Named after the Tuareg people, the principal inhabitants of the Saharan interior of North Africa, the Volkswagen Touareg has been around for 11 years.
Unlike the Touareg R50, which was given the 'R' treatment by Volkswagen Individual GmbH in 2007, the R-Line that you see here boasts mere exterior enhancements.
But that's not to say the diesel-powered car that we tested isn't much of a performer. While the Touareg has always been overshadowed by the glamorous and more dynamically superior BMW X5, it's safe to say that VW has upped its game, giving the latest passenger car and off-roader something to bite back at its peers.
Exterior
While the Touareg is one of the biggest SUVs in the market (which can often be misunderstood as hardcore), it has a softer appearance compared to many of its peers. As a result, the car is more of a gentle giant than a brutal bruiser.
Unlike the Touareg R50, which was given the 'R' treatment by Volkswagen Individual GmbH in 2007, the R-Line that you see here boasts mere exterior enhancements.
But that's not to say the diesel-powered car that we tested isn't much of a performer. While the Touareg has always been overshadowed by the glamorous and more dynamically superior BMW X5, it's safe to say that VW has upped its game, giving the latest passenger car and off-roader something to bite back at its peers.
Exterior
While the Touareg is one of the biggest SUVs in the market (which can often be misunderstood as hardcore), it has a softer appearance compared to many of its peers. As a result, the car is more of a gentle giant than a brutal bruiser.
That said, the Touareg continues to adhere to the carmaker's current corporate styling treatment, which means that the SUV is instantly recognisable as a VW model.
Where it stands out from the regular Touareg, though, is the visual drama upfront, thanks to the deeper front spoiler and body-coloured side sills. On top of these, the car is also equipped with 20-inch allow wheels from Volkswagen R GmbH as standard.
Further eliciting an aggressive and sporty demeanour are features such as the black diffuser and dual oval chrome exhaust tail pipes that are exclusive to the R-Line. A roof edge spoiler and a redesigned rear bumper are also visible.
Where it stands out from the regular Touareg, though, is the visual drama upfront, thanks to the deeper front spoiler and body-coloured side sills. On top of these, the car is also equipped with 20-inch allow wheels from Volkswagen R GmbH as standard.
Further eliciting an aggressive and sporty demeanour are features such as the black diffuser and dual oval chrome exhaust tail pipes that are exclusive to the R-Line. A roof edge spoiler and a redesigned rear bumper are also visible.
Interior
Inside here, there's no sense of R-Line brashness, with just a subtle R logo on the steering wheel and doorsill plates. While some may argue that the car should be more proud of the badging, being understated isn't a bad thing, especially when potential buyers appreciate the fact that less is more.
The leather benches, while superbly comfortable, somehow lack the opulent first-class quality that you can experience in cars like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. But where it doesn't fall short are the abundant features it sports and the cabin quality.
Inside here, there's no sense of R-Line brashness, with just a subtle R logo on the steering wheel and doorsill plates. While some may argue that the car should be more proud of the badging, being understated isn't a bad thing, especially when potential buyers appreciate the fact that less is more.
The leather benches, while superbly comfortable, somehow lack the opulent first-class quality that you can experience in cars like the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne. But where it doesn't fall short are the abundant features it sports and the cabin quality.
Apart from the 'Climatronic' with 4-zone climate control and the 360- degree 'Area View' camera system - both of which are expected in a flagship SUV, if you ask us - the Touareg also comes fully equipped with front ventilated seats with active climate control, a navigation system with an 8-inch high-resolution display and a panoramic tilt/slide sunroof.
The SUV is expectedly space effective as well. You can easily haul in 580 litres of gear in the trunk and, should the need arises, the space will increase to 1,642 litres with the rear seats knocked down.
The SUV is expectedly space effective as well. You can easily haul in 580 litres of gear in the trunk and, should the need arises, the space will increase to 1,642 litres with the rear seats knocked down.
The Drive
Fire up the 3.0-litre V6 diesel powerplant, and there's none of the usual industrial-sounding clatter and vibrations that so often spoil the premium experience.
Mustering some 245 horses and 550Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm, the car that weighs just slightly over two tonnes will dash across the 100km/h mark in a respectable 7.6 seconds.
Despite having a touch of turbo lag from the get-go with any right pedal stomping, the engine's refined character makes it forgivable, even when pushed hard, accommodating drivers with a penchant for quick acceleration in a silky smooth manner. And it's precisely this sheer firepower that sets the Touareg ahead of the competition.
There are, of course, paddle shifters for the eight-speed automatic transmission that makes forward progress a silky-smooth experience but it works pretty well on its own without manual intervention.
Fire up the 3.0-litre V6 diesel powerplant, and there's none of the usual industrial-sounding clatter and vibrations that so often spoil the premium experience.
Mustering some 245 horses and 550Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm, the car that weighs just slightly over two tonnes will dash across the 100km/h mark in a respectable 7.6 seconds.
Despite having a touch of turbo lag from the get-go with any right pedal stomping, the engine's refined character makes it forgivable, even when pushed hard, accommodating drivers with a penchant for quick acceleration in a silky smooth manner. And it's precisely this sheer firepower that sets the Touareg ahead of the competition.
There are, of course, paddle shifters for the eight-speed automatic transmission that makes forward progress a silky-smooth experience but it works pretty well on its own without manual intervention.
While other German badges are also strong pullers and luxurious, none of them comes close to the Touareg's strong sense of assurance. The steering wheel is well-weighted, the driving position is unashamedly high and it never wallows around bends - all of which add up to give you that extra layer of confidence when piloting this SUV.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Touareg has always been a comfortable companion for long journeys. Pliant, quiet and refined, this car certainly has the capability to instantly win the hearts of drivers.
In fact, you'll struggle to find a family-friendly SUV with school pick-ups, soccer games and weekly grocery trips as its top agenda without compromising on driveability.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Touareg has always been a comfortable companion for long journeys. Pliant, quiet and refined, this car certainly has the capability to instantly win the hearts of drivers.
In fact, you'll struggle to find a family-friendly SUV with school pick-ups, soccer games and weekly grocery trips as its top agenda without compromising on driveability.
