The full Touareg experience begins with its beautifully executed interior, which I again prefer to the Cayenne's. It

The full Touareg experience begins with its beautifully executed interior, which I prefer to the Porsche Cayenne's. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

really imparts a strong sense of elegance with the liberal use of genuine wood and aluminum trim. VW has also incorporated plenty of chrome bezels into the instrument panel and centre console, all of which add to a sense of opulence. A comprehensive set of analogue gauges makes up the main cluster, delivering an appearance that speaks of precision.

But it doesn't end there; the build quality throughout the Touareg is first rate, competitive with the best available in today's SUV market. Where it loses out regardless of price, is in seating capacity. Without the availability of a third row seat, the Touareg is limited to five occupants, which may strike it from many a list faster than a salesman can exclaim "do I have an SUV for you."

The tremendously comfortable seats in the Touareg will no doubt

My tester was equipped with 12-way power-adjustable, heated front leather seats, which remain supportive and refreshing over the long haul. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

reward those willing to call a cab for the relatives. My tester was equipped with 12-way power-adjustable, heated front leather seats, which remain supportive and refreshing over the long haul. Although some folk espying its interior colour scheme of beige leather against slate gray didn't appreciate the stark contrast, I did. I found it to be quite a bold and satisfying departure from the everything-the-same-colour approach widely used in SUV interiors. The dark surfaces also highlighted the Vavona burled wood and aluminum trim tastefully applied in my test unit.