Volkswagen Touareg

Our verdict

The Volkswagen Touareg is a big posh off-roader that can cut it in the muck. Less offensive than the related Cayenne, somehow.

Comfort

The seats are big, the engines sound a long way away and most luxuries are to hand. The only problem is a shuddery ride.

Performance

The V10 turbodiesel is legendary in its ability to haul this massive vehicle along, and you can now get a higher-boost version in the R50 for acceleration that easily beats a Golf GTI. At the other extreme the five-cylinder 2.5 TDI struggles, but the V6s in TDi and petrol are OK for most needs.

Cool

Well, at least it's not a Cayenne. Does that count?

Quality

Despite the Touareg's high price its cabin quality isn't quite a match for the Phaeton's, and is probaby no more than class-average, but it's a class of strong and well-made vehicles so you feel reassured.

Handling

The Touareg is heavy but it can look after itself in corners. The big tyres cling on well and body roll is kept under control. But the steering is wooden.Also you need to be aware how much road you're using: it's very wide.

Practicality

The Touareg's off-road ability isn't quite a match for a Range Rover's or Land Cruiser's but it's still impressive. Interior room is huge though it seats only five, and the air-sprung versions are great for towing. The fuel tank is huge, so the diesels will go a long way without a refill.

Running costs

At least the big diesel gives you the performance of petrol rivals with a slightly less bruising thirst, but really you're never going to run a vehicle like this cheaply. At least it's cheaper than a big saloon though because depreciation is less.