With 2,010 litres (71 cu ft) of cargo capacity, the Touareg's dressy interior isn't shy of real estate. Its 60/40 split rear seat folds

With 2,010 litres (71 cu ft) of cargo capacity, the Touareg's dressy interior isn't shy of real estate. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

down to create a flat load floor, much of which was covered with gear during our trip. Handily, one side or the other of the rear seat can be left in place to accommodate either one or two passengers while the remaining portion of the seat is folded down to maximize cargo space. If interior capacity is surpassed, look up - the Touareg is equipped with roof rails with adjustable cross members.

Although the Touareg has independent four-wheel coil spring suspension as standard equipment, a self-leveling, four-corner air suspension system featuring six ride-heights is also available. Depending on needs ranging from cargo loading to extreme off-roading, the air suspended SUV can be lowered or raised by turning a console-mounted dial. Doing so will provide up to an impressive 30 cm (11 in) of rock-crawling ground clearance. But regardless

A self-leveling, four-corner air suspension system featuring six ride-heights is available. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

of whether the Touareg rides upon a bed of air or steel, it rides best when on the move.

The highly refined, 4.2-litre (256 cu in) five-valve per cylinder V8 residing beneath the hood of my Offroad Gray tester cooked with 310 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 302 healthy pound-feet of torque at a very useable 3,000 rpm. Maximizing the prodigious output is a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with Sport mode. The wide selection of gearing in this autobox has enabled VW to implement a very low first gear, something of great value when getting started on a hill or pulling a heavy load, and with a maximum tow rating of 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs), the Touareg can definitely pull.