Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI review: price cut for prestige large SUV

When a car company releases a new model, you can usually expect it to cost thousands of dollars more. But this maker is swimming against the tide.

Volkswagen has rebooted its large SUV sales pitch with an updated version of its Touareg that is thousands of dollars cheaper than the model it replaces.

The new-look SUV is priced from about $95,000 drive-away for the entry level entry-level 170TDI, a few grand less than the previous model. It remains one of the more expensive vehicles for a mainstream brand, though.

The entry model includes larger screens across the dash, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, 19-inch alloys, dual-zone ventilation, a powered tailgate, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and power adjustable front seats with memory settings for the driver.

The new Touareg comes with an attractive sticker price. Picture: Supplied.

The Touareg also has LED lights that can illuminate pedestrians and the road ahead while not blinding oncoming traffic.

Styling tweaks include new bumpers and distinctive LED strip lighting front and rear, including an illuminated logo at the back.

Inside, leather and wood is the real stuff and the attention to detail in the cabin is on par with luxury marques.

The 170TDI powered by a 170kW/500Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel matched to an eight-speed auto.

Step up to the circa-$110,000 210TDI Elegance and there’s an extra 40kW/100Nm as well as 20-inch wheels, air suspension, higher quality leather and ventilated front seats with massagers.

The cabin feels luxurious for a mainstream brand. Picture: Supplied.

The 210TDI R-Line with the same engine is about $120,000 and has unique bumpers for a sportier look, as well as rear-wheel steering and active stabiliser bars for sharper driving manners.

There’s also a $140K plug-in hybrid Touareg R, which fills the performance role for the brand’s largest SUV by teaming a V6 turbo with an electric motor to make 340kW, making it the brand’s most powerful car.

In all variants the Touareg has only five seats in a field of large rivals that include seven-seat versions.

In any pew the Touareg delivers sprawling space and those up front have supportive bolsters and useful storage options.

The vast touchscreen is vibrant and clear and teams with high quality finishes to deliver luxury in everything except the badge.

The big SUV is impressively refined and competent on the road. Picture: Supplied

For those who can look beyond that there’s tempting value against similarly priced mid-sized SUVs including the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Audi Q5.

On the road, the 170TDI reinforces that luxury positioning; it doesn’t hurt that the core architecture is shared with fancier machinery, including the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus.

The cabin is refined and quiet and the ride beautifully controlled for a comfort focused SUV.

Tallish profile tyres help cushion harsh edges, although the sporty suspension tune means you’ll feel road imperfections.

And while there’s not the initial turn-in precision of Touaregs on more aggressive tyres, it’s thoroughly capable and competent, making for a terrific tourer that still delivers engaging dynamics.

The diesel engine suits the cruisy nature of the car. Picture: Supplied.

The diesel engine suits the cruisy nature of the car, muscling up low in the rev range with effortless thrust and impressive refinement.

The eight-speed auto shifts smoothly, although it is eager to slot into higher ratios.

That’s fine for everyday driving but on twisty sections it pays to take over manually to save unwanted gear changes.

Dial up Sport on the rotary drive mode selector and there’s added weight to the steering, while the gearshift patterns are sharper.

Claimed fuel use of 7.3 litres per 100km means you should easily travel upwards of 1000km on a single tank.

Throw in 3500kg towing capability and the Touareg is a dark horse for those looking to head off on the big adventure.

The Touareg uses just 7.3 litres of fuel per 100km. Picture: Supplied

AT A GLANCE

Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI

PRICE From about $95,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five yrs/unlimited km, $3500 for five years

SAFETY Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot and lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, fatigue detection, speed-sign recognition

ENGINE 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel, 170kW/500Nm

THIRST 7.3L/100km

SPARE Space-saver

LUGGAGE 810 litres

VERDICT

Four stars

Mounts a solid pitch against swankier luxury brands with quality cabin and impressive driving experience.

Originally published as Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI review: price cut for prestige large SUV