Filed under: SUVs, Volkswagen, First Drive
VW invites Touareg owners on an adventure
As if pronouncing the name of its SUV wasn't enough of an adventure, VW wants Touareg owners to experience what their cars can do off road. So they're hosting three day sessions of trail rides for Touareg drivers to see what it feels like to head off the paved path and get their tires dirty.
The adventures are being held in Moab, Utah, and the itinerary reads like an upper-class off-road getaway should. Cocktails and gourmet meals at Sorrel River Ranch follow three to eight hours of traversing trails "packed with exciting obstacles that test driver and machine," according to the Touareg Adventures Web site. The site also says participants can expect an off-road guide for every two drivers and a "trail toilet" available whenever needed. Is "trail toilet" a fancy way of say "bushes"?
If you're interested, it'll cost you $2,000 per person for the three days of fun, but that includes all meals and drinks. A family member can join all the action for $1,500, or just stay at the ranch with food for $500. The first three sessions are sold out, but there are nine more opportunities through the end of October.
[Source: German Car Blog]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mr. Oak 4:34PM (6/25/2007)
I bet a Jeep towed the Touareg into that position.
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Ligor 4:53PM (6/25/2007)
LMAO
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bestmacs 4:54PM (6/25/2007)
Mate, a trail toilet is any bush beside the track!Great story, and I'll have to sign up immediately.
Historically, the name ``Touareg'' derives from North African nomadic tribes. Great name for a vehicle that will go anywhere, in any terrain.
Cheers
David McMahon
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Barney 11:31PM (6/25/2007)
"Touareg'' derives from North African nomadic tribes."
Great name as well for a car that did well in the Dakar rally.
cole 6:41AM (7/09/2007)
i want to buy alot in this lovely site, cos is my business
mike7 5:17PM (6/25/2007)
Does the 2 grand cover insurance?
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jon 5:35PM (6/25/2007)
For about $300 you can go to Camp Jeep 07 http://www.jeep.com/jeep_life/events/camp_jeep/index.html
Three days of fun, off-roading in your Jeep and theirs. Tim McGraw and the B-52's, Tony Hawk, free meals and much more.
No thanks VW.
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Guenther 5:36PM (6/25/2007)
Mike7- It covers liability insurance for the organizers- HAH!
So it costs over $300 a day to have the wife ride along with you????
I've heard some dumb stuff, but geez. Rent yourself an H3 at the airport for a hundred bucks a day, pack a sandwich, and go.
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Phillip 7:47PM (6/25/2007)
Its funny that in the V-dubs shadow you see the rock ramps rather gently onto the ledge. Our stock 2wd 98 Jimmy could pull that even.
Toooo much for a SUV that doesnt go offroad well, Camp Jeep is a helluva lot cheaper and more fun.
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Snark 8:09PM (6/25/2007)
The Touareg is actually a massively competent offroader - it's at least as good as a Discovery or Grand Cherokee, and probably better when equipped with air suspension. It's got a very sophisticated 4WD system and low range, and plenty of clearance, along with good approach and departure angles. Unmodified, they're used as support vehicles for the Dakar rally-raid, and I've seen a number of them "in the wild" in such places as Red River, NM, Engineer Pass, CO, and Italian Creek Road, CO - all very, very serious offroading spots. They may sport cute-ute looks, but to dismiss their capabilities would be the mark of an uninformed fool.
MikeW 10:38PM (6/25/2007)
Low range doesn't force the center differential to be locked.
Extra versatility.
titan 10:27PM (6/25/2007)
Jeep Canada killed the Canadian Jeep Jamboree this year :(
Who'd have thought Jeep would be retreating from Hummer's increasing off road presence while VW actually has the balls to support using their vehicle off of pavement!
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Nick 8:52AM (6/26/2007)
"The Touareg is actually a massively competent offroader - it's at least as good as a Discovery or Grand Cherokee"
-About as nutty as they come. As good as the Discovery...ahhh no. I've actually seen a Discovery rescue a Touareg at Mounds in MI. This after about 4 people told the guy don't even try it. I'd say it's a notch above a Freelander in the Land Rover comparo.
-As good as the Grand Cherokee....arguable. 05+, sure, maybe. 1999-04, ahhh no. Currently, Jeep needs a coming to Jesus type of moment with their off-road capabilities...need to stop trying to appeal to everyone and get back to doing what they do. That said, I'd still take the Liberty, GC and Wrangler over a Touareg. 1) None of the Jeeps are ugly, and 2) I'm not worried about a Jeep blowing up on me or having complete electrical meltdown.
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Barney 9:00AM (6/26/2007)
Toooo much for a SUV that doesnt go offroad well.
Just how wll did Jeep do in the Dakar race this year? As well as the Hummer?
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dionysus 1:01AM (6/27/2007)
Only car like this needs such experience...
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Rich 7:12PM (6/30/2007)
I went to the very first session to take 'a real test drive' in something I was about to drop some serious coin on. So glad I did. Never have I been so confident behind the wheel as guides taught me how to persue the obstacles, showed me exactly what the Touareg could do (TDI), and believe you me, this is no sissy outing. All in luxury. Coming home each night to a four star resort with meals, drinks, pool, amazing views, and great stories wasn't bad either. Before you knock it, try it. There's a reason Jeep charges $300 and has to lure you in with a country singer versus making a SUV do everything you see other people do in commercials. Highly recommend this for anybody who wants the experience, and not just the opinion.
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