2010 Volkswagen Touareg Bottom Line
To bring you the most useful review possible on the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg, TheCarConnection.com has looked to some of the most reputable review sources on the Web, handpicking highlights for a full review. The editors of TheCarConnection.com have also driven the Volkswagen Touareg—including the more fuel-efficient TDI—and give you observations along with comparisons to rival vehicles here in this Bottom Line.
Likes
Refinement and quiet
Premium-feel interior design and materials
Ride comfort
Top safety protection
Torque and drivability of TDI engine
Dislikes
Unimpressive backseat and cargo space
Not easy to park or maneuver in tight spaces
Low fuel economy (gasoline engines)
Looks are deceiving for the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg; it looks like a soft, carlike crossover, a bigger brother to the much leaner Tiguan, but despite its styling, the Touareg offers serious off-road capability and trail ruggedness, along with some measure of trailer-towing ability. But families simply seeking a conveyance for people and cargo on the road are likely to be a little disappointed, as the Touareg's design fails to emphasize space and efficiency.
For 2008, the Volkswagen Touareg was given a modest restyling, with a little more brightwork, new LED rear lamps, and some slight aerodynamic and interior improvements—plus a number of new tech features and improvements—but overall the Touareg has changed little since its introduction seven years ago. With a smooth, wagonlike profile, lifted with off-road-friendly ground clearance, bright side sills, and a grille not unlike those on VW's cars, the Touareg looks more soft than rugged. Inside, the Touareg's cabin is a drastic departure from VW's traditionally Spartan cabins.
Last year Volkswagen introduced a more fuel-efficient turbodiesel engine to the lineup. The new 3.0-liter TDI V-6 makes 221 horsepower and 407-lb-ft of torque—especially good for off-roading or towing—yet achieves EPA ratings of 18 mpg city, 25 highway. The engine is much cleaner than the previous diesel offered on the Touareg and meets 50-state emissions. For 2010, VW discontinues the V-8, leaving the TDI as a premium to the base engine on the Touareg, a 3.6-liter gasoline V-6. The V-6 is an updated version of VW's venerable narrow-angle VR6 engine. Output is a respectable 276 horsepower, but the V-6 doesn't have enough low-rev torque to move the heavy Touareg with much authority.
The four-wheel-drive system included with the Touareg has a low range for serious off-roading, along with the impressive approach and departure angles to conquer some precarious situations. Hill descent and climb assist, two electronic aids, also help with slippery situations. The available air suspension package brings the ability to adjust ride height and improves handling both on- and off-road, or when towing. When properly equipped, the Volkswagen Touareg can haul up to 7,716 pounds.
Seating is reasonably comfortable in the 2010 Touareg, though it lacks the impressive interior and cargo space that you might have come to expect from utility vehicles. The front seats are spectacular, managing to be both luxuriously soft yet firm enough for ache-free long drives—and the driving position is nice and upright—but the rear seats disappoint. The second-row bench is comfortable, but there's no third-row seat and surprisingly little room for either passengers or cargo in back. Throughout the interior, appointments feel premium, and this VW could easily carry an exclusive luxury badge. Fine leather, metal, and wood interior materials lift the mood, while soft-touch plastics round out the cabin design. Fit and finish is superb as well, and while most gauges are easy to read, there is a rather confusing array of buttons and controls. Ride quality is excellent in the Touareg. Thanks in part to its heft, the Touareg's ride is smooth, settled, and not nearly as bouncy as in other off-road-capable SUVs, with a tight, quiet cabin. It handles well for a vehicle that in some trims can approach three tons—although the weight can be felt in abrupt maneuvers.
Built like a fortress and appointed with all the expected safety features, the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg promises tremendous security and protection. Front side airbags, full-length side curtain bags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control are all standard. Sure enough, it's done very well in federal crash tests, with top five-star ratings in both frontal and side-impact tests. Maneuverability is a disappointment; despite the manageable length and width (at the small end of a mid-size car), the Touareg is somewhat difficult to park, and visibility is impaired—you'll need to rely on the now-standard rear sensors.
The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg includes a lot of standard features. Examples include a power rear liftgate, sonar parking sensors, and Sirius Satellite Radio, as well as heated seats, a sunroof, keyless entry, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control. A Bluetooth hands-free interface is now standard on the Toureg, and major options include a high-end Dynaudio sound system, a navigation system, and adaptive cruise control, plus lavish interior materials upgrades with cricket leather and walnut trim.
The Bottom Line: The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg is a different type of vehicle than it appears. If toughness takes precedence over space and versatility, it might be right for you.
