2004 Volkswagen Touareg

In addition to an Electronic Stabilization Program and tire-pressure monitor, the Touareg can have Electronic Parking Assistance. Six airbags include curtains for front and rear, plus front seat-mounted side-impact airbags. Volkswagen's optional navigation system not only works in the familiar manner with a small-screen video map, it provides off-road guidance that shows actual GPS coordinates, compass direction and altitude.

Amazingly adept off-road, the Touareg is capable of clambering up and down steep grades, hills and rocks like a veritable mountain goat.

Handling confidence is Number One. On the highway, the seriously taut air suspension delivers superior control, without impairing ride comfort by much. A Touareg takes some bumps fairly stiffly, but generally recovers immediately. If anything, the ride seems a bit softer with the steel suspension, which reacts just about as rapidly. Body lean is minimal through curves either way, and you can expect a beautiful ride on smooth pavement. Seats are harder than the norm for luxury vehicles, but not uncomfortable at all. Major gauges are big and fully calibrated, but auxiliary instruments are tiny. Visibility is good all around.


Amazingly adept off-road, the Touareg is capable of clambering up and down steep grades, hills and rocks like a veritable mountain goat. Eager and effective after the pavement ends, the Touareg surmounts nearly every sort of obstacle, helped by abundant ground clearance and flexible four-wheel-drive operation.


Prices start at $34,900 (plus $615 destination charge) for a V-6 model, and $40,700 for the V-8 edition. An air suspension adds $2,300 (plus $750 bi-xenon headlights). Sales begin on June 20. Later this year, a V-8X model will arrive with a tailgate-mounted spare tire and other extras. Early in 2004, Volkswagen will make a 5.0-liter V-10 TDI diesel engine available, delivering a whopping 553 pounds-feet of torque. (www.vw.com)