2004 Volkswagen Touareg SLE Custom Truck 5-speed

Vehicle Overview Volkswagen arrived late to the SUV party, but the company has developed quite a distinguished participant. According to Volkswagen, the new Touareg (pronounced TOUR-egg) blends offroading skills with the virtue of a German automobile. Chief Engineer Matthias Kroell adds that it has the temperament of a sports car. Named after a tribe of nomadic merchants in the Sahara Desert, who are known as the free folks and knights of the desert, the Touareg went on sale in the United States in June 2003 as an early 2004 model. Volkswagens first sport utility vehicle, which is considered a crossover model, reached the European market earlier. The Touaregs name symbolizes the vehicles ability to function in varying travel conditions - much like the desert nomads are able to adapt themselves to difficult situations. The Touareg is built at a new plant in Germany by Porsche, along with that companys Cayenne SUV. For the U.S. market, the Touareg initially was fitted with either a 3.2-liter V-6 engine or a 4.2-liter V-8. Additional engines are available for the European model. Electronically controlled 4XMotion permanent four-wheel drive is standard and comes with offroad gearing and a locking differential. Up to 100 percent of the engines power can be sent to either the front or rear wheels, based on road conditions. Available high-tech helpers for offroad treks include Hill Climbing Assist, Hill Descent Assist and a locking rear differential. When used in the wilderness, Volkswagens optional navigation system even displays actual coordinates, direction and altitude. Fitted with electronically controlled shock absorbers and operated by a switch inside the vehicle, a full pneumatic suspension is available. Volkswagen expects to sell about 40,000 Touaregs annually in the United States. Late in the 2004 model year, Volkswagen introduced a Touareg with a V-10 turbo-diesel engine that produces 310 horsepower and 553 pounds-feet of torque. Exterior Constructed of fully galvanized steel, the unibody structure of the Touareg makes it more carlike in appearance than many SUVs. The hood wraps down to the horizontal-bar grille, which is similar to the one installed on Volkswagens all-new luxury Phaeton sedan. Rounded body shoulders and sculpted wheel arches complement short overhangs. An especially distinctive feature is the groove located on the lower part of the doors. The V-8X model includes a full-size spare tire on the tailgate. Built on a 112.4-inch wheelbase, the Touareg measures 187.2 inches long overall and stands 68 inches tall. Ground clearance reaches as much as 11.8 inches with the available air suspension, and the vehicle has a wading depth of 22.8 inches. Models equipped with the air suspension lower automatically by an inch when vehicle speed reaches approximately 77 mph. The Touareg can drive at a 35-degree side offset angle and has a 45-degree side tipping angle. Approach and departure angles are greater with the air suspension. Interior The automaker says the styling of the luxurious, wood-trimmed five-passenger interior emulates that of its costly Phaeton sedan. Two- or four-zone climate control is standard. Cargo volume is 31 cubic feet, or 71 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. An OnStar communication system is optional. Under the Hood Two gasoline engines are available: a 220-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and a 310-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 that is similar to the one in the Audi A8 L. The new 5.0-liter V-10 turbo-diesel engine generates 310 hp and 553 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed-automatic transmission functions with Tiptronic control. The Touareg can tow up to 7,700 pounds. Safety Side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags are installed. Antilock brakes, traction control, a tire-pressure monitor and an Electronic Stability Program are standard. Driving Impressions Handling confidence and offroad capabilities top the list of Touareg benefits. Body lean is minimal, and the Touareg is capable of more than expected