One word "WOW". I am truly impressed what VW has done in redesigning this model. Although I was a fan of the previous Touareg it definitely fell victim to certain critics. From launch in 2004 this vehicle was as a hot a model as possible as it was on the same platform and built in the same factory as the Porsche Cayenne but at a much more attractive price. This blessing of high demand turned to a problem for many VW dealers as the engineers from Germany had not prepared the service technicians in America to work on these highly sophisticated and technologically advanced vehicles. Soon we saw Touaregs with overly sensitive electronics in our service departments frequently without the personnel and training to fix them. This created a perfect storm of unhappy customers, down cars, and frustrated dealers. Post the launch years the reliability of the Touareg greatly increased and for many years this vehicle has been the pinnacle of VW technology and engineering, but has had little customer consideration due to the failed launch in 2004. With this said the old Touareg still had some flaws which needed addressing. One the rear seats were always a bear to fold down to load cargo in the back, two the instrumentation was daunting if you did not have a PHD in car, and three the fuel economy was sub-par. Well the 2011 model has answered with easy fold flat seats and even reclining and sliding rear seats, it has greatly cleaned up the dash and now the vehicle is cleanly and easily controlled by the touch screen navigation screen, and most importantly the new 8 speed transmission coupled with a nearly 500 lbs weight drop has increased the gas mileage by almost 5 mpg. To combat the question in reliability VW has given the Touareg a 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty! Well I can't say anymore, but that I can't wait to turn one into my demo. Come lease one today for a spectacular $579/mo Sign then Drive $0 due at signing lease! That is a 1.2% lease which is unheard of in the current automotive climate.
