I tested the Volkswagen Touareg – it’s an undramatic luxury SUV, brilliantly built to serve the family

FADS come and go in the automotive world – MPVs, for example, and three-wheelers.

But large, luxurious SUVs look set to stay.

3

3

Volkswagen has been phasing out the Touareg for 24 years, the poor relative of the upscale Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne.

But that was its saving grace. It was cheaper.

Not now. This new one costs £68,065, while a branded Audi Q7 with the same engine costs £66,690.

But to VW’s credit, the updated Touareg is definitely a sleeker prospect than it was before.

The front gets a deeper, more assertive grille, with new sleek matrix LED headlights and a light bar.

At the rear there is another light bar, this time in red of course, and the first illuminated VW emblem.

Inside, materials have received a welcome update, giving the cabin a more business-class appearance.

And the facelift isn’t just skin deep. The suspension was also renewed.

But honestly, the Touareg’s ride is as comfortable as I remember.

It’s a shame that when you put your foot down to unleash the copious torque on offer at all four wheels, there’s a frustrating delay in delivery.

Turning on “Sport” mode helps deal with this to some extent.

But unless you opt for the full-blown Touareg R with its 462bhp, £80k price tag, this really isn’t the sort of car you’ll be driving with unerring urgency all the time.

Some smart new tech features have also made their way on board, and given the Touareg’s popularity among those who tow, active trailer assistance is a must.

Four-wheel steering is another interesting option.

Happily comfortable

This makes the heavy SUV feel easier to manage around town, effectively shrinking the turning circle by a good meter.

Available in five engines – all with three liters, four-wheel drive, six cylinders and eight-speed tiptronic gearbox – there are two diesel engines (231 hp and 286 hp), one gasoline engine (340 hp) and two plug-in hybrids. gasoline (381 hp). and 462 hp) that can add up to 31 miles of zero-emission driving.

Touareg wasn’t supposed to break the mold, it was the mold.

And to that extent, it still is – an undramatic and unfamiliar luxury SUV, brilliantly built to serve the family with aplomb.

It’s just not as cheap as you might expect.