2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2 V8 FSI

Second-generation Touareg sports a more powerful engine and enhanced safety features.
By Nina Russin

2008 Volkswagen Touareg 2

The first-generation Volkswagen Touareg bridged the gap between performance sport-utility vehicles like the BMW X5, and technical off-road machines such as the Hummer. The new model improves on the original formula with a restyled body, more powerful V8 engine, and new safety technology.

While the V8 Touareg 2 can’t match the twin-turbo V10 model for fuel economy, it comes much closer to the TDI’s low-end power and steering response. The Touareg V10 TDI is the only sport-utility vehicle I’d race a Porsche in. While I wouldn’t go after a 911 in the V8, I might chase down an Audi TT.

One reason for the boost in performance is FSI fuel injection: a technology borrowed from Audi. The system delivers metered amounts of fuel directly into the combustion chambers, the result being faster throttle response than traditional port fuel injection.

The gasoline V8 has 324 foot-pounds of torque as opposed to 553 for the turbo diesel. But it mirrors the TDI’s seat-of-the-pants acceleration, especially off the line and in the critical twenty-to-fifty mile-per-hour range.

Jack be nimble…

Steering feedback is one of the biggest areas of improvement on the Touareg 2. Nineteen-inch wheels, standard on the V8 model, give the Touareg a large footprint, made more stable with low profile, R-rated tires. The Touareg has 8.3 inches of ground clearance for off-road driving (over 9 with the optional air suspension), but handles like a car with a much lower center of gravity. The chassis stays absolutely flat during aggressive cornering.

The six-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly. I didn’t notice any shift shock, even on grades. Drivers have the option of manually selecting gears for sportier performance.

Standard four-wheel double wishbone suspension on the test car provides a nice combination of road response and compliance. Air suspension is available as an option, but I wouldn’t recommend the extra expense, except for people who plan to tow a trailer and would take advantage of its auto leveling functions.

Permanent four-wheel drive automatically transfers torque to the wheels with the most traction. Electronic stabilization program eliminates excessive yaw, helping the driver to
maintain directional control in turns.
A new type of antilock braking improves the Touareg’s stopping ability on gravel, by pushing a small amount of road surface ahead of the wheel to create a wedge that slows the vehicle down. Active rollover protection keeps the Touareg from rolling during extreme off-road maneuvers.

All of this is delightfully invisible to the driver, who simply knows that the car goes where he puts it regardless of speed, rocks, inclines, or sheer ice. It’s the equivalent of combining cushioning, rock guards, and arch support in a lightweight track spike.

Lighting the corners:

The test car comes with the luxury option package that includes bi-xenon headlamps with adaptive lighting: a technology that makes it easier to see on winding roads. The bi-xenon headlamps are brighter than halogen. They throw a long beam that’s closer to daylight.

The adaptive lighting illuminates an additional lamp to the side when the driver is cornering. It makes a huge difference on poorly lit side streets and two-lane roads. Not only is it easier to see the road, but the edges of intersections, where there might be a pedestrian or cyclist crossing.

Luxurious interior

The Touareg interior is what one would expect from a European luxury car: high-quality leather upholstery, an overwhelming information display, and state-of-the-art sound system. Some of this works well for athletes, some doesn’t.

For example, in order to fold the second-row seats flat, one must first move the seat cushion out of the way and remove the headrest. The thicker cushion makes the seat more comfortable, but it’s an inconvenience for somebody who loads equipment into the back on a regular basis.

The twelve-way adjustable driver’s seat is extremely comfortable, with excellent lower lumbar support. There are three memory positions that are quite easy to program. In order to accommodate larger people, the seat moves to the back every time the driver enters the car. As a smaller person, I’d rather have the seat remain in the position I put it in, rather than using the memory control to reposition it.

On the other hand, the information displays are well designed and on the whole, user friendly. The test car has the optional DVD-based navigation system with rear backup camera. While I rarely use navigation systems, I find the backup camera invaluable, especially in crowded parking lots. It’s also a great aid for people who need to parallel park. There’s also an audible and visual warning system to alert the driver about obstacles in the front of the car: great for avoiding concrete parking barriers below the sight line.

As a runner, I like the ambient temperature display on the instrument panel. Functions such as the average speed readout are less useful. The information displays are clear and easy to read.

