All-new for the 2011 model year, the second-generation Touareg is bigger than before but has shed some 350 pounds. And setting it apart from many of its competitors from Japan and America, it offers a smooth diesel engine option.
The 3.0 liter V6 TDI engine is rated at 19 mpg city 28 mpg highway which is phenomenal for a heavy mid-size luxury SUV. It produces a healthy 225 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque at just 1750 rpm. It’s 50 state-legal using an AdBlue urea injection system to control Nox.
The Touareg TDI comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. A first in the SUV market, this new transmission configures seventh and eighth gears as fuel-efficient overdrives. You get Tiptronic manual control along with Sport mode, and a Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) that adapts to the driver’s individual style and adjusts the shift points accordingly.
4Motion permanent all-wheel drive is standard on all 2012 Touareg trim lines. The system features a rear limited-slip Torsen differential that splits the available torque 40 percent front and 60 percent rear for balanced on and off-road driving.
Inside the Touareg coddles you in German luxury too. You can choose ‘Vienna’ leather in Black Anthracite, Cornsilk Beige, or brand-new Saddle Brown. Swathed around you are genuine Walnut wood accents.
The Touareg is still just a two row SUV that seats five. The rear seat is split 40/20/40 with each section folding to offer an array of load-carrying possibilities. And with all sections folded, the Touareg can squeeze-in an impressive 64 cubic feet of luggage.
To let the sun shine in, the 2012 Touareg offers an available expansive panoramic glass sunroof. Measuring 57 inches long and 39 inches wide, it’s a full 350 percent larger than the sunroof in the previous model. It’s so big that this tilt &slide roof occupies almost the entire roof area above the occupants.
Wheel choices are dependent on each individual Touareg model. The Sport comes standard with the 10-spoke 18-inch Tacora wheel fitted with 255/55 R18 all-season tires. The Lux features 19-inch, five-spoke Everest rims with 265/50 R19 tires. The Executive model has 20-inch Pikes Peak wheels with 275/45 R20 tires.
For 2012 you can get the TDI in the base Touareg Sport which lowers the price of entry for diesel. The TDI Sport model starts at $46,875. TDI Sport with Navigation starts at $48,995, TDI Lux $52,895 and TDI Executive $58,595 .