Other Choices
If you like the 2010 Volkswagen Touareg, also consider:
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class
- Lexus RX
- BMW X5
- Audi Q7
- Acura MDX
Reason Why:
If your needs involve more passenger-hauling than off-roading, you'll probably be better off with one of the many more carlike crossover vehicles, as the Touareg can feel especially heavy and cumbersome with no reward in terms of interior space. The Acura MDX and Lexus RX are both better options for passenger comfort; they feel roomier inside and handle well, though their appointments might not seem quite as exclusive. The Audi Q7, which is related to the Touareg, has an available third-row seat and a beautiful, more expansive interior; it doesn't have such a focus on off-road ability, so it handles a bit better on the road. The X5 and MDX are the best choices of this group for those who want an SUV that feels frisky and agile. But if you plan to off-road or tow in luxury, the Touareg is one of the best SUVs for its size. The Mercedes-Benz M-Class has off-road and towing ability but outdoes the Touareg with a more spacious, more passenger-friendly interior, however.
Buying Tip
Unless you plan to tow heavy loads, TheCarConnection.com recommends keeping it simple and skipping the available air suspension on the 2010 Touareg. The standard Touareg suspension provides a comfortable ride for most uses.
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2010 Volkswagen CC Bottom Line
To help you make the right decision on the 2010 Volkswagen CC, TheCarConnection.com has looked at what some of the most reputable auto critics have said about the CC, picking highlights for a full review. TheCarConnection.com's editors have also driven VW CC and bring you firsthand observations and expert comparisons in this Bottom Line.
Likes
Stylish exterior
Lavish cabin details—and frameless windows
Sheer value (base 2.0T)
Dislikes
Overly light steering
Touchy brakes
Odd seating position
Tight rear headroom
Harsh ride with larger wheels
The 2010 Volkswagen CC looks like a more expensive vehicle than it is—no doubt a good thing for most shoppers. As Volkswagen's second attempt at a luxury sedan, the CC takes a more conservative approach in the market than the former Phaeton flagship. Instead of being built on an entirely new, exclusive platform, the CC is constructed with familiar underpinnings shared with the Passat—and in the case of VR6 and 4Motion all-wheel-drive variants, it effectively replaces the Passat.
All this modesty isn't readily apparent at first glance. The 2010 Volkswagen CC follows a stunning, coupe-like silhouette similar to that of the Mercedes CLS, with frameless windows and a long, flowing design. Whether or not you take offense to anything with four doors calling itself a coupe, VW has successfully produced a very elegant overall design, with the exception of rather long overhangs (especially in the front). Inside, the CC is especially stunning, with contrast stitching, contrasting-color leather seats, and upscale trim that you'll likely be surprised to see in a vehicle that costs less than $30,000.
The base engine for the 2010 Volkswagen Passat CC is the excellent VW/Audi 2.0T four-cylinder, making 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The base Sport model comes standard with a six-speed manual, while a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Though few buyers will probably opt for it, the manual transmission is nice in the CC, with a notchy linkage but pleasant clutch. The automatic isn't nearly as great; rather than the excellent twin-clutch DSG system used in smaller cars, the CC gets a conventional automatic that doesn't do so well with the four-cylinder. It's marginally better with the V-6, but upshifts can be lumpy and downshifts hesitant. Overall, the turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder is the clear choice over the V-6, with copious torque and a generally relaxed demeanor, nearly matching the uplevel V-6's acceleration and ringing in at 31 mpg on the highway. The 3.6-liter variant of VW's narrow-angle V-6 (VR6) is optional, but we recommend against it due to its somewhat gruff and vocal nature, less accessible torque curve, and higher fuel consumption. The VW CC handles well, but overall it's unremarkable due to overboosted, feather-light steering that lacks any sense of road feel. Brakes are also a disappointment—they're too touchy and tough to modulate, though they are strong and capable.
Style takes priority over function in the 2010 Volkswagen CC, and a rather odd seating arrangement and a slightly cramped backseat are the consequences. There's only space for two in back, with the middle rear seat eschewed for a comfy armrest and built-in cup holders. Headroom in back is tight for taller occupants, while in front, occupants might raise their seats more than usual to counter the low position and poor view outward. But every inch of the interior feels far more lavish and expensive than the base versions' price of well under $30,000 would indicate. Materials and trims feel luxury-car-caliber, and the interior is serene. The ride in the Passat CC is generally smooth, but uplevel wheels and tires tax the front-wheel-drive chassis and result in road noise and sharp kicks transmitted to the cabin on less than ideal roads.
Overall, the Volkswagen CC scores quite well—though not perfectly—according to major crash-test results. In NHTSA's crash-testing regimen, it rates four of five stars in the frontal driver, frontal passenger, and side rear passenger categories, while it manages five stars for its side driver crash protection. The IIHS gives the CC its top "good" rating in frontal and side tests. All the expected safety features are included—side and side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, and anti-lock brakes—and rear side bags, a feature not always offered in this class, are optional. Visibility in the CC is downright poor—nearly as much as in some low-slung sports cars—and the steeply raked windshield and backlight provide a rather narrow slit through which to view the world.
The 2010 Passat CC—even the base Sport model—comes very well-equipped. Single-zone automatic climate control, an alarm system, heated leatherette power seats, and an eight-speaker premium sound system with CD changer are all on the standard-equipment list, while top VR6 4Motion models, priced more than $12,000 higher, get dual-zone climate control, the Panorama sunroof, a rear sunshade, bi-xenon headlamps, a parking aid, heated mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers, along with the upgraded wheels. Major options on the rest of the line include a Technology Package with rearview camera and a power sunroof. Bluetooth remains optional, even on the top model.
