Less Money Buys 2,300 New Parts

When the sheet was pulled from the 2008 Volkswagen Touareg before a crowd of story-hungry auto journalists at the 2007 Vancouver International Auto Show, I expected more; more in the way of visual changes to VW's highly praised SUV. Referred to as the Touareg 2, it encompasses more than 2,300 new parts intended to improve performance and value within the fiercely competitive premium SUV market.

2008 Volkswagen Touareg

Most noticeable among the changes is the revised grille and headlight arrangement, which is now consistent with the majority of the Volkswagen family. As for the remaining changes, which include new taillights and a number of interior alterations, a side-by-side comparison with a 2007 Touareg would be needed for most to spot.

The Touareg 2 will continue to offer a 3.6-litre, 280-horsepower V6 and a 4.2-litre, 350-horsepower V8 under the hood. Both powerplants utilize FSI direct-injection and are fused to a six-speed automatic transmission featuring VW's Tiptronic manual-mode shifting. Hopefully the torque-laden twin-turbo diesel V10 will re-appear in 2008, this time as a cleaner burning unit.

2008 Volkswagen Touareg

Regardless of engine selection, all Touaregs are propelled from each corner with VW's highly sophisticated 4Xmotion all-wheel-drive technology. Without sacrificing any of the vehicle's roadworthiness, Volkswagen has done something quite remarkable; they have lowered the price of the entry-level Touareg.

Entry for the 2007 Touareg is pegged at $51,525. Entry for the 2008 model, including its list of 2,300 new parts, is $49,975. Obviously Volkswagen thought it essential to crack the $50K barrier, and that's probably a very prudent strategy given the likes of Hyundai's new Veracruz. Judging by the unwrapped Touareg 2 at the Vancouver International Auto Show, I suspect some of the cost-savings were found in a less contented and dressed cabin.