VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG V6 3.0 TDI

The origins of the name Touareg are particularly relevant to the Brand. The Touareg people of the dessert belong to a fascinating and very rich tradition. The racing camels bread by the Touareg Tribe are legendary. These travelling companions of the Touareg, have talents that also distinguish the Volkswagen Touareg's high levels of adaptability and durability.

Volkswagen launched the Touareg in South Africa in April 2004. Since then they have sold in excess of 2000 Touaregs in South Africa alone. The Touareg was immediately accepted as one of the best on- and off-road performance vehicles in its class. As an SUV, it has combined the driving precision of a sports car, the capability of an off-road vehicle and the comfort of a luxury class saloon.

The range is now be further enhanced by the addition of a well balanced, V6 3.0 TDI powered engine.  What sets the new 3.0TDI apart from the rest of the range is what lies beneath the bonnet.  The 3.0 TDI is powered by 6-cylinder engine which delivers 165kW of power and 500Nm of torque.  On a straight road, this model is capable of an athletically quick sprint from 0-100 km/hr in 9.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of over 200 kph.

in the Karoo

all the comforts... at your fingertips

powerful 3-litre Turbo-charged Diesel could pull trees from the ground I'm sure.

 Touareg range with  performance detail.

The 3.0 TDI V6 Tiptronic will sell for R489.500 inclusive.  This positions the 3 litre between the 2.5 R 5 TDI Tiptronic and the 4.2 V8 Tiptronic.

In terms of specification, the high level of safety, driving pleasure and comfort that the Touareg is known for, has not been sacrificed on this new model.  All features that are to be found on the Touareg R 5 Tiptronic will be available on the Touareg V6 3.0 TDI.  The full range of optional features will also be available on the new model with the addition of optional 18” Valley alloy wheels.

“At the launch of the Touareg in 2004 there was much speculation as to whether Volkswagen could actually produce a premium SUV that would capture the hearts and minds of South African drivers. The immediate reaction from the press (me included) and consumers alike silenced the critics and many hearts have been won over by a vehicle that’s at home on any terrain”.

“The introduction of the Touareg V6 3.0 TDI will further entrench itself as a leading competitor in the SUV segment by offering a vehicle that is technically well balanced and competitively priced.”

The Volkswagen automation plan of five years/100.000 km is standard on all Touareg models.

We promise the earth!

