Preview Drive: 2024 VW Touareg 170TDI

What is it:

This is the first major facelift for this generation Volkswagen Touareg in six years. It gains new tech, more features, and a lower price than before.

Price:

The new starting price for the Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI – powered by a 170kW 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel – is $86,790 plus on-road costs, plus options.

Previously this model cost from $89,240 – but when equipped with the technology and features that are now standard, the price nudged $100,000 ($97,940).

So in real terms the new model is about $10,000 less than it cost previously.

Engine:

Single-turbo 3.0-litre V6 diesel with an output of 170kW/500Nm. 

There is also a more expensive 210kW/600Nm version of this engine in the next model up in the range, the Elegance.

Transmission:

Eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive.

0 to 100km/h (claimed):

VW says the Touareg 170TDI does the 0 to 100km/h dash in 8 seconds, perky for a family SUV of this size and weight. 

As this was a media preview drive, we will test the acceleration claim using our VBox timing equipment when we next catch up with this vehicle on home turf.

Good points:

This facelift is much more than skin deep.

Highlights include the new hi-tech Matrix headlights which are standard across the new range.

In addition to the usual masking of oncoming cars, it can dim the area near reflective roadside signs, send a narrow warning flash to cyclists and pedestrians on the side of the road, and project guiding lines in road works zones (read our news story on the headlights here).

All new Touareg models also now come standard with super large infotainment and instrument displays (even larger than what is standard in the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, on which the VW Touareg is based).

Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Supple suspension, superb road-holding. It feels smaller than it really is. 

In fact, it feels almost as nimble as a VW Golf in certain situations, especially in the way it soaks up bumps in bends with ease on country backroads.

Smooth, effortless acceleration. Real-world fuel economy ranged from 7.0 to 9.0L/100km on the media preview drive, which included a mix of city, suburban and open-road driving.

Long list of standard safety technology (autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control, blind zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more).

In welcome news, speed-sign recognition is now standard.

A rarity in the class, it’s rated to tow 3500kg (most SUVs top out at 3000kg or less).

Bad points:

Safety basics such as tyre pressure monitors (standard on most new cars these days) have been bundled with the $8500 “sound and comfort” package.

That includes a 14-speaker premium audio system, heads-up display reflected into the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight, power latching doors (front and rear), electric steering wheel height and reach adjustment, four-zone air-conditioning, and heated front and rear (outboard) seats.

The spare tyre is an inflatable space saver tyre, which is less than ideal, especially once beyond the fringes of metropolis.

Other than nit-picking about the above, we’re yet to find anything significant to dislike about this vehicle.

What the haters say:

Who would play close to $100,000 for a Volkswagen SUV?

What the haters don’t understand:

This is a Porsche Cayenne or an Audi Q7 in a new suit, with more technology for less money than its German siblings.

Should you buy one?

Absolutely. Whether you want to cover big kilometres in comfort, or be pampered in the daily grind, this update represents more than a refresh. It’s more of a reset; it feels like an all-new model.

Also consider:

Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, BMW X5.