Air suspension seems to be causing them issues....it is still available on the Uk configurator/spec, but customers have been advised of problems with the system and it isn't available....

 

With North America being a huge market, it's problem best to keep a problematic issue away for now to avoid a potential recall.

Here is an great 2011 Touareg review with heaps of info for potential buyers: 2011 VW Touareg TDI forum and buying guide with FAQ, reviews, mpg, and revisions, differences vs. 2010

 

Only issue the air suspension has been having in previous gen was with people in areas where they used a lot of salt on the roads. It would corode and weaken the connectors for the air lines on the front shocks. All you need to do is raise it to offroad or Xtra the pressure wash the shocks to get rid of the salt.

As for the 2011 they are not bringing any of the offroad stuff here to the states as of right now. Most are hoping they allow you to order it eventually, but as of now no air suspension or 4Xmotion at all.

 

As for the 2011 they are not bringing any of the offroad stuff here to the states as of right now. Most are hoping they allow you to order it eventually, but as of now no air suspension or 4Xmotion at all.

What a second - isn't 4Xmotion the AWD system that is on all Touaregs (or at least all T1 and T2's)? What kind of AWD system are they running on the T3? Forgive my ignorance....

 

What a bummer. This feature is one of the coolest things about the Touareg. Its funny because it seems that it is one of the most reliable air suspension systems around. I have yet to read of any bags leaking. Just the connector from corrosion.

 

I can appreciate many enthusiasts desire to have the system, but VW has improved the MPGs of the Touareg line-up leaps and bounds in 2011. By shedding the weight of the transfer case and a few other components that 95+% of buyers never used, they now have a diesel SUV that crushes all other competitors in the MPG, towing, and MSRP battle. Compare this vehicle to a MB ML or an X5 diesel and they lose.

So again, I can appreciate what many are saying, but we have to respect their decision making process.

Now if only Banks or Edge would produce some performance parts for the TDi and someone else would produce some overload springs for the rear, I'd be a happy tow-er.

 

I can appreciate many enthusiasts desire to have the system, but VW has improved the MPGs of the Touareg line-up leaps and bounds in 2011. By shedding the weight of the transfer case and a few other components that 95+% of buyers never used, they now have a diesel SUV that crushes all other competitors in the MPG, towing, and MSRP battle. Compare this vehicle to a MB ML or an X5 diesel and they lose.

So again, I can appreciate what many are saying, but we have to respect their decision making process.

Now if only Banks or Edge would produce some performance parts for the TDi and someone else would produce some overload springs for the rear, I'd be a happy tow-er.

Nothing changed about the diesel motor it's self. It is the same motor that is in my 2010 and same ratings for hp and torque. It is good they shed some weight on the 2011's, but they should still allow those of us that want offroad capability to have it. Make it all order only and not have them decide what is right for us. The EPA ratings on the 09-10 diesel were low. Everyone has been reporting higher then what is been on the sticker.

 

jon,
I don't think they disagree w/ the mpg improvements. The issue is when the rest of the world has the option, why not keep it open to US buyers as well, especially since they've already had it available to them for many years. Trust me, if you're favorite feature on your favorite vehicle was suddenly not available to you but was to every other market, it would leave a bad taste. Regardless of the "decision making" process or logic behind it.

Simply remains to be seen over the coming year how this decision impacts VW's sales or not.

I'm not really an off roader...and even less so in a $50k+ vehicle. So the 2011 fits me just fine. I love most of it's features, handling, power, refinement...fits me great at 28mpg as a daily commuter and kid hauler on the weekends.

But there are plenty of voices on this site alone indicating they're in no hurry to replace their late model any time soon after much of the off road features were totally wiped out in the US market.

jinx, you owe me a coke Yeti!

 

I can appreciate many enthusiasts desire to have the system, but VW has improved the MPGs of the Touareg line-up leaps and bounds in 2011. By shedding the weight of the transfer case and a few other components that 95+% of buyers never used, they now have a diesel SUV that crushes all other competitors in the MPG, towing, and MSRP battle. Compare this vehicle to a MB ML or an X5 diesel and they lose.

So again, I can appreciate what many are saying, but we have to respect their decision making process.

