Skip advert
Advertisement

New 2018 Volkswagen Touareg review – a Bentayga without the badge? - MPG and running costs

The all-new Touareg is full of engineering excellence, but it’s not in the pursuit of driver entertainment

Evo rating
  • Imperious example of German engineering, exceptional refinement, next-generation tech
  • Not much fun to drive, feels its weight on the road, knobbly ride on larger wheels

The Touareg will manage 42.8mpg on the combined cycle, which is admirable considering its size and performance. We saw an average closer to 36mpg in a combination of driving in central London and on motorways.

The Touareg is unlikely to be as cheap to run as a Golf, though, as with all of this new tech, and specifically its mechanical innovations, keeping it all running will be more akin to a luxury SUV than not. The outright size of it will also play a part, as the massive 285-section 21-inch tyres fitted to our test car will cost a bundle to replace.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week
Mazda MX-5 v Alpine A290
Features

Can electric beat petrol? Alpine A290 meets Mazda MX-5 – car pictures of the week

Alpine’s A290 is under consideration by evo contributor Peter Tomalin as a replacement for his MX-5. A comparison is in order…
19 Sep 2026
Gunther Werks Turbo review – part Porsche 911 Turbo, part hypercar
Gunther Werks Turbo
Reviews

Gunther Werks Turbo review – part Porsche 911 Turbo, part hypercar

Gunther Werks has built a Porsche 911 Turbo with hypercar performance. Can it be worth £1.25million?
20 Sep 2026
Lamborghini Countach LP400 (1974-1978) review – Italy's most iconic supercar
Lamborghini Countach LP400
Reviews

Lamborghini Countach LP400 (1974-1978) review – Italy's most iconic supercar

The Lamborghini Countach set the template for all supercars that would follow. But does the real thing live up to the legend?
21 Sep 2026