Review: Volkswagen 7P Touareg (2011-18)

Review: Volkswagen 7P.I Touareg (2011-14)

Overview

Released in July 2011, the Volkswagen 7P Series I (7P.I) Touareg was a large, five-seat SUV. Manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia, the VW 7P Touareg range consisted of four variants: the 150TDI, 3.6 FSI, 3.0 TDI, and 3.0 TDI 4XMOTION. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard across the range, with the top two ratios serving overdrive gears. Furthermore, all variants were fitted with idle-stop, brake energy recuperation and thermal management (for quicker warm-up times) to minimise fuel consumption.

In August 2012, the range was updated and the 3.6 V6 FSI was discontinued. In February 2012, the range-topping 4.2 TDI R-Line was released; unlike the other variants, it did not have idle-stop.

4-Motion and 4XMotion

The Volkswagen Touareg 150TDI, 3.0 TDI and 3.6 FSI variants were fitted with Volkswagen’s 4-Motion all-wheel drive system. As such, drive was directed to the front wheels in normal conditions, but could be redirected to the rear axle via a Torsen limited-slip differential in the event the traction was lost. The 4-Motion system also included an ‘Off-road Driving Programme’ which could adjust the ABS, hill descent assist and gearbox shift points for off-road use.

The Touareg 3.0 TDI 4XMotion, however, was fitted with the 4XMotion permanent four-wheel drive system. The system provided a default 50:50 front:rear torque split, but up to 100 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to a single wheel if required due to the operation of electronic differential locks. The 3.0 TDI 4XMotion was also fitted with low range reduction gear ratios, an underbody engine/transmission guard and a 100 litre fuel tank (the standard tank was 85 litres). Inside, there was a rotary switch to select the low-range gearing and other off-road settings.

Dimensions

Compared to the Volkswagen 7L Touareg , the 7P Touareg was 144 mm longer (at 4898 mm), 37 mm wider (1965 mm) and had a 49 mm longer wheelbase (2904 mm). Despite this, the 7P Touareg was more fuel efficient, in part due to its reduced kerb mass and improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.38 Cd.

Suspension

The Volkswagen 7P Touareg had double wishbone suspension front and rear, with aluminium upper control arms, steel triangulated lower wishbones and anti-roll bars. The 3.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI 4XMotion and 4.2 TDI R-Line had air suspension which featured self-levelling and ride-height adjustment functions; the air suspension also enabled the driver to select from Comfort, Normal and Sport settings.

Steering

The VW 7P Touareg had hydraulic, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen 7P.I Touareg included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and second row occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control (including rollover sensor), traction control, front seatbelts for front and outer rear passengers, front seatbelts with load limiters, and Auto Hold and Hill Hold Assist functions. From August 2012, a driver fatigue monitoring system was fitted as standard.

The Touareg 4.2 TDI R-Line was further equipped with –

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC enabled the vehicle to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically braking and accelerating. Furthermore, a Front Assist function used a radar sensor to detect situations where the distance to the vehicle ahead rapidly decreased. The driver would then be warned with audible and visual signals, while the brake pads would be brought into contact with the brake discs and the level of brake assistance increased to prime the vehicle for an emergency stop;
• Front Assist: at speeds above 30 km/h, Front Assist used a radar sensor to monitor the distance to objects ahead. If there was a risk of a collision, Front Assist would initially issue audible and visual warnings, prepare the braking system by bringing the brake pads into contact with the brake discs and increase the sensitivity of Brake Assist to prepare for an emergency stop. If the driver failed to react, the brakes would be applied automatically to reduce vehicle speed;
• City Emergency Brake (City EB): City Emergency Brake operated at speeds below 30 km/h and, if a collision risk was detected, would issue visual and audible warnings, and pre-charge the braking system. If the driver failed to react and a collision was imminent, emergency braking would be initiated automatically. If, however, the driver intervened to avoid the accident – by accelerating hard or by steering – then City EB would deactivate and allow the driver to complete the avoidance manoeuvre;
• Side Assist: a blind-spot monitoring and lane changing assistant, the Side Assist system monitored the area to the left and right of the vehicle and up to 50 metres behind. If the driver were to attempt a potentially hazardous lane change, the driver would be warned by means of flashing warning lights in the exterior mirrors; and,
• Proactive Occupant Protection: this system would detect emergency manoeuvres when the vehicle was travelling in excess of 30 km/h and prepare the vehicle and its restraint systems in advance of a possible collision. As such, the front seatbelts would be pre-tensioned and the side windows and sunroof closed.

