2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
An Environmentally Friendly Diesel
Diesel engines are not like they used to be. Most of the problems with diesels have been eliminated, or at least minimized. Diesel odor and soot are no longer a concern. Engine clatter is almost gone, and turbocharging has improved performance.
Volkswagen has new diesel engine in the Touareg this year. The German automaker replaced its expensive and slow-selling V-10 diesel with a more eco-friendly, and less costly V-6. Like its predecessor, the new motor incorporates VW’s “Clean Diesel” technology.
With its Clean Diesel system, Volkswagen has been able to reduce nitrogen oxide, the most serious diesel pollutant, by over 90-percent. A spray of a urea-based solution called AdBlue is injected into the exhaust system, and an advanced catalytic converter, does the rest of the job. The AdBlue is stored in a 4.5-gallon tank beneath the spare tire, and is replenished at 10,000 mile intervals, during routine servicing.
The diesel engine itself is a 3.0-liter V-6 that uses common-rail fuel injection and a turbocharger to generate 221 horsepower and a whopping 406 lb.-ft of torque. Behind the wheel, it is hard to tell that you are driving a diesel. The engine is smooth and responsive. This motor will propel you to 60 in about 8.5 seconds, and deliver 17-25 mpg. That’s 25-percent better than VW’s gas-powered V-6. A six-speed automatic, with a manual shift mode, allocates power to all four wheels.
In other respects, the TDI, as the diesel model is called, is similar to other Touaregs in the lineup. The exterior styling of the Touareg is rather plain, distinguished only by the chrome Volkswagen grille. However, the interior is more distinctive. My well-equipped test car looked upscale, with leather-clad seats and Walnut wood trim on the dash and console. Fit and finish throughout were excellent.
The Touareg seats five in comfort, with plenty of legroom in the rear for six-footers. The cargo area is also substantial at 71-cu.-ft. A power liftgate, along with a power moonroof, are standard. Buyers can also order high-tech options, such as a navigation system, adaptive cruise control and lane-change assist.
The Touareg drives a littler stiffer than some other SUVs in its class, and it tends to bob and weave over small bumps in the pavement. However, the cabin is very quiet, even at high speeds. The Touareg’s handling is very good for an SUV. It feels poised taking corners, showing only moderate body-lean. The brakes do a good job too hauling you down from speed without drama.
The Volkswagen Touareg TDI pricing starts at $43,550, which is $3,500 more than the gas powered V-6. However, the additional cost is somewhat mitigated by a $1,150 federal tax credit. My test car, with the optional Luxury and Technology packages, had a bottom line of $49,950.
Snapshot Review
Very Refined Diesel Engine
Improved Fuel Economy
Good Handling
Pricey
