Nimbly through Tyrolean twisties

Nimbly through Tyrolean twisties

The suspension was redeveloped in many areas in order to perfect both comfort and dynamic characteristics. At additional cost, Volkswagen again offers four-corner air suspension with electronic damping control. This suspension has had a major overhaul using the latest technology. The active roll compensation with electromechanically adjustable anti-roll bars is also included in the complete redevelopment. Volkswagen has also redeveloped the all-wheel steering which allows large SUVs to feature similar agility and manoeuvrability as a compact SUV. I will explain as clearly as possible how these wonders of technology work and what advantages they have to offer users.

Aluminium is known as a particularly light metal. When it is used in vehicle construction, it reduces the overall weight.

Volkswagen has called this system the electro-mechanical active roll compensation (eAWS). The two most important components of eAWS are the anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles. Conventional suspensions are fitted with steel anti-roll bars at the front and at the back which reach from one end of the axle to the other. When cornering or when only one side of the vehicle is driving over very uneven road surfaces, two ends of the anti-roll bar twist relative to one another. The kinetics ensure that the vehicle’s tendency to roll in bends is reduced.

Thanks to the eAWS active roll compensation in the new Touareg, this works even better. During my first test drives on paved roads, the Touareg, in spite of its height, provided me with the driving feel and body roll you would expected from a sporty saloon. You couldn't give an SUV on the road a better compliment. There is the feeling in the Touareg that the centre of gravity is much lower than it actually is. This makes it really fun to zoom along the winding Tyrolese roads with this huge SUV. Of course, this fun is also helped by the powerful 6-cylinder diesel engine which puts up to 600 Newtonmeters on the road.

Depending on the driving scenario, all four wheels are steered at the same time. The all-wheel steering contributes to making the Touareg one of the most agile large SUVs. Mostly it influences two driving situations: speeds under 37 km/h and speeds above this figure. This seems to contradict itself, but it doesn't. This is because the system works thus: up until 37 km/h, the rear wheels automatically turn in the opposite direction at the front wheels. This improves agility and manoeuvrability. Thanks to the all-wheel steering, the turning circle is reduced by a metre from 12.19 to 11.19 metres. This is a very small turning circle for a vehicle of these dimensions – the circle is even thirty centimetres narrower than that of the Tiguan. If the speed is increased to more than 37 km/h, the rear wheels turn automatically when the vehicle is steered and are in the same direction to the front wheels. This makes vehicle handling much smoother. When changing lanes, the Touareg sits better on the road. This also applies to fast overtaking and when making sudden manoeuvers to get out of the way. Isn't fantastic that you can combine the fundamental advantages of large and small cars in a single vehicle class?

Air suspension brings the Touareg to the right height
The new generation of four-corner air suspension doesn't just significantly increase comfort.  It also improves aerodynamics. And driving on rough terrain can be better mastered. I think it really is worth investing in a more expensive vehicle. But how does this work? 

The new, open air suspension system works quickly and silently. It is unperturbed by changes in temperature and fluctuations in pressure (e.g. in mountainous areas). Normal or comfort height should be the standard setting. For journeys with more rough terrain, the off-road height increases the height by 25 mm, while the special off-road height increases the height to 70 mm. With speeds from 120 km/h, the suspension automatically lowers by 25 to 35 mm (low height). This lowers the aerodynamic drag and adapts the vehicle handling. The loading height (minus 40 mm) can be used for better ergonomics when loading and unloading the luggage compartment. Which makes strained backs very happy!