Now if only Banks or Edge would produce some performance parts for the TDi and someone else would produce some overload springs for the rear, I'd be a happy tow-er.

It is worth noting that the weight shed by the new model is noticeable when comparing two identical models. In other words, the air suspension would add just as much to the old or new model. The weight loss was due to changes in the chassis and other components common to all models.

 

You missed the point of my weight comment entirely. The point is that their focus is not on off-roading, it is on MPGs, luxury, reliability, and sales volume.

75+% of buyers, from soccer moms to daily commuter dads and everyone else, will never know the difference between the air ride and standard ride, AND when given the choice, will NOT want to pay for the air ride.

 

Guys,

I understand the views tossed around here by various proud Touareg owners, but think about the business case. I'm willing to bet that less than 10% of all Touaregs sold over the last 5 years have included the air suspension. I'm also willing to bet that the number of warranty claims related to the air suspensions versus the standard unit (regardless of the absolute number, just a comparison) is more than 2x.

People in the US who go off-road or regularly encounter rough driving situations, do not buy Touaregs. They buy pick up trucks, jeeps, etc. The costs associated with the air suspension are far greater than almost any other option on these vehicles in terms of stocking replacement parts, selling executive models with the air suspension, etc. What makes it worse is that fast that more often than not, the enthusiast who actually WANTS an air suspension, probably does NOT want many of the other expensive options. So then it becomes a nightmare for VW-USA to figure out which dealers should be provided new air-suspension equipped TDi Sport or Lux models.

Now, if you guys wanted to argue that VW should make it a special order ONLY option, maybe you will get lucky once these start getting built in the new Chat, TN facility. Much the way BMW is now approaching the X3/X5 world (in case you are not following, they now offer a number of special order options only as a way to entice buyers to wait the 4 week build/deliver lead-time), maybe VW will too.

j

 

Guys,


Now, if you guys wanted to argue that VW should make it a special order ONLY option, maybe you will get lucky once these start getting built in the new Chat, TN facility. Much the way BMW is now approaching the X3/X5 world (in case you are not following, they now offer a number of special order options only as a way to entice buyers to wait the 4 week build/deliver lead-time), maybe VW will too.

j

I pretty much was saying that, ORDER ONLY. That is how all the air suspended ones came in anyhow aside for the loaded V10. You would not see air suspended Tregs on the lots unless it was one someone backed out of after ordered. Rear diff lock was order only. Point being, let us decide what we want and then order it. No need for the dealers to order them that way and let them sit on the lot, I get that point. US customers are about instant gratification and that is why we are stuck with packages rather then being allowed to pick and chose our options like ROW.

 

Order only would be nice...its not like they don't have the parts in the factory, nor is it impacted by any emmissions laws.

For those that never had air suspension, you'll never know what a HUGE difference it makes. its absolutely NOT for offroad only. Remember the V10, Cayenne GTS and Cayenne turbo ONLY came with air suspension...since the two Porsches have an onroad bias it just proves how much of a difference air suspension makes in usability and handling.

 

What is the "new Chat, TN facility"?

 

Eh? Chattanooga Plant - Volkswagen Group of America

 

4Motion...watered down version.

Good writeup, halfway down, over here: 2011 VW Touareg TDI forum and buying guide with FAQ, reviews, mpg, and revisions, differences vs. 2010

Curious, what is the reason for the 4x being able to handle 45 degree climbing angle vs. only 31 degree for the 2011?

 

Probably has to do more with approach angle via the design. Could be there is more over hang on the 2011 vs previous gen which all had 4Xmotion. I saw a 2011 over the weekend at the dealer but did not pay that close attention to it since I was not interested in it. Even less so since it was a hybrid. For me there is no compelling reason to get the Hybrid based on mileage alone. My 2010 TDI gets the same or better and can go offroad and has air suspension.

 

4motion which is the same thing as Audi's Quattro. No low range transfer case at all. 2011 is just another crossover like the X5, MB, Infiniti X35, Lexus RX, insert your brand.

 

Not quite, as some are a more mechanical center differential like Torsen while others like Haldex and more electronically controlled.

Both Torsen and Haldex are used by Audi. Torsen in S and RS cars are very rwd bias while Haldex is more fwd bias but also computer controlled in A3,TT, Golf based cars, etc.

