The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

Since its birth date in 2002, the VW Touareg has undergone some facelift-like alterations. The VW Touareg for 2011is all set for a complete redesign. This time around, it is even harder to review this SUV. German manufacturer has taken this do-over to a whole new plane by entirely re-engineering this Vehicle so as to bolster Volkswagen’s market share and considerably increase future sales in the United States.

One of the notable changes is an approval to the preferences of many of the crossover SUV owners (who had lamented on the handling of its predecessors) by making it optional for the Touareg to have a heavy and complex dual-range transfer casing an item rather than standard equipment. This alteration cuts down the weight by about four hundred pounds, which when coupled with increased body inflexibility, should significantly sharpen on-street performance.

V8 and V6 power are projected to be offered again in the Volkswagen Touareg for 2011; however, the real hype in town is about a new hybrid drive-train that is gas-electric powered, developed in collaboration with Porsche. VW’s first-ever hybrid in production is based on the supercharged V6, 3.0-liter engine amplified by an electric motor which is powered by a battery.

Together they provide 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque which is good for sprints from a halt to 60 mph of 6.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 149 mph.

The exterior of the new Touareg for 2011 appears firmer and edgier, with more manifest wheel arches and contour lines. The Volkswagen’ corporate face is up-front; out back are the characteristic LED taillights. The Touareg remains a medium-sized crossover SUV that seats five people, but the rear occupants are particularly well taken care of in this new model, with more legroom at the rear and a backrest that can be adjusted to three positions.

Test drives done on  2011 Volkswagen Touareg indicate that this SUV has not only found its place next to contemporary rivals such as the BMW X5 and Acura MDX, it also seems to have the strength to compete against great hybrid competitors such as the Mercedes ML450 and Hybrid Lexus RX 450h.

Under the hood, the Volkswagen Touareg has a 3.0-liter V6 hybrid engine with fuel consumption ratings of 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The standard Touareg has four-wheel drive

The interior of the 2011 Touareg is a work of art. With leather upholstery, navigation system, Audio system with iPod input, Bluetooth, Satellite Radio, Side/Curtain Airbags, Stability Control and traction control.

With a towing capacity of 7,000 pounds, the 2011 Touareg is a serious workhorse in addition to being a luxury vehicle. The new VR6 model however, has the softest ride in the Touareg stable as a result of softer suspension and smaller tires. This is a good configuration for the Touareg – the optional low profile tires and larger wheels reportedly spoil the ride. The 2011Touareg is refined and quiet, it a superb long distance cruiser. But the complex 4WD system together with some of its electronic gadgetry gives the Touareg true prowess off-road.