VW Touareg: The new hot ‘Mom Mobile’

SUV for both worlds off-road and on-road

One of last years’ biggest stories was the launch of the Volkswagen brand in the Philippines. Volkwagen is the biggest European automotive company in the world holding 12 brands  under its belt, including: Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche and Ducati. Brought in  by the Ayala Automotive Holdings Corp., this partnership of two heavyweights is like the epitome of a perfect match in arranged marriage heaven.

The second-generation Touareg is available for P4.29 million and comes in an eight-speed V6 TDI. It has enjoyed global success before even coming to our shores. This particular vehicle was a joint project between VW, Porsche and Audi to create an SUV that handles like a sports car and was launched in 2002.

Storage

For someone like me who has twins on the way, fitting two full-size strollers on the boot would be important. The Touareg can comfortably fit two strollers plus ample space for other items in the production number of transporting infants. It also has a foldable second row, giving you the ability to make this a workhorse on certain occasions like an “everything must go” sale.

Ride and drive

EXPANDABLE storage with collapsible second row

I think this is the Touareg’s claim to fame. It has a firm yet comfortable ride even sitting on the back seat. Touareg is designed to be two cars in one, a strong off-road vehicle and a comfortable urban SUV.  Although I have yet to test the Touareg in an off-road situation, I am quite taken with the ride of this VW both riding and driving.   It earns a 4.5/5 in the eyeliner and false eyelashes test.

Interior space

My usual problems with five-seater SUVs is that the back seats are rarely reclinable, giving you a back angle that is not usually comfortable. Thanks to this generations’ extended wheelbase, the back seat is horizontally adjustable, giving you freedom when you need more space in the back and still have to  carpool, plus the ability to recline your backrest on the second row.

Look

At first glance, you might mistake the Touareg for a Porsche Cayenne. That’s not far off since they share the same platform along with the Audi Q7. It has unique and simpler line cues: rounded but not too soft, and a little traditional but still quite elegant. Unlike the Porsche Cayenne for which people needed time to warm up to the design, the Touareg has a more streamline appeal and is somewhat a standout in the current lineup of SUVs in the market,  all of which are geared toward edgier and more masculine outlines.

Accessories

It comes with a 6.5-touchscreen info system with a six CD changer (quite outdated). I tried syncing my phone but I was unsuccessful. I like the additional buttons, which make a mom’s life easier, like the easy-access child lock system, big lighted vanity mirror on both sides and personalized aircon control on both sides even on the second row. I was really disappointed it didn’t come with a USB port, but with only an AUX jack and a couple of lighter plugs for your charging needs.

Fuel economy

MOM-FRIENDLY with easy child lock buttons

Having eight gears is not without function. The Touareg claims to have good fuel consumption. During our stint with the car, I drove from Pasig to Alabang, Cavite, Tagaytay and back to Alabang, then to Makati and Alabang  (for several times) and back to Pasig. We returned it with a little bit more than a quarter of gas left in the tank.

We have yet to see how grand VW would state its claim in the country’s motoring industry. But with the competitive pricing of the other products such as the Jetta and Polo, we expect the VW to give its competitors a run for their money. The Touareg is a strong competitor in the SUV division, although there is still room for improvement specially in the convenience trims. The package, the power and drivability of this SUV definitely deserve a spot on the Top 5 of hot “Mom Mobiles.”

Things I really like about the Touareg:

1. It’s a good driving  and riding car.

2. Reclinable second-row seats

Things I am not so cool with:

1. No USB connectivity

2. Rotary knobs on the drivers and passenger chairs

For comments and suggestions, please e-mail us at jnt@chicdriven.com