 2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI
Muskoka, Ontario – It’s very quiet in Ontario’s “cottage country,” an area of many lakes, much forest, and relatively few people. And it’s also very quiet inside a Volkswagen Touareg TDI, despite the long-held opinion many people hold, that of diesels being noisy, smelly and considerably associated with sooty exhaust.
The TDI now joins the gasoline-only, 3.6-litre V6 Touareg – Volkswagen says it has dropped the “Touareg 2” name it previously used – as a 2009 model. A 4.2-litre V8 used in 2008 has been discontinued; it has also carried a diesel before, a mighty V10 version last seen for 2005.
But this one is not just any diesel; it’s Volkswagen’s Clean Diesel, a new system that meets strict North American emissions standards, including fifty-state compliance in the U.S. It joins the Jetta TDI and the upcoming Golf VI TDI. It’s part of Volkswagen’s blanket BlueMotion Technologies initiative, which will eventually also expand to include hybrids and other fuel- and emission-efficient technologies. Already in place in Europe, the BlueMotion initiative was introduced at the Vancouver Auto Show earlier this year, part of Volkswagen’s strategy to have Canada at the forefront in North America.
 2009 Volkswagen Touareg TDI. Click image to enlarge |
It’s smart thinking, given that Canadians have traditionally been more open to diesels than most American buyers. In Canada, diesel engines account for 62 per cent of all Jetta sales, 77 per cent of Jetta Wagon sales, and 23 per cent of all Volkswagen sales combined. While the Touareg isn’t traditionally a huge seller in Canada, the company is hoping to change that with this new model, which offers improved fuel economy and longer range to a tank of fuel. It will launch on June 1, 2009, with 200 units available at initial sale.
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at 6:23 am
I’ve been wondering about maintenance costs for the new diesels – particuarly the cost of replacing the special filter and the urea additives.
at 7:15 am
Good question Dave. The special oil needed with these engines (synthetic Mobil 1 ESP) at $12 per liter adds up in a hurry. This engine needs at least 10 liters as well as fuel filter changes highly recommended at each oil change.The $500 oil change is within reach with this VW. Yes, the oil change interval is probably 16,000 Kms but a lot of gasoline cars are close to that number right now.
Something to consider with this new diesel technology.
at 8:07 am
LOVE that they finally brought the diesel over. Was going to put it on my shopping list as a result until I saw the price tag: $4k more than the gas engine = $50k for the BASE version. I thought VW stood for the ‘people’s car’. I guess the majority of us with average incomes don’t qualify as ‘people’ according to VW.
at 8:41 am
Speaking of “people”, when do we see a TDI Tiggen?
at 10:11 am
I agree, the price is too steep for VW. I’m a loyal VW driver and was in the market for one of these until last month when I picked up an 08 Mercedes ML320 CDI dealer demo for the price of the base Touareg. Sure it had a few KM on it versus the new car smell of a Touareg, but there’s something wrong with that picture.
at 10:54 am
This VW Diesel guzzles up 15 mpg City and 21 mpg U.S. highway. (on a perfect day)
When are we going to stop converting liters per 100 kms to Imperial mpg, a system of measurment that we havn’t used since the early 70’s!
The VW market in Canada is a drop in the bucket in North America. Any real volume sales for vehicles happens in the, now very mpg consious U.S. market.
I don’t think the overpriced VW Touareg Diesel will be welcomed in this new ‘price point’ U.S.car market.
And the thought of a $400.00 oil change would make anyone run screaming from the dealership.
No this is not a “Peoples Car” unless you are a failed Ex-AIG executive still counting your millions of dollars in severance bonuses.
at 11:32 am
and has anyone checked the price of VW parts?
You would think that they are telling you jokes, but no those are real prices. Way above the middle mark. VW is a mistake to own in my opinion unless it’s new and you still have warranty. The minute it expires run.
at 12:21 pm
In a 4 page First Drive of the VW Touareg TDI, there is very little information on why someone should choose the diesel version versus the gas. Considering this is a $50,000 SUV, and it’s diesel, many people would benefit the extra torque and tow a trailer. I can’t believe the hitch is a $700 option. It is difficult nowadays to find a vehicle that can tow 3,000 lbs, seat 4 people comfortable, and get decent fuel economy. VW should have brought the TDI version of the Tiguan instead. It would sell more, and only make a $2,500 jump to the diesel version instead of $4,000. I mean the A3 is coming in Q4, but it can’t tow, the Jetta wagon TDI is great, and does not have a $4,000 gap from the gas version, but it can’t tow either.
at 4:21 pm
Parts are not that expensive, just don’t go to the dealer. That applies to all car companies.
at 5:00 am
I agree that VW needs to import the diesel Tiguan and it should have a six spd manual transmission and all wheel drive. Why are the German companies missing the point on their diesel vehicles as they seem to be bringing the expensive versions to Canada [excepting the VW Jetta]. If Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW were to import diesel versions of their smaller cars and sell them for under $40000 they would sell boat loads.
at 9:42 am
Message to VW Canada:” No, its the Tiguan Diesel we want first. There are already high priced Diesels available. I though you guys had learned something after the Pheaton.
at 8:11 pm
I’ve been driving TDIs for over a decade, but I agree, who has 60K for a car these days? I’m not that loyal or that rich.
A diesel Tiguan, 7 seat Passat Wagon or European “Touran” would be a better fit. Volkswagen may be a powerhouse in the world but their success has little to do with their perspective of the North American market.
at 9:17 pm
VW is a joke ! Anyone want a $100k PHAETON ? There is another joke from VW. Unless you have a “connection” the parts are very expensive. Good luck to those “shade tree mechanics” – you’ll require a whole ‘nother tool chest full of expensive VW specific tools.
VW = People’s car = Bull$hit
JOKES
End of story
at 1:39 pm
VW is a joke? Considering every moron who wants to put down VW only seems to run to the Phaeton as an example is pretty good considering some of the horror stories of other manufacturers. I own a VW and find their parts and service to be on par with most others considering the higher quality you get. Shadetree mechanic? Gone with the dino’s. Anyone with an ounce of common sense wouldn’t try to diagnose and fix their modern cars, too complicated and dangerous. Anyone who thinks that Volkswagen is the only one with complicated cars has been living in the woods far too long. So jack daniels with your nonsense comments the real joke is on you.
at 4:35 pm
VW if you listen to the feedback from Canadians you will increase your sales dramatically: More Diesel engines in your popular models. Tiguan, Passats and Vans. More manual transmissions.
at 10:45 pm
Larry are you kidding…you tellin me aint nobody tinkering with their autos these days other than the dealers??? You can buy OBDII’s and diagnose many problems, some aint even problems, just fowled codes. Saves a bundle for the average joe who doesn’t have money to burn. Cuz most of us gots mouths to feed and budget constraints.
By the way, did you ever watch Shade Tree Mechanic back in the day? Taught some simple fixes – 02 sensors and similar are easy to change if you have a half brain and a few minutes to spare. Was a great show for us “DINOS”… You were probably still soiling your diaper back then. Grow up.
at 10:46 pm
Larry – see you at Yuk Yuks next Sat night?
at 7:11 am
“If you can find a station selling it, the Touareg is certified for B5 biodiesel, as are all of Volkswagen’s new Clean Diesel engines”.
That is not what I have heard. I understand that 2009 models cannot run B5 due to the new emmisions setup. Can you confirm this? Thanks!