A rude awakening
Could those doggy eyes lie? This is the question that leaps to mind as the VW Touareg Hybrid glides silently, powered only by electricity, across the expanse of the supermarket parking lot. The horror in the eyes of both dog and master is authentic. A moment earlier they were strolling across the asphalt as if the world belonged to them. And now they jump off to one side… and no wonder. The ‘battleship’ in the Volkswagen fleet is redoubtable, it weighs 2.3 tons with its two engines, rolls on giant 19 inch light metal wheels and it is coming up on them in complete silence. The big SUV made in Wolfsburg is wider than many men are tall at 1.94 metres and it is 1.73 metres high. It is not an automobile that is easily overlooked, this luxury off-road limousine. And you need not be deaf to be unaware of its approach. For the Touareg Hybrid can run for three kilometres without making a sound, using its electric traction alone. And this silent running can reach the speed of 50 kilometres an hour thanks to the power plant under the floor of the boot where the spare wheel would otherwise be stowed.
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- The primary source of power is the compressor-boosted three-litre V6 petrol fuelled engine with 333 horsepower (245 kW).
Two hearts beating
Emissions-free starts and acceleration in city traffic call for sensitivity in the use of the accelerator pedal otherwise the three litre six cylinder engine with its 333 horsepower (245 kW) will spring loudly into action and end the silence. And the robust sound comes as something of a shock after the quiet it interrupts. The switch from electric power in the ‘Boost’ mode is an aural surprise but it takes place very smoothly and without any lurching or jerking. If the driver chooses to combine the output of both power plants and puts the pedal to the metal the auto surges ahead with vigour. The cooperation of the two motors gives a total output of 380 horsepower (279 kW) and is sufficient to propel the heavy car to a hundred kilometres an hour in 6.5 seconds and with an ease which comes as afurther surprise with an auto tipping the scales at 2.5 tons. The maximum velocity of 240 kilometres an hour is similarly impressive. The added electrical push for such performance is made available through the recovery of braking energy which turns the electric motor into a generator. On the very clear display on the central console the energy flow is well illustrated and the status of the 1.3 kWh nickel metal hydride batteries can be checked.
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- The cockpit of the SUV is as luxurious as anyone could hope for, with even the drive selector for the eight-speed automatic transmission as oversized as the vehicle itself.
Luxury yacht on wheels
At first glance the Touareg we tested looks like any other Touareg… one of the many now to be seen on the streets and highways… boxy, massive and powerful in appearance. But this ‘son of the desert’ not only has a big look it hides big technology modifications under its skin. A very precise electro-hydraulic steering allows the driver to forget the imposing dimensions of the vehicle and allows an agility almost reminiscent of a sports car. The new air suspension makes for very neutral handling and even on rough roads the ride is comfortable. Once the driver has had his fun with the accelerator the journey can proceed calmly with the right foot relaxed and he can just enjoy ‘sailing’ along. This is how the engineers describe what transpires when the internal combustion engine uncouples from the eight-stage automatic transmission when the accelerator is released. Then the ‘battleship’ assumes the qualities of three-master speeding across the waves with the Passat wind astern. Speaking of yachting, those on board can expect more than just a voyage from ‘A’ to ‘B’… the sun shines down through the panorama sliding roof, the leather-and-wood trim of the car’s interior reminds of a luxury liner, the rear seats offer not only sufficient head-room but can be slid back up to sixteen centimetres… all that is missing is a steward serving bouillon.
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- The rear end looks exactly like the non-hybrid version. There is room for up to 1,555 litres of load in the back.
Off-road talents
If the trip calls for a detour across difficult terrain the Touareg shows other qualities. The press of a button calls up an ‘Off-Road’ setting, raising the carosserie and adjusting the differential to allow inclines of up to 45 degrees to be mastered and traction to be maintained on surfaces which would defeat most other automobiles. In everyday driving, of course, such qualities will not often be called upon. But still, it is fun to deactivate the skid preventing ESP and have a go on empty gravel covered parking lots. Thus one can discover just how much off-road talent there is really to be found in an SUV model. The Touareg is typical of the upper-class segment with plenty of room inside and leather seating which combines real comfort with adequate support. The boot, too, is generously proportioned, with a loading capacity of up to 1,555 litres with the back seats folded down. With the rear seats in place there is still room for almost 500 litres. The fuel tank takes 85 litres, which is just as well since the consumption added up to 11.9 litres per hundred kilometres driven in spite of the presence of the second electrically powered engine. This result was well over the claimed 8.2 litres. This is a fact which, taken together with the high price for the version we tested of 90,325 Euros, must make many wonder just how sensible are these ‘ecology conscious’ SUV models. Even the entry level price of 75,500 Euros is 25 thousand more costly than the Touareg powered by the basic V6 diesel motor. But the hybrid is certainly well adapted to everyday use and there is no doubt whatsoever that the technology of the drive system has been truly perfected.
