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Vehicle Overview Volkswagen arrived late to the SUV party, but the company has developed quite a distinguished participant. According to Volkswagen, the new Touareg (pronounced TOUR-egg) blends offroading skills with the virtue of a German automobile. Chief Engineer Matthias Kroell adds that it has the temperament of a sports car. Named after a tribe of nomadic merchants in the Sahara Desert, who are known as the free folks and knights of the desert, the Touareg went on sale in the United States in June 2003 as an early 2004 model. Volkswagens first sport utility vehicle, which is considered a crossover model, reached the European market earlier. The Touaregs name symbolizes the vehicles ability to function in varying travel conditions - much like the desert nomads are able to adapt themselves to difficult situations. The Touareg is built at a new plant in Germany by Porsche, along with that companys Cayenne SUV. For the U.S. market, the Touareg initially was fitted with either a 3.2-liter V-6 engine or a 4.2-liter V-8. Additional engines are available for the European model. Electronically controlled 4XMotion permanent four-wheel drive is standard and comes with offroad gearing and a locking differential. Up to 100 percent of the engines power can be sent to either the front or rear wheels, based on road conditions. Available high-tech helpers for offroad treks include Hill Climbing Assist, Hill Descent Assist and a locking rear differential. When used in the wilderness, Volkswagens optional navigation system even displays actual coordinates, direction and altitude. Exterior Constructed of fully galvanized steel, the unibody structure of the Touareg makes it more carlike in appearance than many SUVs. The hood wraps down to the horizontal-bar grille, which is similar to the one installed on Volkswagens all-new luxury Phaeton sedan. Rounded body shoulders and sculpted wheel arches complement short overhangs. An especially distinctive feature is the groove located on the lower part of the doors. The V-8X model includes a full-size spare tire on the tailgate. Built on a 112.4-inch wheelbase, the Touareg measures 187.2 inches long overall and stands 68 inches tall. Ground clearance reaches as much as 11.8 inches with the available air suspension, and the vehicle has a wading depth of 22.8 inches. Models equipped with the air suspension lower automatically by an inch when vehicle speed reaches approximately 77 mph. The Touareg can drive at a 35-degree side offset angle and has a 45-degree side tipping angle. Approach and departure angles are greater with the air suspension. Interior The automaker says the styling of the luxurious, wood-trimmed five-passenger interior emulates that of its costly Phaeton sedan. Two- or four-zone climate control is standard. Cargo volume is 31 cubic feet, or 71 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. An OnStar communication system is optional. Under the Hood Two gasoline engines are available: a 220-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and a 310-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 that is similar to the one in the Audi A8 L. A six-speed-automatic transmission functions with Tiptronic control. Safety Side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags are installed. Antilock brakes, traction control, a tire-pressure monitor and an Electronic Stability Program are standard. Driving Impressions Handling confidence and offroad capabilities top the list of Touareg benefits. Body lean is minimal, and the Touareg is capable of more than expected. In demanding offroad treks, this SUV is eager to strut its stuff with masterful athleticism. VWs version ranks with the best when the pavement stops. Especially in four-wheel-drive form, the Touaregs high-tech gadgetry can be confusing at first. But unlike some, its all purposeful. Touareg models equipped with the V-8 engine and the seriously taut air suspension exhibit superior control, yet ride com City 14/hwy 18 (4.2L engine/6-speed auto trans),Chrome side rocker panels,Pwr glass tilt/slide sunroof,Adjustable removable black roof rack,Body-color bumpers w/black lower section,Chrome air intake,Chrome grille w/logo,Halogen headlamps w/automatic headlights-on feature,Halogen fog lamps,Daytime running lights,Body-color auto-tilt pwr heated mirrors w/integrated flood lights/turn signals,Auto-dimming/flush folding/memory functions for exterior mirrors,Tinted green glass for front side windows,Tinted privacy glass for rear side/hatch windows,Aero rain-sensing windshield wipers w/heated washer nozzles,Rear intermittent wiper,Side chrome door sills,Body-color door handles,Fully reclining heated front comfort bucket seats w/adjustable headrests,12-way pwr seat adjusters lumbar support driver seat memory,Cricket leather seat trim,60/40 split folding rear seat w/fold-flat feature height-adjustable headrests for all seating positions,Sliding illuminated front center armrest,Foldable rear center armrest w/storage compartment,Center console,Front/rear floor mats,4-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel w/cruise control audio/onboard computer functions,Height-adjustable/telescopic steering column,Instrumentation,Multi-function trip computer,Multi-function onboard computer,Headlights-on warning tone,Audible/visible anti-theft vehicle alarm system for doors/hood/hatch/radio/ starter,Immobilizer III theft-deterrent system,Remote keyless entry,Remote central pwr locking system,Pwr windows,Remote fuel door/hatch releases,Cruise control,Dual-zone Climatronic climate control,Illuminated front/rear air vents,Rear window defroster,Premium VI AM/FM stereo w/CD player,6-disc CD changer preparation in cargo area,Window-mounted antenna,Illuminated lockable glove box w/adjustable cooling feature,Rear cup holders,Walnut wood interior w/aluminum accents,Front/rear door storage pockets w/rubber lining,Molded door trim in leatherette,Auto-dimming rearview mirror w/switch joystick control,Overhead console,Rear side sunshades,Covered illuminated visor vanity mirrors,Front/rear passenger assist handles,Dual front/rear reading lights,Interior ambient lighting,Leather shift knob w/chrome & wood accents,Front seatback pockets,Fully-lined carpeted luggage compartment,4.2L DOHC SMPI 40-valve V8 engine,6-speed automatic transmission w/Tiptronic & OD,Dynamic Shift Program (DSP),Center locking differential,Traction control,Engine braking assist,4XMOTION permanent 4-wheel drive,450 CCA battery,190-amp alternator,Digital electronic ignition w/dual knock sensor,Independent double wishbone front suspension,Independent four link rear suspension,Front/rear steel springs,P255/55VR18 all-season tires,P195/75R18 spare tire,18 x 8 alloy wheels w/anti-theft wheel locks,Pwr rack & pinion steering,Pwr front/rear vented disc brakes,4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS),26.4 gallon fuel tank,Dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes,Driver/front passenger airbag supplemental restraint system w/advanced dual stage airbag deployment,Driver/front passenger side-impact airbags,Front/rear side curtain protection,3-point front/rear seat belts w/emergency locking retractors for all seats,Seat belt height adjusters pretensioners for front/rear outboard seats,Front seat belt load limiters,Child-safety rear door locks,Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH) for rear outboard seats,Collapsible steering column,Anti-intrusion side-impact door beams,Intelligent Crash Response System