The Touareg Hybrid is a surprising vehicle, featuring a supercharged gas engine that, combined with its electric motor, gives it scary acceleration. Fuel economy is decent, but the real story here is power.
Volkswagen's first hybrid is based on its Touareg SUV, which gets a big update for the 2011 model year. Along with new power train options, the Touareg gets new exterior styling and cabin tech.
Volkswagen's Touareg lineup includes the hybrid, a 3-liter diesel, and a 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine. The hybrid offers by far the most power, and the fuel economy is similar to that of the diesel.
The power train consists of a supercharged direct-injection 3-liter V-6, supported by an electric motor powered by a 1.7kWh battery pack. The system generates 380 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque.
The Touareg has typical SUV dimensions, including seating for five and ample cargo area. Rear seat room is surprisingly spacious for a car that does not seem particularly long when standing near it.
The steering uses an electro-hydraulic power unit, essential for times when the engine is shut off, such as at traffic stops and slow, electric mode cruising.
The general graphical style for this new infotainment system is very sophisticated. The touch screen works well, and most functions can be controlled with voice command.
The onscreen keyboard is large enough for easy alphanumeric inputs. It also uses predictive text, disabling letters that don't fit with any words in its database.
The interface for music stored on the car's hard drive and on a connected iPod uses this familiar library format. Voice command also lets you request music by artist or album name.
