Volkswagen, with the launch of its new sub-prestige category, Volkswagen Touareg, successfully developed a positioning midway between full-prestige brands like BMW or Mercedes-Benz and the more mass-market brands like Toyota and Ford. But now Volkswagen had to change approach and build a position for a new vehicle, the Touareg, which indeed fall under the category of prestige SUV. Therefore, Touareg now is in direct competition with prestige SUV, which have same price bracket; BMW X5, Mercedes ML, Lexus RX330, Range Rover, and Volvo VC70. Most of these brands have been in the SUV category for more than two years now.

The biggest challenge in front of Volkswagen, before launching Touareg, was to change the perception so that it could be considered seriously in the prestige SUV category. On the contrary, its competitors (Mercedes, BMW, Lexus etc) found it easy to make a shift as they already have a background of making powerful cars, reputation for engineering know-how and making prestige brands. Touareg has not done any compromise on the engine, it comes with a 3.6L V6 engine, which is environment friendly which is cleaner in emissions. Also its roomy interiors, classy exterior and solid body is sufficient to make it powerful and astound the Indian SUV segment. Not only this, Touareg is able to spot and detect baggy and slumped surfaces and shortens the braking distance with the help of world's first ABSplus system.

This SUV is capable of speeds of upto 200km/h. It is available in one variant V6 TDI which is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 Turbo Diesel Direct Injection (TDI) V6 diesel engine that cranks out an impressive 225 bhp of power at 4000 rpm and 500 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine delivers good fuel economy; the transmission also features Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) that helps the driver to shift gears smoothly making it a driver-oriented ride. The V6 diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 9.9 seconds, all this indeed delivers impressive performance, and a smooth ride coupled with decent mileage. The SUV is also packed with top-notch safety features including dual-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, curtain air bags, deactivation facility in the glove compartment for passenger airbag, brake assist system with dual-rate function, Electronic Stabilization Programme (ESP), ABSplus system and traction control system (TCS).

Therefore, Apart from the disappointing back-seat, cargo space and majorly the price difference, there is no doubt that Volkswagen Touareg stands out to be the clear winner with more power torque and same mileage.