Touareg R Line Plus
Discussion
Delivered Friday morning... my (well, my wife's) new Touareg.
Needed a new car quickly after my wife's 2.5 year US assignment ended at short notice and she's now back in the UK. After 28 years, I gave up my company entitlement car last year, took the cash alternative, and have been running round in our 996... Which is fine for just me, but really not suitable as a 'family car'.
I really fancied a CLS, but the deals just weren't good value at decision time, and after taking her to look at various options, this was the one she liked best (most similar to the X5 she had back in 2005, which she loved). Deal was OK (c.24% of list over 2 years on a PCH), and most importantly, the car was in stock. Though it was the last R Line Plus VW Corporate had in the UK... so had to take it as specced.
I didn't see the actual car before delivery this morning, and I was a bit concerned about the cream (beige!) interior, but it's actually quite nice (it will need some dark mats and a boot liner). But would have preferred black or a darker brown though.
It's an R Line 'Plus', so pretty high spec - 21's, electric panoramic roof/sunroof, 14 way electric heated seats with memory (linked to each key), DAB, heated steering wheel, nav, sliding rear seats, electric tail gate, etc. Also came with a tow bar (which won't get used).
I did 300 miles of mixed motorway/A roads over the weekend and I really like it. The driving position and seat comfort are excellent, it's got a decent turn of speed (3l diesel, >260bhp, >400ftlbs, 8 spd auto), ride is very good (surprising, given it's on 275/40/21's), steering feels 'OK', it's not overly soft in the corners, and it feels very solidly put together. Supremely refined on the motorway – little wind noise, and just a gentle hum from the engine at 85ish.
Only complaint so far is with the ICE interface – with an iPhone, the handsfree stuff/voice control all works perfectly, but it doesn’t allow an internet connection for carnet. So I bought a cheap data sim for it, but once this is installed, the ICE unit cuts all iPhone features except music streaming. Did some Googling, and found out this has been a known issue for over 2 years. Inexcusable that a major manufacturer can’t get this right, especially as this isn’t an issue in other VAG brands (Audi/Porsche)… should have been a simple software update.
A few pics
Needed a new car quickly after my wife's 2.5 year US assignment ended at short notice and she's now back in the UK. After 28 years, I gave up my company entitlement car last year, took the cash alternative, and have been running round in our 996... Which is fine for just me, but really not suitable as a 'family car'.
I really fancied a CLS, but the deals just weren't good value at decision time, and after taking her to look at various options, this was the one she liked best (most similar to the X5 she had back in 2005, which she loved). Deal was OK (c.24% of list over 2 years on a PCH), and most importantly, the car was in stock. Though it was the last R Line Plus VW Corporate had in the UK... so had to take it as specced.
I didn't see the actual car before delivery this morning, and I was a bit concerned about the cream (beige!) interior, but it's actually quite nice (it will need some dark mats and a boot liner). But would have preferred black or a darker brown though.
It's an R Line 'Plus', so pretty high spec - 21's, electric panoramic roof/sunroof, 14 way electric heated seats with memory (linked to each key), DAB, heated steering wheel, nav, sliding rear seats, electric tail gate, etc. Also came with a tow bar (which won't get used).
I did 300 miles of mixed motorway/A roads over the weekend and I really like it. The driving position and seat comfort are excellent, it's got a decent turn of speed (3l diesel, >260bhp, >400ftlbs, 8 spd auto), ride is very good (surprising, given it's on 275/40/21's), steering feels 'OK', it's not overly soft in the corners, and it feels very solidly put together. Supremely refined on the motorway – little wind noise, and just a gentle hum from the engine at 85ish.
Only complaint so far is with the ICE interface – with an iPhone, the handsfree stuff/voice control all works perfectly, but it doesn’t allow an internet connection for carnet. So I bought a cheap data sim for it, but once this is installed, the ICE unit cuts all iPhone features except music streaming. Did some Googling, and found out this has been a known issue for over 2 years. Inexcusable that a major manufacturer can’t get this right, especially as this isn’t an issue in other VAG brands (Audi/Porsche)… should have been a simple software update.
A few pics
BlueHave said:
That looks very smart, it's like 50% Bentley Bentayga for 20% of the price.
Thanks... parked it next to my BIL's '16 Cayenne at the weekend, and although they are a similar size, the Touareg looks a lot smaller in isolation... I find the styling is a lot more 'understated' than the competition, which I like.anonymous said:
[redacted]
No, it's on the standard steel suspension. I think the air cars are at the same height standard, but can be raised another 300mm for off road. Not sure if it's wheel/tyre related. It's on 275/40/21's, but I don't think the rolling radius is much different on cars with smaller wheels.BIL's Cayenne has a much smaller wheel/arch gap, and that's running 295/35/21's. But it's also has a LOT firmer ride, even on air.
Maybe the suspension just needs to settle a bit.