Features: Touareg 150TDI, 3.6 FSI and 3.0 TDI

Standard features for the Volkswagen Touareg 150TDI included 17-inch alloy wheels with 255/60 R17 tyres, an eight speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, auxiliary and SD-card inputs and MP3/WMA-compatibility, a multi-function 6.5-inch colour touch screen, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity, front fog lights with cornering lights, rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, height adjustable front seats, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlets, an automatically dimming rear view mirror, tinted windows, chrome roof rails, a space-saving spare wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The VW Touareg 3.6 FSI, 3.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI 4XMOTION were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 R18 tyres, eight-inch touchscreen display with RNS850 satellite navigation system, 40GB hard drive and DVD player, Nappa leather upholstery and fourteen-way power adjustable front seats with adjustable side bolsters.

Visually, the Touareg 3.0 TDI 4XMOTION could be identified by its grey and silver coloured lower body side and bumper trims.

Initial shipment

The first shipment of 7P5 Touaregs were the ‘MY11’ specification. Of the MY11 models, the 3.0 TDI, 3.6 FSI and 3.0 TDI 4XMotion variants were fitted with a reversing camera with guidance lines – this feature was omitted from subsequently imported Touareg models. Peak power also increased for the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine to 180 kW (previously 176 kW) for the MY12 models which were released in August 2011.

August 2012: Touareg update

In August 2012, standard features for the 7P Touareg were extended to include 18-inch ‘Karakum’ alloy wheels with 255/55 R18 tyres, twelve-way power adjustable front seats, Vienna leather seats, a reversing camera with parking guidance lines and bi-xenon headlights with LED driving lights. The rear seat backrest could be split and folded remotely from the luggage compartment. Furthermore, the 3.0 TDI was fitted with 20-inch ‘Pikes Peak’ alloy wheels with 275/45 R20 tyres and air suspension with adaptive dampening control.

Visually, the 3.0 TDI 4XMOTION received the same exterior design elements as the other variants, including the body-coloured lower side and bumper trims (with chrome mouldings) and dual chrome triangular exhaust tips.

Touareg 4.2 TDI R-Line

Released in February 2013, the Touareg 4.2 V8 TDI R-Line was distinguished by its 21-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels, 620 watt Dynaudio Confidence sound system with twelve speaker and a twelve channel amplifier, Nappa leather upholstery, four-zone climate control air conditioning, heated steering wheel, kerb-view function for reversing, leather-wrapped gearshift lever with aluminium highlights, stainless steel pedals and door sill plates. Visually, the 4.2 V8 TDI R-Line could be identifiable by its redesigned front and rear bumpers, body-coloured side sills, matte black diffuser, oval exhaust tips, roof spoiler and ‘R-Line’ badges.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volkswagen 7P.I Touareg (September 2011)
• Brochure: Volkswagen 7P.I Touareg (September 2012)

Related links

• Press Kit: Volkswagen 7P Touareg (July 2011)
• Specifications: Volkswagen 7P Touareg (October 2014)

Review: Volkswagen 7P.II Touareg (2015-18)

Overview

The Volkswagen 7P Series II (7P.II) Touareg commenced production in August 2014 and was officially released in Australia in February 2015. Visually, the VW 7P.II Touareg could be identified by its bi-xenon headlights (standard across the range), deeper radiator grille with four horizontal fins, re-profiled bumpers, a new rear diffuser and rear LED fog lights which are integrated in the bumper. Inside, there were new colours for the standard leather upholstery, new design accents and lighting.

For improved fuel economy, the Volkswagen 7P.II Touareg was fitted with low-rolling resistance tyres and the eight-speed automatic transmission had a coasting function which disengaged the drivetrain to reduce engine braking. The turbo-diesel V6 engines were also fitted with a new SCR-DPF (selective catalyst reduction diesel particulate filter) which used AdBlue to reduce emissions for Euro 6 compliance.

In June 2015, the Touareg 150TDI Element was released.

Safety equipment

Compared to its 7P.I Touareg predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen 7P.II Touareg was extended to include Volkswagen’s ‘multi-collision brake’ system which automatically applied the vehicle’s brakes after a collision to prevent a secondary collision. The braking application would be overridden, however, if the driver applied the accelerator.

Features: Touareg 150TDI and 150TDI Element

Standard features for the Volkswagen Touareg 150TDI included 18-inch ‘Arica’ alloy wheels with 255/55 R18 tyres, Volkswagen’s RNS850 satellite navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen, voice control, 60GB hard drive, DVD player and SD card slots, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, fourteen-way power adjustable and heated front seats, Vienna leather upholstery, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights with washers, daytime LED driving lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front fog lights, a rear fog lamp, reversing camera with parking guidance, front and rear parking sensors, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable and heated mirrors with folding function, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, tinted windows, front and rear carpet mats, a cargo net and cover, three 12 volt power sockets (in the centre consoles and cargo bay), illuminated vanity mirrors, metallic and black gloss dashboard trim, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

Compared to the Touareg 150TDI, the Touareg 150TDI Element was further equipped with 8.0J x 18-inch ‘Yukon’ alloy wheels, a proximity key (i.e. keyless entry) with remote starting, rear privacy glass, a rear window sunblind and an alarm system with interior monitoring.

