And just how many Touareg customers will actually do that? Yeah I know, that's deserving of a laugh too. But just like

Volkswagen Touareg owners can take pride in the vehicle's 4x4 skills. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Porsche 911 Turbo and Lamborghini Murciélago buyers who can't legally take their cars anywhere near their maximum top-speed capability, what matters is that the vehicle has the ability to do so. Volkswagen Touareg owners can take a special pride in the vehicle's 4x4 skills even if they never personally experience more than a speed bump in the hockey rink parking lot.

Another reason why the Touareg does so well off-road also benefits its on-pavement prowess in poor weather. There's a full-load of sophisticated driver's aids such as front and rear electronically locking differentials, plus electronic stability control

The Touareg's interior design is first rate, easily as good as any premium rival and better than most. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

and traction control, improving at the limit performance and active safety in one fell swoop.

But crawl inside and all the rough and tough machismo of this vehicle takes a back seat to the stunning attention to every detail Volkswagen has masterfully applied. Every switch, each button and all knobs are slotted perfectly in their places, with not even a sloppy jiggle, side-to-side wiggle or loose fitting toggle to put off the pickiest of perfectionists. Its design is also first rate, easily as good as any premium rival and better than most.

The seats are wonderfully supportive, clad in rich leather in my well endowed tester and featuring a multitude of power adjustments. Rear legroom is adequate if the front seats are pushed forward, but if anyone tall is driving or riding shotgun then those in the rear are bound to feel claustrophobic, at least around the knees. Head, hip and shoulder room is quite good for most body types.