| Chassis |
|---|
| Suspension, front | Independent double-wishbones, coil springs, driver-adjustable three-mode variable dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent double-wishbone, coil springs, driver-adjustable three-mode variable dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Electric-assist, speed-proportional, rack-and-pinion steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 12.7 |
| Tire brand | Michelin |
| Tire model | Latitude Tour HP |
| Tire type | All-season |
| Tire size, front | 265/50R19 110V |
| Tire size, rear | 265/50R19 110V |
| Wheel size | 19-by-8.5 inches |
| Wheel material | Cast aluminum |
| Brakes, front | 13.0-inch ventilated steel discs with 2-piston fixed calipers |
| Brakes, rear | 13.0-inch ventilated steel discs with 2-piston fixed calipers |
| Test Driver Ratings & Comments |
|---|
| Acceleration comments | A supercharger/electric motor/gasoline V6 makes for stonking runs down the drag strip. The Touareg positively powers off the line, getting to its 6,500-rpm shift point (500 rpm above redline) quickly. Fastest run was achieved via power braking to raise the revs, and with the automatic in Sport mode, which gave quick shifts. Never dropped more than one bar below a full battery charge. Manual shifting via console lever; will not hold gears at redline, weak attempt at throttle blipping with very slow downshifts. |
| Braking rating | Average |
| Braking comments | Mushy pedal went almost all the way to the floor with the first panic stop and improved only slightly in later ones. Disconcerting in a vehicle this heavy, and surprising, what with those huge front brakes. Vehicle remained stable, though, and stopping distances are very good considering the Touareg Hybrid weighs over 5,000 pounds. |
| Handling rating | Average |
| Handling comments | Slalom: Overly light but quick steering, minimal feedback. Overwhelming sensation is one of sitting very high. Suspension is squishy soft; easy to get into an understeer push if you enter the slalom with too much speed. Electronic stability control could not be fully turned off, but its intervention point -- when it would brake appropriate wheels -- is quite high. Skid pad: Impressive how much the Touareg could be controlled via the throttle, which wasn't as evident in the slalom. Quick throttle shifts resulted in slight oversteer moments, making it fun to keep the Touareg on the intended arc. Helpful, since the steering offers little feedback for the driver. |
| Dimensions & Capacities |
|---|
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,711 |
| Curb weight, as tested (lbs.) | 5,162 |
| Weight distribution, as tested, f/r (%) | 52.9/47.1 |
| Length (in.) | 188.8 |
| Width (in.) | 76.4 |
| Height (in.) | 68.2 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 113.9 |
| Track, front (in.) | 64.9 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 65.7 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 39 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.4 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 36.7 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 39.6 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.9 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 59.8 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 56.7 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 32.1 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 58 |
