Off-road? No problem. High ground clearance and great four-wheel drive chops makes this a luxury car that doesn’t mind getting dirty.
The Touareg’s also a high-tech wonder, with smoothly integrated features to help with parking and backing. As for comfort for the two-legged family members, no complaints: The leather seats (easy to clean!) were exceptionally comfortably, with good lumbar support (and in cold weather, fast-acting fanny warmers).
Flawlessly smooth ride, room for dogs and gear and everything you need to stay comfortable and safe no matter what the weather makes the Touareg a top contender in the mid-sized SUV class. Fuel economy of 14/19 is about typical for its class, as is its entry point pricing, around $34,000 – although the top-end featured model tested was more than $20,000 more – and well worth it.
-- Gina Spadafori
Carguy Comments: The versatile Volkswagen Touareg is preparing to undergo a complete makeover in 2008, but it will be hard to top the 2007 model as a great DogCar. With three modesl to choose from, including V-6 (276 horsepower), V-8 (350 hp) and V-10 turbo diesel (310 hp) engines, the Touareg has something for everyone. The Touareg weathers the market so well that it has been award the "SmartChoice" award for highest retained value by Intellichoice.com. Cargo volume for the Touareg is 71 cubic feet.
-- Keith Turner, The Family Car
Volkswagen Touareg: Control is key
Barking Lot Banter: The 2007 VW Touareg is filled with features that will pamper your pups and yourself as you go about your daily duties on or off the road.
