Volkswagen Toureg only gasoline engines but diesel and hybrid as well

The 2011 Volkswagen Toureg is a mid-sized luxury SUV that has been redesigned for this year offering not only gasoline engines but diesel and hybrid as well. The exterior design is tighter and more edgy as character lines and wheel arches are more pronounced. The front exudes the classic Volkswagen style while the rear sports distinctive LED tail lights. The vehicle seats five with more than ample space for those in the back as well as in the front seats.

The gasoline version of the Volkswagen Toureg is available in two models: the VR6 Sport and the VR6 Lux. The VR6 Sport features 18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, a navigation system, eight-way power driver and front passenger seats, side-curtain airbags, driver seat with multi-heating levels, connectivity for Bluetooth and the iPod, satellite radio, remote power door locks and power windows, cruise control and a leather steering wheel.

The features of the Volkswagen Toureg VR6 Lux are somewhat upgraded from those of the VR6 Sport with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery and bucket front seats, ten-way power driver and front passenger seats, a navigation system, remote power door locks and power mirrors, a variety of storage compartments and audio cruise controls on the steering wheel. Also included are inputs for the iPod and Bluetooth connectivity.

Specs:

The base engine for both gasoline models of the Volkswagen Toureg is a 3.6 liter dual overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine with variable valve timing that can produce 280 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is an eight-speed shiftable automatic and the drive is four-wheel. Fuel economy for the Volkswagen Toureg is 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

The interior of the Volkswagen Toureg is close to luxurious with a cabin made of high quality materials. The interior is spacious with exceptionally comfortable front seats that have a high riding position. The rear seats also provide adequate room for both children and adults. Cargo space with both the rear and front seats in an upright position is 32.1 cubic feet and expands to 70.9 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down.

The Volkswagen Toureg has not yet been crash tested by the federal government but the vehicle earns the “Top Safety Pick” status by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Safety features on the vehicle include anti-lock brakes, engine brake assist, electronic brake pressure distribution and airbags for the driver and front passenger for the front and the side, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. A lane departure and blind spot warning detection system are optional safety features for the vehicle.

The drive of the Volkswagen Toureg is smooth due to the eight-speed automatic transmission and the cabin is quiet under all road conditions, making the vehicle feel like it is gliding over the pavement. The V6 engine provides good acceleration and the braking capabilities are solid. The standard all-wheel drive facilitates those hazardous drives in snowstorms and provides some good off-road capabilities, sometimes at the expense of better on-road handling.