VW's Touareg just north of Seal Beach

Not everyone will drive VW's Touareg in an oil field. In fact, I would wager that none is likely to ever be driven in an oil field.  Apart from this one.

That I didn't have the usual fun, and rush, I get usually from ragging big beasts around on uneven ground, tells you much about the Touareg (and indeed its driver).

For there's no reason - absolutely none - to think twice about taking this tremendously capable SUV off road. There's just no point: this is a freeway flyer, a tarmac torpedo, an asphalt ass-kicker, if you will (forgive me, I've been reading Roald Dahl's "The Twits", a seemingly suitable read I got the wife for her 30th birthday).

It would take a brave driver to rag about in an oil field, and a braver one to do so on unstable ground that could easily give way under the VW's 2-ton heft. And I'm just not so sure that this particular 4x4 could stand up to serious trouble that only a Land Rover would be able to get out of (though VW insists it will).

Perhaps more impressive, there are pictures on the Net of a Touareg towing a 747 airliner, though perhaps more sensibly is the figure of a tow-weight of 7,7000 pounds.

I wouldn't even begin to want to explain to the oil-field maintenance guy quite what I was doing there.  Judging by my ride, he or she'd probably think I was in search of that other black gold - a decent cup of Joe.

Smart front facade across the range

Alongside an iron giant

On-road is a different story, as the V6 was perfectly adequate in terms of acceleration both from standing and at speed.  It's quick enough at 8.4 seconds from 0-60mph and climbs smoothly through the impressive 6-speed automatic box.  

Performance across the Touareg models is reportedly blistering and I really looked forward to getting into one to see what it could do. So I have to say I was slightly disappointed when I was handed the keys to the V6 and told, "Don't worry, we'll get you in the W10 soon."

As I'd just finished admiring the W10 in the new Bentley Turbo in a car showroom, I practically slavered.

This one boasted largely the same V6 engine from its successful smaller sister models that has been shoehorned into the Touareg and is also utilized across the Audi range.  Main advantages are the 276 horsepower pushed out by the 3.6-liter unit, the resultant 266 pounds-feet of torque and its fully-tuned rasping rumble.

Handling is real good for a performance SUV, easily up there with Lexus and Lincoln SUVs in minimizing roll and bumps which also puts this SUV firmly in the crossover territory, though I'm sure a rethinking of the Touareg's role from first-generation SUV to uber-functional crossover is taking place in VW's California design studios right now. It comes with permanent four-wheel drive and height-adjustable air suspension as standard.

Its looks fit nicely with the rest of the range, with VW tacking on the same good-looking grille up front and avoiding the worst ravages of its sister Porsche Cayenne at the back.  The windows are also lined in chrome which VW pioneered on said Cayenne and which now extend across the VW range and look real good sitting pretty above those 18-inch rims.

Halogen headlights come standard

Perfectly suited for rough or smooth

18-inch rims

Inside is all natty leather and roomy and ergonomically sound and includes multizone air, sat-nav, Bose stereo and halogen headlights. As usual, most of these are options on the V6 and many come as standard on the upscale models. Nice touches include a power liftgate.

Some grumbles have emanated in driver circles about fuel economy not being right there at an estimated 14-19 mpg. There are a lot of complaints about this, more so than usual.  So be warned.

Then again if you ever find yourself in an oil field...

*VW's Touareg starts at $38,110 for the V6 up to a shade over $59,000 for the top of the line.* 

Classy leather-bound interior