Towcar of the month: Volkswagen Touareg Black Edition

It's becoming increasingly unusual to have a new car powered only by an engine – there is no hybrid system to call on for extra power in this Touareg. Some traditionalists will applaud VW for this but, on test, that lack of additional electric power was noticeable. Pulling away when towing was just not as smooth as one would expect from a brand-new £71,000 premium towcar (with all the extras, this test car retails for £82,935). There was also just a hint of that familiar judder and shake when towing even though the caravan we chose – the £43,300 Eriba Touring 630 – weighed only 1,600kg, well under the VW’s 3,500kg towing limit.

That said, this Touareg is still a very assured towcar. Power is plentiful, visibility and comfort are exemplary and driver confidence in its abilities will grow quickly within minutes of getting behind the wheel. 

Extra touches like the all-wheel steering (£810), the helicopter view when reversing to the caravan, air suspension that can be raised and lowered to aid hitching up (and loading), Trailer Assist that helps when manoeuvring with a caravan attached and the Park Assist Pro system (£180), which helps to park the car even when you’re not driving it via your smartphone, all enhance the experience that this is a premium towcar.

Matching it to that supercool Eriba also made this one of the most photogenic combinations you can get. 

There is one standout feature in this car worthy of particular note and this comes into its own at night. The LED matrix headlights coupled to the optional (£1,630) Night Vision system are amazing. Using an infrared camera system and those LED headlights, it creates an almost daylight view of the road (and the roadsides) ahead, even around any vehicles that are in front. It has to be experienced to be believed but if you are considering which of the many options to tick, this should be one of them, as should the power folding towbar (£1,225), which comes with Trailer Assist.

As a package, this Volkswagen is hard to fault if you’re on the hunt for a premium SUV with a substantial towing capacity and comfort levels that reflect its £70k asking price. It is surefooted, relaxing to drive, well-equipped and retains that solid feel that VW drivers have become so accustomed to.

But, if you’re after a premium family towcar, we would recommend also getting behind the wheel of the Porsche Cayenne and the superb Volvo XC60 T6 PHEV, which is a massive £16,000 cheaper, before making a final decision.

Thanks to – Lowdhams Nottinghamshire, Volkswagen UK