Volkswagen Touareg

Known as the German manufacturer of cars, the Volkswagen who popularizes the Beetle launched their new model Touareg in 2004 (pronounced "TOUR-egg" or "TORE-egg"). As their entry to the SUV segment, the Touareg promises unique SUV luxury, superb on road performance and off-road capability.

Named after a nomadic tribe from the Sahara, 5-seater midsize Touareg is pushed by a 220-hp V6, 310-hp V8, or a 310-hp V10 turbo diesel engine and sits on a Porsche Cayenne platform with a 6-speed automatic with manual shift gate as the transmission. It comes with standard sunroof, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, leather seats (optional for the V6), and power seats (optional for the V6). Other features include a standard AWD with low-range gearing and a locking center differential (locking rear differential is optional), height-adjusting air suspension as a standard on the V10 and optional on others, The V6 has the standard 17" wheels and both the V8 and V10 has 18" with 19" as optional. Standard for all three trims are the side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags for both seating rows. Interior had wood and aluminum interior trim. OnStar assistance, navigation system, obstacle-detection system, and 4-zone climate control are other features available for the Touareg.

Touareg was given little refreshments for the 2005 year model. It still offers in three engines but the V6 has 20hp more from its previous 220hp. It still adopts several features from the 2004 model like the a 6-speed automatic with manual shift gate, an all-wheel-drive system, low-range gearing and a locking center differential, ABS and an antiskid system, height-adjustable air suspension and xenon headlamps for V10, and many more. On the outside, the Touareg features are sleek contours with smoothly curves and arched surfaces. And with the VW badge on the grille, the Touareg is really identifiable. The overall look of the Touareg can be summarized as 'rugged yet sophisticated, convenient yet stylish.' Interior gives no room for imperfection. It is very luxurious at the same time superbly styled. Performance is not left behind to this vehicle. The capability to withstand the off-road condition that could be very unlikely for a Volkswagen, could be clearly seen in the Touareg. Price ranges from $37,140 to $58,490 for the discontinued V10 TDI model.