The 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic sequential actuation does what it can to improve fuel economy I'm sure. It certainly is nicely suited to the Touareg, shifting in smooth relaxed increments when in 'D' position or snapping to attention and revving all the way to redline when shifted into 'S'. It downshifts on its own when necessary in 'S' mode too. Its manual operation is simple enough, with a push forward on the gearlever upshifting and a flick back to downshift. I missed the thumb actuated steering wheel buttons that come as part of the Porsche package, however, greatly enhancing the driving experience.

As far as handling goes, the Touareg is amazingly good. At first, the SUV's sheer mass makes it almost feel lethargic when puttering around town. But pushing it up my favorite ski resort mountain road it hung onto curves with surprising athleticism. Really, I shouldn't be surprised or anything. Its architecture is pretty well the same as Porsche's Cayenne, and that vehicle put a smile on my face after only a few minutes. I wouldn't go so far to say the Touareg, even with its electronically adjustable sport tuned shocks engaged, could keep up with a Cayenne S - drivetrains being a non issue. Nor would it stay with an Infiniti FX45 or BMW X5 4.6is in tight, winding corners. But nonetheless it offers respectable handling, way above the industry average.

With ground clearance ranging from 162 to 300 mm (6.37 to 11.8 in) via the optional air suspension, the VW's off-road capability sets it apart from many in the class. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

The same can be said for its off-road capability, something the Infiniti and BMW SUVs, for instance, don't deliver. With ground clearance ranging from 162 to 300 mm (6.37 to 11.8 in) via the optional air suspension, only a handful of competitors measure up when the going gets truly tough. VW also offers a bevy of sophisticated driver's aids that many off-road vehicles do not, such as front and rear electronically locking differentials, electronic stability control and traction control. These not only keep wheels from slipping in rain, sleet, snow and mud, or the vehicle from twisting sideways on gravel roads, but improve on pavement control too. Even optional park distance control, the ideal helpmeet in parking lots, would be handy off-road when trying to negotiate tight quarters - after all VW's paint job is much too pretty to scratch up.