Features: Touareg 180TDI

Relative to the Touareg 150TDI, the Touareg 180TDI added 20-inch ‘Masafi’ alloy wheels with 275/45 R20 tyres, Nappa leather upholstery, a power-operated tailgate and Sapelli Mahagoni ornamental wood trim.

Features: Touareg 250TDI R-Line

Relative to the Touareg 180TDI, the Touareg 250TDI R-Line was distinguished by its ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels with 275/40 R21 tyres, a 620 watt Dynaudio Confidence sound system with a twelve channel digital amplifier and twelve speakers, four-zone climate control air conditioning, front sports seats, two-tone Nappa leather upholstery, heated outer rear seats, 360-degree surround view camera, proximity key (i.e. keyless access), steering wheel gearshift paddles, automatic tilting of the passenger side door mirror when reversing, a power adjustable and heated steering wheel, push-button start, LED tail-lights, tyre pressure monitoring, memory settings (for the front seats and door mirrors), rear privacy glass, stainless steel pedals, door sill scuff plates and aluminium ‘silver lane’ interior trim.

Visually, the Touareg 250TDI R-Line could be identified by its R-Line body styling for the front and rear bumpers, side sills, rear roof spoiler, and ‘R-Line’ exterior badges.

June 2015 update

From June 2015, the Touareg 180TDI was equipped with:

• A proximity key (‘Keyless Access’) with remote starting;
• Power adjustment for the steering wheel (height and reach) with memory settings; and,
• For the door mirrors, a kerb view function when reversing and memory settings.

From June 2015, the Touareg 180TDI and 250TDI R-Line were both equipped with Volkswagen’s ‘Area View’ surround camera system which could provide a 360 degree view of the vehicle.

2016 Volkswagen Touareg 180TDI Wolfsburg Edition

The Volkswagen Touareg 180TDI Wolfsburg Edition was released in May 2016. Although based on the Touareg 180TDI, the Touareg Wolfburg Edition could be identified by its 20-inch ‘Mallory’ alloy wheels with black finish, rear privacy glass, dark LED tail-lights and rear spoiler. Inside, the Touareg Wolfburg Edition also featured black Nappa leather appointed upholstery.

Like the Volkswagen Touareg 250TDI R-Line, the Touareg Wolfsburg Edition was equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist, City Emergency Brake, Side Assist and Proactive Occupant Protection as standard.

2017 Volkswagen Touareg 180TDI Adventure

The Volkswagen Touareg 180TDI Adventure was released in Australia in March 2017. Although based on the Touareg 180TDI, the Touareg 180TDI Adventure was fitted with 19-inch ‘Salvador’ alloy wheels, Vienna leather seat upholstery, air suspension and a 100 litre fuel tank. Furthermore, safety equipment was extended to include Volkswagen’s ‘City Emergency Brake’ and Adaptive Cruise Control.

2017 Volkswagen Touareg 150TDI Monochrome

The Volkswagen Touareg 150TDI Monochrome was released in Australia in November 2017. Visually, the Touareg Monochrome could be identified by its 19-inch ‘Moab’ alloy wheels, black body elements (door mirror caps, lower front grille and roof rails), darkened LED tail-lights. The Touareg 150TDI Monochrome was available in Pure White, Canyon Grey metallic and Deep Black pearlescent paint finishes.

Inside, the Touareg 150TDI Monochrome was distinguished by its two-tone black and Moonrock Grey ‘Vienna’ leather trim, ventilated front seats, Titanium Black headliner, and brushed aluminium and piano black dashboard inserts. Compared to the standard Touareg 150TDI, the Touareg 150TDI Monochrome gained a heated steering wheel with gearshift paddles, a power-operated tailgate and tinted (65 per cent) rear windows. Like the Touareg 250TDI, the Touareg 150TDI Monochrome was also fitted with:

• Front Assist with City Emergency Braking;
• Proactive Occupant Protection; and,
• Adaptive Cruise Control.

Upon its release, the Touareg Monochrome had a list price of $74,990 (excluded on-road costs).

Related links

• Specifications: Volkswagen 7P.II Touareg (February 2015)
• Specifications: Volkswagen 7P.II Touareg (September 2016)
• Specifications: Volkswagen 7P.II Touareg Monochrome (November 2017)
• Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Touareg
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen 7P Touareg