Keyless ignition, standard with the technology package, is something I don’t see much value in, but at least the engineers give the option of using a conventional key-in ignition switch.

Automatic temperature controls have separate dials for the driver and passenger so both can be comfortable. Second-row passengers get their own set of controls. Second-row seats are very comfortable, with plenty of head and legroom. The sunroof allows lots of ambient light into the back row.

The optional upgraded sound system on the test car includes a MP3 plug-in. Sirius satellite radio is standard on all models. I prefer in-dash CD changers to the remote holder on the Touareg because they are easier to load on the go.

While German car companies aren’t big on cupholders, the ones in the Touareg are adequate. I found plenty of bins and cubbies in front for stashing paperwork, compact discs, and small electronic devices. The deep bin in the center console is especially well designed.

A power rear liftgate is standard on all models: it’s invaluable for anyone who has to load large cargo into the back. There’s a 115-volt power point in the cargo area, in case the driver needs to plug in the laptop away from home.

A tonneau keeps cargo in the back shielded from sight. It’s easy to remove in order to load up taller items. The cargo area has enough tie-down hooks to secure larger items so they don’t shift in transit.

Towing capacity is 7716 pounds, far in excess of our 3500-pound ALV minimum.

The Touareg 2 comes with three engine choices: a fuel efficient V6, V8 and the turbo diesel V10. Base price on the V8 test car is $48,320: luxury and technology option packages raise the total to $55,750. Expect to pay just over $3000 per year for fuel as well, according to the EPA estimates.

Is the new Touareg worth its luxury price tag? It is, if the driver uses all of the technology under the hood. The Touareg is one of the few luxury sport utility vehicles with enough off-road capability to complete the legendary Dakar rally, and on-road performance worthy of a sports car. Simply put, it’s the ultimate Swiss army knife, as only the Germans could build it.

Likes: Exceptional off-road capability and sporty on-road performance. The new fuel injection technology gives the V8 Touareg a broader power band, similar in feel to the legendary V10 turbo diesel.

Dislikes: Having to reposition the driver’s seat every time I enter the car. Fuel economy is poor: 12/17 miles per gallon average for city/highway driving.

Quick facts:

Make: Volkswagen
Model: Touareg 2 V8 FSI
Year: 2008
Base price: $48,320
As tested: $55,750
Horsepower: 350 Hp @ 6700 r.p.m.
Torque: 324 lbs.-ft. @ 3500 r.p.m.
Zero-to-sixty: 7.6 seconds
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: Not available
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Towing: Yes
Off-road capability: Yes
Fuel economy: 12/17 m.p.g. city/highway
Comments: Base price does not include a $680 destination charge

2007 Mazda3 S Touring

Five doors, four passengers, and a dollop of boogie
By Nina Russin

2007 Mazda3 S Touring

Anything that costs close to a year’s salary should bring its owner more pleasure than the average appliance. The engineers at Mazda understand that. Even their least expensive cars are proof that practicality and fun are not mutually exclusive. The Mazda3 hatchback, priced from $17,580, holds four passengers, averages thirty miles-per-gallon, and gives the driver something to smile about.

The model that debuted in 2003 got an update this year: better low-end power, fresh styling, and a more refined interior. The test car is the upscale S grade with one option: a moonroof and six-CD changer.

The five-door Mazda3 comes standard with a 2.3-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission. Both four- and five-door models are front-wheel drive, with standard four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension. Standard antilock brakes, dynamic stability control, side and side curtain airbags make Mazda’s best value a very safe car as well.

Variable valve timing gives the four-cylinder engine exceptional gas mileage: about thirty miles-per-gallon. The updated engine also has great pickup: it’s especially noticeable accelerating onto the highway, and passing at speed. The manual transmission has a light clutch and wide-range gears for easier stop-and-go driving. It shifts smoothly, with no obvious gear lash.

Seventeen-inch wheels provide a wide, stable footprint. The addition of front and rear stabilizer bars makes the car corner on rails. The 2007 models have a stiffer body structure that improves steering response at speed. Emergency maneuvers on the freeway feel completely safe. Independent four-wheel suspension gives both rows of passengers a comfortable ride.

The Mazda3 has a low stance: ground clearance is under five inches. The low center of gravity improves the car’s high-speed handling, but makes it impractical off-road. Graded dirt roads should not be a problem, but anything more would be a reach.

