MT Comparo: Touareg TDI vs. RX450h vs. ML320 BLUETEC vs. X5 XDRIVE 35D
#47
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the reason why so many people like the venza is because from the side, it is basically a 2RX. it gets all the old bits that are going to be retired from the RX. as for them looking alike on the interior? i dont see it except for the placement of the shiftknob. the RX is much more elegant despict that curved dash. might get some getting used to, but i dont find it a deal breaker
#49
The Touareg "2" dropped in 2008 (released in Europe a year earlier). Volkswagen describes the vehicle has having "2300 redesigned parts", and added more features (radar cruise, blindspot mitigation, new seats, a new 620 watt Dynaudio). You can spot it most obviously by it's face lifted front end and darkened tail-lamps. If you remember, there was a big marketing push alongside the Bourne Ultimatum in 2007 for the Touareg 2. The new 09 TDI just has the new engine.
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#51
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So what does reliability have to do with a comparison test like this?
Nice logic, pal.
#53
but it's almost completely lacking in "SUV" feel
And I too heard that a Venza hybrid is in the works. Would be a great option if it costs say at least $5k less than the Highlander Hybrid. Pair it with the 2.5L I4.
#55
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"but it's almost completely lacking in "SUV" feel"
To get real SUV feel you need a solid rear axle, pushrod motor, poor aerodynamics for lots of wind noise, 4 speed auto tranny, 75 series tires for poor steering precision, etc.
To get real SUV feel you need a solid rear axle, pushrod motor, poor aerodynamics for lots of wind noise, 4 speed auto tranny, 75 series tires for poor steering precision, etc.
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Only in the same way Passat B5 owners will claim theirs is better than a B5.5. In reality, there are countless improvments on the Touareg 2, from fixing some serious problems with the incredibly and almost stupidly advanced onboard vehicle comfort computer (which drained the battery if you didn't lock the car and set it to sleep mode) to a new revision for the engines. They fixed a lot, and as with the Passat of the same time, is more reliable. Plus it looks better
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