The 2008 version of Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Program has several new features, most notably active rollover protection, dry-braking (which removes the water film from brake pads for shorter stops on wet surfaces), and ABS-Plus for better braking on loose surfaces like gravel or sand. ABS-Plus temporarily locks the wheels, pushing some of the gravel/sand underneath to form a wedge. This is said to shorten braking distances on uneven terrain by up to 20 percent. The Touareg also has the next-generation tire-pressure-monitoring system, which can inform the driver more quickly of a low or flat tire.
We sampled the new Touareg on a mix of twisting roads, wide-open highways, and off-road, where terrain varied from soft dirt to off-camber slickrock. Our top-of-the-line tester came equipped with the 4.2-liter V-8, four-corner air suspension, rear locking differential, and towing package, with a total price of $59,020. The new V-8 sounds more refined and smoother, with more seat-of-the-pants pep off the line. It growls when passing slow-movers on the highway, but we noticed a small transmission lag before downshifting. The cabin is noticeably quieter than the previous model, suggesting a healthy dose of sound-deadening material was added throughout. Likewise, the firm-yet-comfortable re-sculpted seats make the Touareg feel more luxurious than before. Off-road, the Touareg continues to impress, tackling obstacles that would scare off most $60,000 sport/utilities.
While all of the Touareg's refinements are positive ones, the one we're eager to try out (the V-6 turbodiesel) won't be here until 2009. But if the new diesel is anywhere near as good as the current one (and the VW guys claim it'll be fast, quiet, and a lot less expensive), the new Touareg 3.0 TDI is going to be the one to wait for.
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