A criticism often levelled at South Africans is their failure to take a closer look at what is on offer within our own borders come holiday time. Recently we had the opportunity to drive through the mind-blowing Baviaanskloof in the Eastern Cape – with the help of one of the new 3,0-litre TDi Volkswagen Touaregs. Could this be a case in point?
How many of us undertake a trip from say KwaZulu-Natal to Cape Town on the N2 via the Garden Route, probably too busy talking to notice the different mountain passes and ranges as you drive merrily along. Many of these passes are actually quite accessible if you’re prepared to go off the beaten track – all you need is a bit of extra planning, such as factoring in an extra day to the trip, and perhaps consider an extra night’s stopover, to make it even easier. The use of a good 4 x 4-type vehicle such as a Volkswagen Touareg could come in rather handy!
Those interested in statistics will be mightily impressed that this area is home to more than 1,200 plant species, including 17 different types of proteas, 58 different mammals, 293 different types of birds and 11 different fish in the crystal clear streams and rivers. Scientists believe the area was once home to San hunter gatherers. By studying the bushman paintings in the area experts believe they could be many centuries old.
Fancy giving this stunning mountain pass that is also the Eastern Cape’s first World Heritage Site a go? It would make sense because it incorporates a wonderful mix of wilderness areas and spoonfuls of eco-tourism at its very best – so you won’t be sorry.
When attempting the trip, you must keep your eye on the time, because it takes the best part of a day to get through Baviaanskloof (cleft of the baboon), so its best to get an early start. I suggest you swing off the N2 about 60 km outside Port Elizabeth towards the granite-chipped Patensie/Hankey road (R330), you’ll most probably find yourself more relaxed already!
A while back ago Volkswagen released onto the local market a more powerful version of their Touareg, the 3,0-litre, offering even more flexibility. This powerplant is derived from Audi’s 3,0 TDi unit that develops 165kW of power enabling a 0-100 km/h dash speed of 9,9 seconds, going on to a top speed of 200 km/h-plus. But it’s the sheer torque figure of 500Nm that surprised most, while stump-pulling power is available from as low as 1,750rpm - perfect for tackling the Baviaanskloof route.
On your way back down to the main road you will observe a gigantic sundial some 37 metres in diameter. Built by one Dirk Schellingerhout in 1988, I’m assured it works . . . but don’t hang about too long, though, because you’ll need plus-minus six or seven hours to traverse the 40 or so river crossings in the pass – there isn’t a single bridge in sight – only picturesque causeways during the 180 km trip. 
Be sure, though, to have a full tank of fuel to see you safely across the Baviaans. You probably won’t encounter much traffic during the day, except perhaps a few motorcyclists  hustling along and past you on their enduro-type machines.
About 30 km past Patensie one enters the Baviaan’s Pass proper with its sheer walls either side as you proceed. The dirt road - for a while, anyway - remains excellent, time to capture the sights and aromas of the citrus groves in the area (both orange and lemon), fresh produce such as potatoes, tobacco and vegetables, in an area fondly known as the Eastern Cape’s pantry, for obvious reasons.
But climb steeply you will and the road will become progressively tougher taking you through clefts in this magnificent mountain range. 
The quietness of the area will transcend you when you pull over on the wider sections of the track and take time out to admire the views. The varied flora in different tones of yellow, blue and red are simply magnificent. Way below one can often make out the dusty, brown track, your route already mapped out before you.
Birds chatter and call at Smitkraal, one of the bigger causeways along the way. Even in the dry season - when we went through - the water was probably half a metre deep but never troubled the Touareg. (The maximum wading depth is 580 mm, incidentally.) Our photographer wasn’t happy with his pictures at this point, and being the perfectionist he was, made us repeat this water splash section over and over again. Great fun!
But that’s the beauty of this car. While the Touareg is capable of this sort of harsh treatment special research and development measures had already been factored in when these vehicles were built. The wiring harness, for instance, and the connectors to the engine are all water resistant. In addition, the engines and gearboxes still have to be able to breath. With this in mind, the air intake and breather system for the tiptronic gearbox are channelled towards the top of the vehicle. Naturally the doors, the bonnet and tailgate are all similarly protected.
Soon, the worst of the Pass had to be conquered to be able to continue on our way. With the CDC air suspension system pressed into service, via a rotary switch, allowing the stance of the Touareg to be lowered or raised accordingly. In the normal position (street level), one travels in perfect comfort. In the onroad and offroad setting, the car is lowered to provide optimal driving stability. Turn the switch fullest to the right and receive the  “X’tra” travel option of 300mm (extreme offroad driving). Happily it wasn’t needed that day!

The Baviaanskloof Reserve is the result of a partnership between the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism, the Eastern Cape Parks Board and the Wilderness Foundation of South Africa. The Foundation played a major role in launching the Baviaanskloof project and other initiatives in the Eastern Cape when it hosted the Seventh World Wilderness Congress in Port Elizabeth. It was during that conference that the World Bank announced that it would be donating a million dollars towards conserving the Baviaanskloof. The Baviaanskloof is one of 27 parks and protected areas under the management of the new parks board. In all, the parks of the Eastern Cape protect examples of every biome found in South Africa.
The valley can only be traversed from east to west. The eastern section is probably the toughest. Avoid long weekends and holiday season. The track is narrow and tricky and should you encounter a vehicle coming the other way be prepared to do some smart manoeuvring! The best time of year might be spring, before the heavy summer rains or autumn before it gets cold. If you stay at a lodge or B+B outside the wilderness area and own a good all-terrain vehicle (such as a Touareg) then you will have more flexibility, weather wise.

Only a limited number of campers are allowed at any one time so be sure to book first (042) 283 0437 (www.baviaans.net)
Test driven by Dave Fall - Thanks Dave (Kenn Slater)