By Bill C.
For Sure!
VW Toureg is SUV of the Year 2004 – You might have read in earlier articles here, how the Toureg “kicked some hin’y” in a shoot out with top notch SUVs from around the world. So it is not such a big surprise that MT has awarded it as Sport/Utility of the Year. Who competed for this coveted honor? Here they are:
- BMW X3
- Buick Rainier
- Cadillac SRX
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Dodge Durango
- GMC Envoy XUV
- Infinity FX 35/45
- Lexus RX 330
- Mitsubishi Endeavor
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Pathfinder Armada
- Porsche Cayenne
- Volkswagen Toureg
To qualify, all had to be totally new or significantly updated and on sale to the public by January 1.
So, how did the People’s Car beat out its big sister the Porsche? Price and Value.
The one thing that MT did not particularly care for was the horsepower to weight ratio when powered by the 3.2 liter, 220 HP V6. So, if you are going after this happy hauler, upgrade to one of the V8s; either the 4.2 liter, 310 HP V8 or the 5 liter, 313 HP TDi Diesel. The mileage on all these are rated at 15/20, 14/18, and 20/28 respectively.
Closing on a positive note, MT loved the beautiful interior. Bad thing is that I would probably forget about that trailer I would be pulling if I had one of these babies.
For Sure!
VW Diesels – Is a VW diesel in your future? As an alternative to the fuel-cell cars of the future or the hybrids of today, VW is currently the only manufacturer of diesel-powered passenger cars in the US. You can, of course, choose from the Jetta, Golf or New Beetle for your diesel needs.
The newest TDi diesels from VW are a lot quieter and, of course, provide superb fuel economy. I am often envious of a co-worker who bought a new Jetta TDi manual, especially when comparing fuel mileage.
Soon (2005 model year) you will be able to add the Toureg with a V10 diesel to the list of VW choices. After that, the Passats will offer an optional diesel 4.
In 2006, emissions requirements in the U.S. will mandate low-sulphur diesel fuel. It is believed that this will increase diesel popularity like it did in Europe. With the increased torque of a diesel (about 50%), VW is planning a bright future for VW diesels here.