Volkswagen Touraeg 170TDI family review finds classy performer

The Volkswagen Touareg large SUV shares its lineage with an Audi, Lambo and Bentley.

Dropping prices. It sounds like an oxymoron in the current cost of living crisis.

Yet Volkswagen sharpened its pencil recently on its big SUV, the Touareg.

Not only did the sticker price decrease, but the marque says it has thrown about $10,000 worth of kit to further sweeten the deal.

You still need about $95,000 to drive-away in the base model large VW SUV.

What do you get?

Despite being the base model, the 170TDI isn’t light on features – nor should it be for the circa $100k asking price.

Model upgrades earlier this year saw the previously optional 15-inch infotainment screen with satnav become standard fare, which also includes wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a 360-degree camera, while also now complimentary are semi- autonomous parking functionality and matrix LED headlights.

Collectively the cabin feels high-end with fine materials throughout, highlighted by the Vienna leather trim, glossy black centre console, as well as the ash grain wood inserts on the dash and doors.

Other highlights are an electric tailgate, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, 19-inch alloys, 12.3-inch high resolution digital driver display and an impressive eight-speaker stereo.

White is the only standard external colour, whereas metallic red, black, blue, silver and grey all add at least $2200.

Other options include the sunroof for $3300, while the sound and comfort package that has a range of goodies including four-zone aircon, premium sound system, head-up display and power latching doors for $8500.

Capped price servicing is available for five years, although it’s at the upper end of the cost scale and costs $4132 if you pay as you go. Opt for an upfront care plan and you can save $630 if you buy the five-year deal or $3500, while a three-year offer is $1900.

Warranty coverage of five years and unlimited kilometres is pretty standard with most manufacturers, although VW does only provide one year of roadside assist but it is extended

annually with dealer servicing.

Among the internal highlights of the Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI are heated front seats, wireless phone charging, 19-inch alloys, 12.3-inch high resolution digital driver display and an eight-speaker stereo

How was the drive?

Quiet and luxurious, the Touareg emanates composure and class from takeoff.

Sharing its underpinnings with the likes of the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga, the Touareg boasts outstanding lineage.

Under the 170TDI bonnet is a lusty turbodiesel which delivers smooth and predictable power working in tandem with an eight-speed gearbox.

Early versions you felt every inch of the big SUV. This model is far more nimble and it doesn’t feel like it’s just shy of 5m long.

The steering is sharp, and despite the odd hesitation at slow speeds, it feels almost flawless around town.

More powerful diesel models are available, yet the 170TDI would probably suit most drivers. Highlighting the difference between the 170TDI and 210TDI variants is the 0-100km/h sprint – it’s eight seconds compared to six.

The towing capacity is 3500kg, although maximum downball weight is 280kg. Gross combination mass is 6350kg so with the Touareg weight 2850kg towing at the capacity is impossible – so those looking to haul need to crunch the numbers.

When we first got behind the wheel, some easy highway driving saw the possible range surge to 1500km from the 90-litre tank. Our test saw average consumption of 7.9L/100km.

The Touareg also has an AdBlue tank, a liquid aimed to reduce diesel exhaust nasties, which requires regular filling.

The 2024 model Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Only being a five-seater, I don’t have the need for such a large SUV. The Touareg is a nice drive, but I didn’t find it as cohesive or as likeable as the most compact VW SUVs. Although, I have been spoiled and the Volkswagen T-Roc R is my all-time favourite for about $30,000 less.

Grant: The Touareg punches well above its weight. With its poise and internal panache, it’s best to compare it to a Range Rover Velar, BMW X5 or a Mercedes-Benz GLS. Loaded with great equipment, if you are looking to tow in comfort then this is a quality buy.