In other words, not all "Quattro" are created equal. Some people say for safety and traction in poor surface conditions, the Haldex method is better because of how it handles slip while the Torsen is clearly the performance winner, especially when paired to the new "sport rear differential" which is a fancy lsd.

I don't know for sure but I doubt any VW cars have the Torsen center diff design unless the Phaeton did being more like an A8 than a VW.

 

all the liberals are making cars less cool these days jeezzz.. they are becoming pure grocery getters'

 

Yup, it is the liberals fault. Oh, no, wait, educated people realize that it is actually the free market as it relates to the price of oil and thus influencing buyers to seek vehicles with better efficiency.

If you think the Touareg is going to materially change the VW brands ability to meet the CAFE standards you're crazy. They are building hybrid and diesel versions because it is what people want.

 

Those liberals and their love of groceries!
Meanwhile, we had all better invest in some energy stocks or energy mutual funds.

 

Vw has been eliminating all the good stuff N.A. gets.Europe gets all the good stuff,we get what they think we want.Nobody I know is going to pay 70,000 for a Hybrid Treg,when the TDI gets better mileage.The new treg looks the same as a Toyota Highlander and alot of other crossovers,(IMHO),if they don't give us what we want I'll go buy a new Jeep G.C.it has everything the early Tregs had and then some.

 

I'll go buy a new Jeep G.C.it has everything the early Tregs had and then some.

Including poor quality.

 

Well, I meant other VW's. It makes sense the Touareg is just like the Q7. I wonder if the Q5 is also Torsen.

That pdf is really interesting. Thanks for posting.

 

Yeah, I love V8's in general too, especially when they are supercharged for an suv like Range Rover Sport, full size Range Rover, the X5, Mercedes G55k, and of course, the Cayenne Turbo or GTS v8 with 405hp.

However, now that the Touareg 3 has lost all of it's features that had set it apart, i.e. tdi+4x4/low range + air suspension, I see very little reason to go that route.

In fact, now it's all about comparing the used market and the Cayenne is seriously awesome in that segment.

To me, if you limit it to diesel engines, the X5d really looks attractive being considerably nicer inside than the VW but not much different in pricing.

The full size Range Rover is a whole other level in cost and capability and purpose though so it's hard to bring them in unless it's from a similarly priced used market. I.e., ~$45k gets you an 07 full size RR Supercharged or an 08 V10 TDI, or a 2010 V6 tdi, or an older x5d.

I think it's just so sad the Touareg 2009 v6tdi and the 2011all lost the cooler features like "4-zone" AC among other things.

I wish VW were more like Land Rover (Westminster Limited Edition special stitching, leather, trim, badging), or BMW (last year of E61 got sweet "M" package with alcantara headliner, body kit, and special interior trim) who often "deck out" the last generation models with all the latest things...rather than to keep removing the extra "luxury" features.

 

I understand what more than a few have said about their impression of the previous Touaregs niche, but the majority of buyers have not been niche buyers.

I am a BMW fan through and through, I race them, I've always owned them, etc etc. The X5d is not comparable. The base price is $51,800 and for that you get NOTHING but a motor and a 6-speed trans. NO leather, no nav, no back up camera, not even privacy glass and a horrible 6-speaker sound system. If you compared the options on a Touareg Lux to a X5d, it would be thousands of dollars apart and you'd only have a 6k lb towing capacity.

Now, if we are going to be pissed about something, I can easily be the one carrying the "This warranty is a piece of sh^t for a $50k vehicle" sign. The fact that we only get 3/36 is embarassing in my opinion.

 

I dont know if that is a fair comparison. BMW is offering like $6,000 in incentives on X5ds, whereas VW charges you extra for the TDI....plus you get maintenance w/ BMW.

The price can get pretty close.

 

I don't think the current BMW incentives are half that. They had several around Christmas that expired or were only good with BMW finance packages. I looked at and priced X5d before I ordered my Touareg; jonmacs22 is right, you pay more for very little with the X5.

 

I think all this bmw vs T3 tdi comparison is silly, because the bmw is clearly the better deal no matter how you compare it.

