| Times have never been tougher for luxury | | | | |
| 4x4s. Environmental concerns are putting | | | | However, to get the specification of our test |
| gas-guzzling cars under the spotlight more | | | | car you need deep pockets. Raid the options |
| than ever before. | | | | list - which ranges from a £325 tyre |
| | | | pressure monitoring system to a £2,495 |
| So, to keep its big off-roader in the | | | | air-suspension and bi-xenon headlight package |
| headlines for the right reasons, Volkswagen | | | | - and the figure balloons to £46,300. If |
| recently revised the Touareg. In Issue 949, | | | | you stick to the standard spec, the price of |
| we were impressed by the V10-powered model's | | | | the V6 diesel stays at £38,375 - that's |
| talents - but does the flagship Altitude | | | | £17,675 cheaper than its V10 oil-burning |
| trim, with a more affordable, less polluting | | | | big brother. |
| V6 diesel, scale new heights? | | | | |
| | | | The good news is that the engine demands few |
| We drove the previous-generation Altitude in | | | | compromises. Mated to the standard six-speed |
| Issue 924, and its successor has as much | | | | automatic transmission, its 500Nm of torque |
| visual impact. It's now established as the | | | | pulls strongly in both city traffic and at |
| top model in the three-trim line-up, and the | | | | motorway speeds. The gearbox is the model's |
| most striking feature is its bodykit. | | | | biggest hindrance, as it has a reluctance to |
| | | | kick down that often sees the driver reaching |
| With unique bumpers, side skirts and a roof | | | | for the much sharper responses of sport mode. |
| spoiler, the Touareg has never been more | | | | |
| imposing. In fact, the lower bodywork | | | | Use all the available performance, and |
| entirely changes the big 4x4's proportions - | | | | 0-62mph takes 9.2 seconds - 1.4 seconds |
| with less ground clearance, it has the stance | | | | slower than the V10. But the V6's 26.9mpg |
| of a large estate. Other styling additions | | | | fuel economy and 278g/km CO2 emissions shame |
| include stainless steel-finished twin exhaust | | | | the pricier model's 23mpg and 332g/km. |
| pipes and huge 19-inch alloy wheels, which | | | | |
| give the VW the image it needs to tempt Range | | | | The lazier pace of this variant also fits in |
| Rover Sport buyers. | | | | far better with the Touareg's character. |
| | | | Handling and body control are adequate for a |
| The Altitude also benefits from the latest | | | | large mud-plugger, although the VW is no |
| Touareg's Eos-style radiator grille and | | | | driver's car. No matter which engine you go |
| reshaped headlights. | | | | for, the Altitude is fitted with the latest |
| | | | Touareg technology. A key safety feature is |
| Inside, the range-topper is fitted with a | | | | ABSplus, which cuts braking distances over |
| raft of equipment as standard. The Touareg's | | | | rough surfaces by allowing a bow wave of |
| cabin still isn't all that exciting, but it's | | | | gravel to build up in front of a skidding |
| solidly put together, comfortable and | | | | wheel. It won't ever be described as a green |
| practical. This model comes with everything | | | | car, but the Touareg remains a practical and |
| from dual climate control to leather trim. | | | | luxurious all-rounder. |