The Bottom Line: You give up quite a bit of functionality in the name of style with the 2010 Volkswagen CC, but it offers a premium look and feel at an affordable price.
Other Choices
If you like the 2009 Volkswagen CC, also consider:
- Audi A4
- Cadillac CTS
- Chrysler 300
- Lexus IS
- Honda Accord Crosstour
Reason Why:
The Mercedes-Benz CLS sedan looks quite a bit like the CLS from a distance, at least in profile, but the CLS costs tens of thousands more. Just redesigned last year, the Audi A4 shares the CC's curvy, attention-getting styling and matches the quality—if not outright beauty—of its interior. Breaking off in another, uniquely American direction is the Cadillac CTS, which offers a set of excellent powertrains and superior driving dynamics. Chrysler's 300 is bold and handsome in a very different way than the CC, but its interior surfaces and details are a letdown. The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 trail this pack in terms of styling excitement, but the rear-wheel-drive architecture and Lexus' attention to detail are a pleasure. Another new entry to consider for 2010 is the Honda Accord Crosstour, a new hatchback version of the Accord that feels like a completely different model, with its own sleek fastback look but the rest of the Accord's predictable goodness intact.
Buying Tip
The CC is at its best with the four-cylinder engine, even with the base manual transmission if you like it. Skip the V-6 and the 4Motion all-wheel drive; you'll get all of the remarkable style with better overall performance and greater ride comfort—and save a bunch.
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2008 Volkswagen Eos
The convertible enthusiasts at TheCarConnection.com studied a wide range of road tests to write this definitive review of the 2008 Volkswagen Eos. TheCarConnection.com's editors also drove the 2008 Volkswagen Eos to help you decide which reviews to trust where opinions differ, as well as to add more impressions and details and to provide you with the best information.
Likes:
- Room for four
- Folding hardtop
- Brilliant dual-clutch gearbox
- High-quality interior
- Deft handling
Dislikes:
- Not sexy enough
- Smallish trunk room
- Wind blocker makes its own noise
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a four-seat, folding-hardtop convertible that's named for the Greek goddess of the dawn. While its body isn't quite as sexy as "goddess" implies, the Eos has a dynamic look to it, especially with the top down. It's a little too matronly for its capabilities. Inside, though, the Eos's cabin sports GTI style and enviable Volkswagen materials, and room enough even for adult males in back.
Two engine choices are available in the 2008 Volkswagen Eos: a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with plenty of available torque, ample thrust, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds with a six-speed manual transmission. Volkswagen's brilliant dual-clutch automatic is available--it can be shifted like a manual without the clutch pedal. There's also a 250-hp 3.2-liter V-6, with a choice of six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmissions. Fuel economy is strong at 21/30 mpg with the four, to 19/26 mpg with the dual-clutch V-6. Handling is one of the Eos's best features; it's relaxed enough so that you enjoy the convertible experience, but firm enough to charge around your favorite roads.
The convertible roof in the 2008 Volkswagen Eos uses eight electric motors to unlatch from the windshield header and flip and fold under the metal trunklid in 25 seconds. The cargo area is a manageable 6.6 cubic feet with the top stowed, larger than that in the Pontiac G6 and Volvo C70 hardtop convertibles, but it's still kind of small. The convertible roof also has a setting that opens the front section like a sunroof.
Sixteen-inch wheels and an active, pop-up roll bar are among the standard features on the 2008 Volkswagen Eos. Options include a navigation system and an upmarket audio system.
Stability and traction control are standard on all Eos convertibles, as are head/thorax airbags that deploy from the front seats. The 2008 Volkswagen Eos gets a rating of "good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for front and for side impacts.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos has a sunny disposition and four real seats, along with great handling and VW's dual-clutch gearbox.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2008 Volkswagen Eos, also consider:
- Pontiac G6 Convertible
- Chrysler Sebring Convertible
- Toyota Camry Solara Convertible
- Volvo C70
Reason why
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos and its well-executed convertible top have made it a primo choice for the editors of Consumer Reports as well as the editors at TheCarConnection.com. Other four-seat convertibles like the Pontiac G6 and Chrysler Sebring offer folding hardtops, but their fit and finish fall far below the standard set by the Eos. The Volvo C70 is more tightly and handsomely built, but its high-strung turbo engines aren't as relaxed as the Eos. The four-seat Toyota Camry Solara convertible has a fabric roof and a creamy ride, but handling suffers.
Buying Tip:
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos has as an option the clever dual-clutch transmission. It lacks a manual clutch pedal, but uses electronics to shift its clutches faster than a manual can--while still allowing the driver to choose gears manually. It's a new type of transmission that's also going to be offered on some Dodge, Mercedes, and BMW products, and it's everything it's hyped to be.
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