2007 Volkswagen Touareg - Review

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Volkswagen’s mid-size sedan received a complete makeover for the 2006 model year; changes for 2007 include the introduction of a wagon version and the availability of Adaptive Cruise Control, a system that automatically adjusts vehicle speed to compensate for changing traffic flow. The ’07 Passat has 2.4 inches more rear-seat legroom than the previous generation Passat as well as an available 280-horsepower 3.2-liter V-6 and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. The standard Passat engine is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder developing 200 horsepower. It can be teamed with either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual-shift capability. The V-6 comes only with the six-speed automatic but is about a second faster to 60 mph than the four-cylinder/manual transmission version of the Passat, which gets there in about 7.6 seconds. High-tech features abound on the Passat, including electro-assisted power steering, adaptive high-intensity xenon lighting, and active head restraints to limit the potential for whiplash injury. Available equipment includes a premium Dynaudio sound system sourced from the Danish audiophile company of the same name, custom designed for the Passat. Front side and full-length head/curtain airbags are standard; side airbags for back seat passengers are optional. The Passat is a great choice in the entry-luxury/sport segment, especially when ordered with the optional 3.2-liter V-6 engine.