Everything about the bmw is now either a better value, better options to choose from, or better content included not to mention the warranty is 30% better. Additionally, with bmw your brake rotors are replaced as well as brake pads so cost of ownership is better. When you buy a used one the factory warranty becomes 6yr/100,000 miles as opposed to the ridiculous short cpo VW warranty.

The only thing that VW T2 had over the BMW x5d was 4XMotion/ low range and locking rear differential along with air suspension. Otherwise, the only other plus of a VW is if a person wants to be less flashy.

Up front cost is essentially the same when you are comparing the top cost of a 2010 t2 tdi at $60k vs what I just built with nearly all the options for a 2011 x5d to $66k. Really, a $60k buyer is going to be concerned about a 10% difference when the bmw blows it's doors off in features?

The previous VW T2 tdi retained it's position as "better" in several aspects, now, it's just another nice crossover missing true luxury features. I mean, it's "nice" but it's "lux" or "exec" features are like "luxury for the masses" rather than simply the latest in luxury features.

I'll give you one example, from the many, the "20 way" comfort seats are simply unmatched. The depth of information and ways to access it in the idrive is out of this world in my experience of many different high end oem nav systems, the fit and finish as well as quietness and all the "little" things like interior lighting, sounds, and handling.

I just wish some company would bring to the US market a true well designed tdi 4x4.

The V10 was headed in that direction... I loved the Touareg but hate where the North American T3 is headed now. You might as well get a used Q7 tdi, oh wait, it comes with air, has more space and 7 better seats...

Isn't it funny how Audi used internet polling to decide to bring the awesome TTRS in a 6mt later this year but VW just decides for everyone.

 

The new Touareg has service included in the warranty. It also has a bunch of other "perks". Someone posted them here a while back, things like a special cust. service phone line, roadside assitance, loaner cars, etc...

 

Other then the power train warranty, the rest was a carry over from the T2 gen. I have that roadside assistance and other stuff as well on my 2010.

 

Loaners for all service and repairs on VWoA's dime also extended to earlier models? I would hope so, it's always been at the upper end of the stable.

 

I've never gotten a loaner car for any repair on my CPO. I did have roadside as well and I didn't even get it new.

The main thing is the included maintenance, I think. It's something BMW offers and I was not sure VW ever did. Sure didn't come with any CPO like BMW does. Having said all that, if I was in the market now, I'd just get a Cayenne for the money.

 

Having said all that, if I was in the market now, I'd just get a Cayenne for the money.

Interesting choice. I struggle with the value proposition. On a side note, a 2012 Cayenne diesel is being strongly rumored..

 

I think the loaners is more of a dealer-to-dealer item.

I have a couple local VW shops who will offer loaners and another who doesn't. That is as long as they have them available when. I got 3-4 for scheduled maintenance on my CC...and that dealer would rent a car if they ran out of loaners. I got 2 rentals from them.

My current dealer says they have 6 loaners available and will lend them as they can.

They also offer 5yrs Free Maintenance (oil/rotation) vs. the standard 3yrs from VWoA. But again, I think they were offering that on all their new cars, not just Touareg.

They also put fabric guard and paint sealant and will reapply yearly. Not bad...

And I also priced X5 and Cayennes. You think the X5 is close to the price of an Egg...have fun puting options on the Cayenne.

 

I think the loaners is more of a dealer-to-dealer item.

This is from the VWoA memo to all dealers. The emphasis on "all" is in the original.

Warranty and Customer Handling:

To help Dealers convey to consumers our confidence in the all-new Touareg, we are pleased to announce a 10 year / 100,000 mile transferable power train warranty on this all- new model.

We want dealerships to provide these premium market customers with the level of service experience to which they are accustomed from other competitive models they may have owned. To support you with those efforts, Volkswagen has put in place the following policies for the all-new Touareg customers for the first 3 years / 36 months of ownership:

 Pay for the use of a customer Service Loan vehicle for ALL repair and / or maintenance visits

 Compensate dealerships for the pick-up and delivery of customer vehicles for all repair and / or maintenance visits

 Provide a dedicated Customer Care line for Touareg customers

 Customer Care follow-up for every repair to ensure their complete satisfaction

A Service Bulletin will be issued shortly to describe these policies in operational detail.