Considering its price, having to get out of the car to change the CDs in the disc changer seems a bit awkward. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

Also, while its audio system is quite exceptional only a single disc CD player is fitted into the dash, and if used for music negates the DVD-based navigation system. VW offers a 6-disc stacker in the back, but that's about as archaic as cassettes nowadays. To access the stacker you must get out and open the rear liftgate, but don't forget to first tug on the door-mounted trunk release or click the remote. Even if the Touareg is still running, you need to do flick the switch first or it won't open. What's more, after I opened the hatch, snooped around and then closed it again, it forced me to walk around to the driver's door and flick the switch again to reopen it. I suppose VW is trying to prevent access to the back from would be valet thieves, but other automakers somehow manage to create systems that allow for locking valuables without resorting to such frustrating measures.

Even more frustrating were the noisiest wipers I've experienced all year. To be fair to VW I'm sure there was something wrong with them. Nonetheless I fiddled with them and then scrubbed the glass and wipers with a specialized windshield cleaner, but there I couldn't figure out how to stop the annoying droning. Over and over and over, it was enough to drive a person off the bend. I found myself shutting them off just to get a break. I'd let the water build up on the windshield instead, though purposely blurring forward visibility is probably not the safest way to negotiate traffic.

The Touareg is a true premium SUV, ready to take on the likes of BMW, Infiniti, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and more. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

In the end the Touareg's negatives are far outweighed by its positives. It is a true premium SUV, worthy of association with BMW, Infiniti, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and probably more equal than either Lincoln or Cadillac. The only question that remains is if consumers will want to pay a premium price for what most people consider an economy car nameplate. The jury is out.