Engineers revised the front suspension to reduce understeer. I didn’t notice any pushing, even at high speeds. The weather throughout the test was dry, so I didn’t have a chance to drive the car on wet roads. A standard rear wiper improves rear visibility in rain and snow.

Spacious cabin with a versatile cargo bay

The Mazda3 holds four adults and their belongings: three across the back seat is a squeeze. Both front seats have manual adjustments. A standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel allows drivers of all sizes to find a comfortable position.

I was happy to see center bolsters in the front seats. They hold the passengers in place without irritating pressure points as side bolsters do. The seatbacks in both rows have good lower back support. Standard cloth upholstery is attractive and more comfortable in the hot southwestern summer.

Visibility is excellent all the way around the car. Power side mirrors do a good job of compensating for blind spots to the rear. The driver sits high enough to have good forward visibility. Redundant audio and cruise controls on the steering wheel minimize distraction.

All cars come pre-wired for Sirius satellite radio: a feature I can’t say enough good things about. There are enough choices of commercial-free music, news, sports and weather to keep me occupied on a long road trip without adding my own music. Those who want to bring their own tunes can use the MP3 plug-in, located in a bin under the front armrest.

The air conditioner cools the car down quickly, even in extreme heat. I started the car up several times in the hottest part of the day, with temperatures well above 110-degrees Fahrenheit: the car was comfortable within five minutes. The audio and climate controls are easy to reach from both front seats.

The glovebox is exceptionally large and deep: it has enough room to hold a small purse or pack. The bin in the center console will also hold a small pack or compact discs. There is a small cubby to the side of the parking brake for putting a cell phone or PDA. There are two, twelve-volt power points up front: one in the center bin, and one at the base of the center stack.

All four passengers have cup- and bottle holders: the bottle holders are in the doors, while cupholders are in the center console and rear armrest. The optional moonroof lets more ambient light into the back of the car.

Bike-friendly cargo bay with a secret storage area

The second-row seats are easy to fold flat using levers to the outside of the seatbacks. It is not necessary to take off the headrests or remove the seat cushions, so the Mazda3 easily meets out bike-friendly standards. A standard tonneau cover hides items in the rear. Four tie-down loops on the floor make large cargo easy to secure. Cargo nets and additional cargo trays are available as factory options.

A light to the right to the right of the tailgate makes it easier to load up after dark. Smaller storage bins under the cargo floor are great for people who need to stash valuables at the trailhead.

The tailgate release is located in a recess under the lower lip: a design change for the new model. Because the car is less than five feet tall, it’s also easy to load cargo up top. The Mazda3 doesn’t come with roof rails, nor are they available as an option. But cargo tracks on the rood should make it easy to install an aftermarket rack.

The Mazda3′s sporty styling was a hit among runners at the shop. The angular front grille with standard halogen headlamps makes the car stand out around bigger vehicles. Redundant side signal lights protect the driver in dense traffic. Side sill extensions and a rear liftgate spoiler are standard on the S grade.

Price on the test car is $20,340 including delivery charges, putting the Mazda 3 well under our $30,000 cap for best value vehicles. With its high level of standard comfort and safety features, the Mazda3 is a lot of car for the money. The sporty five-door model is stylish and fun to drive. Its small size makes it an ideal choice for city dwellers that like to head out on the trails over the weekend. The eco-friendly Mazda meets the federal PZEV super-low emissions standards.

Likes: A great value, the Mazda3 combines sporty performance with a spacious interior, versatile cargo area and a high level of standard safety features. It has excellent ride and handling characteristics at all speeds, gets good fuel economy, and makes four passengers feel as if they’re riding in a much bigger car.

Dislikes: Roof rails are not available as a factory option.

Quick facts:

Base price: $18,425
Price as tested: $20,340
Horsepower: 151 Hp @ 6500 r.p.m.*
Torque: 149 lbs.-ft. @ 4500 r.p.m.
0 to 60: N/A
Antilock brakes: Standard
Side curtain airbags: Standard
First aid kit: No 
Towing: No
Off-road: No
Bicycle friendly: Yes
Fuel economy: 26/33 m.p.g. city/highway 
Comments: *Engine specifications are for the PZEV low-emissions model.