I'm getting used to the interior, and like it... though I doubt I'll get used to trying to keep it clean - even the boot if full on wall to wall beige carpet... ordered some darker brown mats and boots liner for it last night.
We got ours in Jan this year, they are an absulute bargain on the VWFS lease deal. These are a great example of when leasing DOES make financial sense.
Only difference is we have the black interior which actually makes the car quite dark. I rather like your lighter colour although the kids would wreck it (and it's the family tank).
Tend to drive it in sport mode all the time as the gearbox seems a bit dimwitted, but it certainly pulls when it gets going (fuel consumption is woeful). And yep the radio is crap, but I like the nav also in the main binnacle.
Only difference is we have the black interior which actually makes the car quite dark. I rather like your lighter colour although the kids would wreck it (and it's the family tank).
Tend to drive it in sport mode all the time as the gearbox seems a bit dimwitted, but it certainly pulls when it gets going (fuel consumption is woeful). And yep the radio is crap, but I like the nav also in the main binnacle.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
We have an R-Line 262 and its generally a great car for the reasons the OP quoted. We spec'd a stowaway towbar on it for carrying a bike rack rather than towing. However, I did use it with a hired car trailer to swap new/old cars for my Mum. With a car on board it was horrible, low frequency pulsing through the transmission like it was getting confused by the load. After 200 miles each way I was delighted to take it back to indespension. Empty trailer was fine so it must be something to do with the load. Maybe our car is unique but I'd try one out before you buy. You generally don't see many Touaregs towing and this may be why.stongle said:
We got ours in Jan this year, they are an absulute bargain on the VWFS lease deal. These are a great example of when leasing DOES make financial sense.
Only difference is we have the black interior which actually makes the car quite dark. I rather like your lighter colour although the kids would wreck it (and it's the family tank).
Tend to drive it in sport mode all the time as the gearbox seems a bit dimwitted, but it certainly pulls when it gets going (fuel consumption is woeful). And yep the radio is crap, but I like the nav also in the main binnacle.
I like light coloured seats (my last company car had ivory seats and door inserts), but would have preferred it with dark carpets/headliner/lower dash.Only difference is we have the black interior which actually makes the car quite dark. I rather like your lighter colour although the kids would wreck it (and it's the family tank).
Tend to drive it in sport mode all the time as the gearbox seems a bit dimwitted, but it certainly pulls when it gets going (fuel consumption is woeful). And yep the radio is crap, but I like the nav also in the main binnacle.
Haven’t noticed any issues with the gearbox left in drive so far; pull away, glance at the dash and it's already in 5th, whilst I haven't felt a thing. I'm avoiding sport mode as fuel consumption currently only 28ish. Hoping to see this improve to 30’s as it loosens up and with warmer weather.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
My brother-in-law has a 2016 Cayenne V8S diesel. It’s a great car - quite a bit faster than the Touareg, more handling focussed suspension set up and the interior is better quality – but not sure it’s £40k more.I'll update through my ownership.
Speed 3 said:
We have an R-Line 262 and its generally a great car for the reasons the OP quoted. We spec'd a stowaway towbar on it for carrying a bike rack rather than towing. However, I did use it with a hired car trailer to swap new/old cars for my Mum. With a car on board it was horrible, low frequency pulsing through the transmission like it was getting confused by the load. After 200 miles each way I was delighted to take it back to indespension. Empty trailer was fine so it must be something to do with the load. Maybe our car is unique but I'd try one out before you buy. You generally don't see many Touaregs towing and this may be why.
Quite a lot of people on Treg forums are using them for towing caravans… unlikely my tow bar will ever see the light of day though.Pvapour said:
Father just got rid of his, bloody awfull ride, the amount it jiggles you side to side along a straight road made us all feel quite ill.
Surprising… maybe it’s because I’m used to driving a 17 year old 996 with 170k miles, but the ride quality is brilliant AFAIC. Even on one of our local roads, that the water board have dug up and resurfaced 3 times, it rides really nicely. On the motorway it's limo smooth.Like you say, Its all relative, ive moved from sprts cars to luxury and comfort over the last few years, if like you i had come from a harsh sports car then id have been equaly impressed im sure, and tbf the ride over bumps wasnt too bad considering the profile of the tyres 22” with 35 profile or something crazy?
It was the way it rocked you from side too side, gently shaking if you like, most noticeable down a straight A road becuse you have no corners to give you lateral compression which would iron it out, maybe its just the taller vehicle thing? Tho we had a range rover that never made us feel this way.
My conclusion was the anti roll bars being to thick to go with the ‘sport’ suspension, why oh why on a 4x4?? Where as the range rover has active air suspension and anti rollbars i think.
There wasnt any selector for different suspension settings on his, dont know if air was an option on the r-line?
Lights were very cool tho
i have a thing for car lighting
It was the way it rocked you from side too side, gently shaking if you like, most noticeable down a straight A road becuse you have no corners to give you lateral compression which would iron it out, maybe its just the taller vehicle thing? Tho we had a range rover that never made us feel this way.
