LOVE them or loathe them, SUVs - despite protestations from tree-hugging enthusiasts who claim they’re playing a role in climate change due to their massive footprints and penchant for fuel - are undeniably popular for what they offer in a practical sense.
They’re brilliant, in my eyes, because as a father-of-two whose children are of the utmost importance, an SUV offers a parent everything one could ever require: space, luxury and most importantly, safety.
I know, I know… many people hate them due to their size and oft-offensive price tags but dig a little deeper and it doesn’t take long to see why they’re incredibly successful and why ultra-premium brands such as Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and Rolls-Royce all now have SUVs in their model line-ups.
This car, the Volkswagen Touareg, isn’t chintzy and, despite its bulk, has the ability to pass under many people’s radars given it’s like most VWs. It’s classy and understated; it doesn’t shout about a thing and if you’re wanting an SUV that doesn’t irritate others, it’s most definitely the one to have.
The big VW, unlike footballers’ wives’ Range Rovers, isn’t the cool choice for women with wrinkle-free foreheads and plumped-up lips on the school run as it’s very much geared towards families. Sure, it’s expensive and this Black Edition version costs £80,000, but it goes without the usual SUV connotations.
The Touareg’s a respected competitor in the luxury SUV market and that’s thanks to a mix of solid build quality and premium materials, the latest technology and healthy selection of powertrains - traits that have featured on VW largest SUV since it launched in 2003.
Last year, it received a facelift and now looks better than ever. Black Edition trim offers a sportier appearance and this car’s 3.0-litre, 286bhp diesel is a peach and a welcome addition. The governments of the world’s desire to rid the planet of diesel-powered units was and always has been a ludicrous notion given you’ll get 400 miles to a tank and a petrol-powered alternative - which is available on the Touareg as well - will return woeful fuel economy even as a hybrid.
For such a leviathan, it’s actually pretty spritely: 60mph comes up in a smidge over six seconds and that muscular wave of torque - another huge plus point for diesels - makes for effortless progress whilst on the move.
It’s its feel when driving that’s the best thing, though. You’re obviously sat high, the huge panoramic sunroof is a must-have option and there’s just so much space. There’s no option for seven seats like, say, a Volvo XC90, but that’s hardly a drawback. The eight-speed auto is a peach of a gearbox and is a perfect match for the engine: it’s seamless and, as always with VW ‘boxes, it’s fast-acting.
It’s an exceptional, good-at-everything SUV, the Touareg. If you need an SUV but one that goes without the negative opinions that many of its rivals do bring, it’s the very best out there.
