it's Touareg "twor-aegg"



The problem with CR is they like to compare it with less expensive things like the Pilot/acura mdx, but the Touareg is really in a higher class (Cayenne territory). You definitely have to appreciate it's attributes (outstanding build quality, off roading, etc.). Not a groccery getter.

 

Sorry, the Touareg is on CR's list of vehicles to avoid...

Actually, CR tests vehicles indivdually, and then post their review/results for each model tested. The Reliability data comes from owner surveys.

 

Yes my only point is that the Touareg should be compared relative to vehicles such as the BMW X5 and Land Rover Range Rover, both of which were the benchark vehicles, not mid-size SUVs from Japan. Reliabliity has been less than stellar, won't even try and argue that point. Yet that doesn't mean the vehicle doesn't offer a lot of pluses. For example, some interesting points:

flashlight in cargo area
air conditioned govebox
AC enters recirculate whenever Reverse or windshield washers are activated
windshield wipers are de-activated when hood open (inadvertantly tested this on my Honda, no such luck).
all models come with an air compressor
Heater can be activated to keep a parked vehicle warm for up to 30 minutes (with engine off)

reliability is terrible

 

Toureg sales numbers are well below 1000 per month, pretty sad showing.

 

In January 314 were sold in North America. Compared to 556 in Jan '08. Dangerously low levels in both years IMO.

 

Its not that that Tourag is uncapable at all, its that people don't associate its price with the badge. It seems to always do well in reviews.

The new Tiguan has a price issue as well. It CAN stay in the 20s but can jump to 40k with options pretty easily.

 

Yes, the Phaeton sold in numbers like that.....and didn't last long in America.

 

Yes it does well in only some reviews and always gets dinged for fuel economy and excess weight, not to mention reliability. Unfortunately the buyers are well aware of its deficiencies and are staying away.

 

Those same deficiencies are present on the sister Cayenne (at least in the base form). It has been nothing but a great seller for Porsche. It's the brand, just as it was with the Phaeton.

 

Yes, Cayenne has been a cash cow for Porsche. Porsche suspension tuning does make a noticeable difference. And the facelift makes the Cayenne almost decent looking where the previous version was one of the ugliest SUV's available for any price.

North America sales of 1010 units in January were certainly better than the Toureg, which isn't saying much.

Good point about the brand when trying to sell expensive vehicles.

 

Who cares about sales #'s for the month. I certainly would love to have vehicles that exude exlusivity. Who wants a car that can be seen on every street corner like the Altima that will soon be a part of the NYPD fleet?? Less is more and I am sure Audi/VW/Porshe owners feel the same way.

 

Sales numbers are important to the viability/profitabilty of the brand. Some low numbers are OK and some definitely aren't.

 

Premium car buyers appreciate both exclusivity and cache. Porsche/Audi/Benz/BMW/Lexus/Jag have models with both of those qualities.

Yes, many people include VW (Toureg/Jetta) with Nissan (Murano/Altima) in a similar grouping of mid-priced cars.

There are plenty of undesirable vehicles with low sales numbers to choose from.

 

And those are the best to choose from.

 

No thanks, I'll pass on the undesirable low volume cars.

But yes, the low volume sport and premium cars are cool.