Clean and attractive look to VW’s Touareg (From Falmouth Packet)

Clean and attractive look to VW’s Touareg

12:38pm Wednesday 30th January 2008

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IF you want to buy an SUV there are plenty of manufacturers willing to hand over keys in exchange for cash.

But if you want one with a degree of discretion and no shortage of class, then the shortlist becomes shorter still. The price tag will start to climb as you move up the ladder of good taste, so the offering from the good people at Volkswagen is worth some serious consideration.

The Touareg received a comprehensive update earlier in 2007 which built on its already-impressive credentials. A refreshed exterior gave it the Volkswagen "family face" and smarter lights at the rear were a classy touch, with new headlights to match. The results is a clean and attractive machine that doesn't hide its size, but nor does it shout from the rooftops.

Altitude models get a slightly different look: a body kit of restrained taste and bigger alloy wheels enhance rather than ruin the shape.

Inside the Touareg is just as impressive. The cabin has to be one of the most attractive in the sector. It looks and feels expensive, with high quality materials and a real luxury feel. Slide into the driver's seat and the view out is impressive, not only thanks to the high ride height but the comprehensive control layout. This feels like a car to be operated rather than driven.

In this 3.0 TDI version, a turn of the key and slotting the transmission into D is all that is required. The low down torque of the big diesel and the smooth efforts of the automatic gearbox makes this relatively large SUV a breeze to handle, especially in the urban crawl that blights most journeys. Instant and effortless acceleration is on offer, while the four-wheel drive system is always on hand to ensure maximum traction. The 3.0-litre unit offers the best compromise between performance and economy, although the temptation to plump for the mighty V10 diesel is hard to resist.

The full-time 4x4 layout can be happily left to its own devices: constant monitoring of the available grip means power can be diverted to avoid a loss of traction with no effort from the driver. More serious off-road fans will not be disappointed either, as the option to engage differential locks and low range gearing are standard. A more serious off-road package is also available as an option, illustrating that this is one SUV that can really cut it in the thick stuff.

Like any car of this size, there is a fair amount of mass at work, but the optional air suspension does an impressive job of keeping the body in check. The ride comfort is impressive, filtering out lumps and bumps with ease.

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