When we ordered the 2011 Volkswagen touareg we want to for the Altitude edition, on the basis that it comes almost fully loaded, but we have to say we’re surprised that electric front seats are not standard on a 43k poundsterling car. You must upgrade from regular leather to Vienna leather at 1,340 poundsterling if you want powered seats, whereas they’re standard on the entry level BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport.
While we’re on the subject of estimated standard features, it’s taken us 2 months to get the CD playe, which is cunningly concealed in the roof of the glovebox. It’s all part of what VW calls the infotainment system, which, in spite of the name, is really rather good. The satnav is clear and simple to use and with the possible exception of the superb Nissan system- is as good as any standard producer unit we’ve applied.
Volkswagen Touareg Specification
Release Date: June 2011 in United Kingdom
Price: 43,290 poundsterling
For some unfathomable reason, until recently, none of the satnavs in premium german cars accepted more than the first four characters of a british postcode. Who wants their satnav to take them merely ‘quite near’ their destination? We are happy to report that the VW cars will now take a full postcode, as do those in the latest models from BMW, Mercedes, and also Audi.
Therefore, besides having the massive inconvenience of having to really pull a lever in order to move the driver’s seat, we do not have a bad word to say about the Volkswagen touareg. And if that’s the best we can do regarding criticism after 2 months, we believe you can safely assume that we’re rather enjoying our time with the big Volkswagen.