My conclusion was the anti roll bars being to thick to go with the ‘sport’ suspension, why oh why on a 4x4?? Where as the range rover has active air suspension and anti rollbars i think.
There wasnt any selector for different suspension settings on his, dont know if air was an option on the r-line?
Lights were very cool tho
i have a thing for car lightingPvapour said:
Like you say, Its all relative, ive moved from sprts cars to luxury and comfort over the last few years, if like you i had come from a harsh sports car then id have been equaly impressed im sure, and tbf the ride over bumps wasnt too bad considering the profile of the tyres 22” with 35 profile or something crazy?
It was the way it rocked you from side too side, gently shaking if you like, most noticeable down a straight A road becuse you have no corners to give you lateral compression which would iron it out, maybe its just the taller vehicle thing? Tho we had a range rover that never made us feel this way.
My conclusion was the anti roll bars being to thick to go with the ‘sport’ suspension, why oh why on a 4x4?? Where as the range rover has active air suspension and anti rollbars i think.
There wasnt any selector for different suspension settings on his, dont know if air was an option on the r-line?
Lights were very cool tho i have a thing for car lighting
The biggest standard wheels/tyres are 275/40/21 (for perspective, BIL's Cayenne has 295/35/21), which are standard on the Plus (regular R Line has 275/45/20). Mine's not got air (it was a c.£2k option), so no suspension setting options (just a dial for on/off road). It was the way it rocked you from side too side, gently shaking if you like, most noticeable down a straight A road becuse you have no corners to give you lateral compression which would iron it out, maybe its just the taller vehicle thing? Tho we had a range rover that never made us feel this way.
My conclusion was the anti roll bars being to thick to go with the ‘sport’ suspension, why oh why on a 4x4?? Where as the range rover has active air suspension and anti rollbars i think.
There wasnt any selector for different suspension settings on his, dont know if air was an option on the r-line?
Lights were very cool tho
i have a thing for car lightingRide is certainly smoother than the Cayenne's, and that is on air... you can really feel the weight of the big wheels/tyres on the Cayenne in a way I've only really felt on the Touareg on very rough tarmac. The Cayenne has unbelievable cornering ability though - on another level to the Touareg.
Headlights... I'd forgotten how bad the headlights are on my 996 (even with upgraded bulbs). 1st night drive in the Touareg I was blow away by how bright they are... they are better on dip than the Porsche is on main... and the DLR's aren't far off a match for the Porsche on dip
One month and 2,000 miles in the Touareg now (will need to buy some more miles of VWFS!), and it continues to impress.
It really is a superb way to cover miles in comfort. Did 400 this weekend up and down the M1 to visit family. It just plows along quiet and comfortable whatever the speed. Driving position and seats are fabulous.
Beyond the already mentioned iPhone/satnav issue, only 2 other minor niggles - the NS door mirror is useless when it rains as the airflow pulls water and muck on to it, and the gearbox doesn't seem to like staying in 8th - even cruising at 80, it shifts down to 7th if you ask for a few mph more... fixed by knocking the lever to the left and locking it in 8th, where it has ample power/torque to accelerate.
It's not been exactly frugal - wife is getting c.29mpg on her 50 miles commute in and out of London (not too bad), but I only got 25 on a hard drive back yesterday (including a good thrash along the A43, using sport mode on the roundabout exits - it's got a fair turn of speed!)... 28.3 average over 2k to date.
One massive p
s off... 1 week in, 300 miles... and according to my wife, she's driving along the M25 and gets hit by 'some debris', leaving several deep scratches (down to the primer in places) on the bonnet and two 3"-4" long scratches on the windscreen. Bonnet will require paint 
It really is a superb way to cover miles in comfort. Did 400 this weekend up and down the M1 to visit family. It just plows along quiet and comfortable whatever the speed. Driving position and seats are fabulous.
Beyond the already mentioned iPhone/satnav issue, only 2 other minor niggles - the NS door mirror is useless when it rains as the airflow pulls water and muck on to it, and the gearbox doesn't seem to like staying in 8th - even cruising at 80, it shifts down to 7th if you ask for a few mph more... fixed by knocking the lever to the left and locking it in 8th, where it has ample power/torque to accelerate.
It's not been exactly frugal - wife is getting c.29mpg on her 50 miles commute in and out of London (not too bad), but I only got 25 on a hard drive back yesterday (including a good thrash along the A43, using sport mode on the roundabout exits - it's got a fair turn of speed!)... 28.3 average over 2k to date.
One massive p
s off... 1 week in, 300 miles... and according to my wife, she's driving along the M25 and gets hit by 'some debris', leaving several deep scratches (down to the primer in places) on the bonnet and two 3"-4" long scratches on the windscreen. Bonnet will require paint Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff