2009 Volkswagen Touareg R50 Road Test Review

VW_Touareg_R50_480

Priced at $134,990 ‘off the rack’, the R50 rather oddly represents some kind of performance SUV bargain. Sure, you can buy quicker European SUVs; Porsche's Cayenne Turbo and BMW's X5 4.8-litre V8 will show the R50 a clean set of heels. Closer to home, our own Ford Territory Turbo is also quicker.

But there is nothing that comes close to offering the R50’s enthralling blend of ‘tough as nails’ looks, stump-pulling torque and wonderful on-road dynamics (all the while sipping rather than slurping the good oil). It’s the smart answer for those looking for a European performance SUV that combines style with substance and performance with efficiency.

Outrageous in concept and execution, the R50 is a belter.

The Last Word

 

“The R50 is a hoot. With that much diesel under the bonnet you’ll be able to slip on a blue singlet and some stubbies, bolt on an air-horn and hang out in roadhouse restaurants.”

 

steane-likes

  • Aggressive styling
  • Massive torque
  • Car-like handling
  • On-Road presence
  • Brutal acceleration
  • Superb (optional) stereo and sat nav system
  • Fuel efficiency

steane-dislikes

  • Buying new tyres would be a bummer

Price of standard Touareg R50 - $134,990

Price as tested - $147,660

Options fitted to test vehicle

  • Dynaudio 600W premium audio with 10 channel amplifier and

    10 speakers - $2,690

  • Automatic opening and closing tailgate via remote and button on

    tailgate - $1,490

  • Electric glass sunroof, slide and tilt adjustable with sunblind - $2,290
  • Satellite navigation system (RNS510) with rear view camera - $6,200

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Gallery

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Specifications

Engine R50 V10 TDI Type 10 cyl ‘V’ bi-turbo diesel Cubic capacity litres/cc 5.0/4921 Bore/stoke, mm 81.0/95.5 Max power, kW @ rpm 258 @ 3500 Max torque, Nm @ rpm 850 @ 2000 Compression ratio 18.5:1 Fuel system Bosch EDC 16 with unit injectors (Pumpe Düse) Ignition system Compression Emission level EU IV CO2 emission 333 g/km Fuel type Diesel Transmission 4XMOTION four-wheel-drive Gearbox 6 speed Tiptronic automatic with Dynamic Selection Program (DSP) Suspension Air suspension with 3 damper settings: Automatic, Sport & Comfort Variable ride height • Loading level 140mm

• Road level 195mm

• Off-road level 220mm

• Extra level 280mm

Low range gear ratio 2.66 Performance 0 – 100km/h, seconds 6.8 Fuel consumption Combined, L/100km 12.6 Fuel tank capacity 100 Litres Tare Mass 2532 kg Towing Capacity Braked 3500 kg Towing Capacity Unbraked 750 kg

GALLERY: r50-touareg-review

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Comments

  • DeltaForce [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Nice review TMR!

    On the R50, I took a good look at one in a carpark not long ago, and I reckon those brake calipers are indeed from a high-end Porsche. They look pretty much identical in size and shape to the ones on a GT3. I guess the R50 needs them though, being 2.5+ tonne and all
  • Mark Bedford [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    Definitely a good alternative to the Porsche Cayenne although does the R50 fit into that nice niche that allows the Porsche Cayenne (begin classed as a goods vehicle by our government) to be LCT exempt? Something to consider.
  • Gunnar [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    High-Five on loving the road trip! And a thumbs up to VW for engineering a gas hog that will squeal to 60 in 6.8 seconds. Now that's a feat!
  • Peter [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    The Insider:

    CA did a test withe the R50 off-road and it worked quite well.
  • Action Jackson [reply]
    1 year ago 0 points
    mad review TMR, i freaking love this car i sat in it at the Sydney motor show and its sweet as i want one
  • PANCHO VILLA [reply]
    12 months ago 0 points
    I just have one question to will the r50 be introduced in America. Because i realy do want and id realy appreciated if anybody knew the answer. So in America, or Mexico.
  • PANCHO VILLA [reply]
    12 months ago 0 points
    sorry about the spelling errors
  • Graeme Richards [reply]
    10 months ago 0 points
    How does the R50 Touareg stack up against the top of the line Range Rover?
    I'm looking at performance, fuel consumption, build quality, reliability and handling?
    Also, is the cuurent 2009 Touareg going to stay current for a while yet or will we see a model change shortly?
    And, on the Range Rover, is ther a new model coming out to compete with the R50?

    Thanks Heaps
    Just about to order a new R50 or similar and i need some assistance and guidance
  • James [reply]
    8 months ago 0 points
    I had the same delemma. I took delivery of a new R50 in November last year. Huge bang for buck at this end of the market , and you will bank $30,000 in the glove box for fuel and maintenance as a comparison to the Rangie. Both will be worth roughly the same in 4 years. My economy is outstanding. Average 9.6l/ 100klm - all from a mightly V10 and power to give the X5 V8 petrol or Porsche a run for their money. I added a power tail gate, upgraded Audio, rear TV's/ DVD's, 5 year warranty (that the others wouldnt) ... the decision in the end - easy for my light off road or irregular towing use. Great performer. Just watch the rubber - at $1000 a corner its something to bear in mind and look after. It all bils down to use. Are you taking a $140k vehicle off road regularly in the rought stuff - Go Rangie - if you are in the 98% - go VW and bank the difference.
  • Kenneth Mbwanji [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    well this is a big machine, I am not so much into cars but is time to open my eyes and invest in true treasure like this .. Money should not be a factor to determine what we want and love in life.

    This is my Graduation gift for 2010 !! this is the one

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