[4ePajero]

Since the Touareg is so completely different from the Pajeros, I think I can safely discuss it here.

It will never be competition for a Pajero - same as a Mitsu Outlander will not be opposition for the Pajero either.

It fits a need I identified for my personal requirements.

• I need a safe reliable open road tourer,
• which can carry our luggage (& camping equipment) for 'moderate' trips,
• can handle moderate off-road excursions
• satisfy my craving for technology

I call it my '4x4 Platkar'.

Having the Gen1 Pajero for the tough outings, made it possible to opt for a vehicle which is somewhere between a 'hard-core' 4x4 SUV and a luxury sedan.

Having owned 9 previous VW/Audi products, I am biased towards VW/Audi, when it comes to German cars.

I considered the Merc ML/GL as well. In my opinion the vehicles that compete in this sector are few, eg:

• VW Touareg
• Porsche Cayenne (which is very closely related to the Touareg)
• Mercedes GL & ML
• Lexus SUV (can't remember model code - 450?)
• Range Rover Sport
• BMW X5 (barely)

I decided on the Touareg for a few reasons:

• That V10 TDi engine is a legend in its own lifetime
• looks (I love it!)
• features, comfort and safety rated highly
• technology
• price (because they are not that popular, 2nd hand prices are very competitive. I bought a 3-yr old model for ±33% of the cost of a new one!)

One test drive and we were both hooked!

On the black stuff:
I can bore you with a 3-page list of features, but will stick to the ones that sets it aside from most.

• Comfort. SWAMBO's Merc C-class is way more comfortable than the Gen1 Pajero. I think the Touareg is as far ahead of the Merc as the Merc is ahead of the Pajero. Granted they are three vehicles in different sectors, but a comparison on comfort can be made.
• Safety. The Pajero was built before air bags etc. As I get older, safety becomes more important to me.
• Economy. Day to day economy is slightly worse than the Pajero Di-D, at ±12-13 l/100km. Open road economy is very similar at ±10 l/100km (albeit at 120-140, where the Pajero was at 105-110)

Off the beaten track:
I did not buy it for serious off-roading, and the V-rated low profile tyres (245x45x19) don't inspire one to go off the black stuff.
Gravel roads are where the technology shows. Permanent 4WD and all the traction add-ons make it very, very capable on gravel (even corrugations! ).
Due to circumstances, I could not use the Pajero for our recent Lesotho Trip, and had some doubts about using the Touareg in stead.
The trip report can be found here.
The Touareg performed flawlessly and way beyond what even I expected. With decent AT tyres this vehicle will be as good as most.
The ground clearance is class-leading (300mm).
Approach and Departure angles of 33° are impressive too.
Low range, CDL and traction control, coupled to the 750Nm @ 2000rpm torque figure, make crawling very easy.

The more I drive it, the more I like it!

[4ePikanini]

I found this video on the V10 pretty fascinating!

YfuNppz1GVc

[4ePikanini]

I call it my '4x4 Platkar'.

Sure. We believe you dad!

[RoelfleRoux]

Gerhard,

I think many people see the Touareg in the same light as all non-believers see the Pajero: Soft, too low to the ground, almost capable and not really worth the title of true 4x4. You are slowly getting to the point where you are starting to see the true value/worth of your Touareg - even the tyres are performing above the call of duty. I predict that you will eventually stop using the old faithfull Pajero. The only drawback of the VW for you will be the need to preserve the exterior paintwork.

Just don't ever tell Simon when you sell your Pajero, we do not want to loose your wisdom and insight - like the guys on the other site did!

Roelf

[4ePajero]

Gerhard,

I think many people see the Touareg in the same light as all non-believers see the Pajero: Soft, too low to the ground, almost capable and not really worth the title of true 4x4. You are slowly getting to the point where you are starting to see the true value/worth of your Touareg - even the tyres are performing above the call of duty. I predict that you will eventually stop using the old faithfull Pajero. The only drawback of the VW for you will be the need to preserve the exterior paintwork.

Just don't ever tell Simon when you sell your Pajero, we do not want to loose your wisdom and insight - like the guys on the other site did!

Roelf

It has better ground clearance than most SUVs (300mm under a virtually flat belly).
I now realise that it will go where most (if not all) un-modified SUVs will go.
With real AT tyres (265/65/18 BFGs are on the horizon ), it will be a monster!

On the open road, the only competitors (in my opinion) are

• Range Rover Sport
• Porsche Cayenne
• Merc GL/ML
• BMW X5 (but not really)

Thanks for the kind words.
The Gen1 Pajero is so much part of me and the family, that I doubt that it will ever be sold.
4ePikanini is starting a general "regeneration" project on the Gen1 for me:

• rear brake disks and pads
• AC malfunction
• wind screen wiper motor
• coolant level switch (he still does not know!)
• sundry items

[tonton]

...And they are holding the Dakar torch while we are taking a breath...

Anton

[4ePajero]

...And they are holding the Dakar tortch while we are taking a breath...

VW? Yes.
Touareg? No!
(the Race Touareg has very little in common with the standard Touareg, except the badges! )

[RoelfleRoux]

Sure,
The same could be said of Pajero during their Dakar reign, but I firmly believe that there is cross-polination between the race engineers and the production design engineers.

I would rather be associated with a winning culture brand, than some "also ran" brand. I'd like to believe that my sweet revving 3.8V6 had some influence from the all conquering Dakar machines
Roelf

[tonton]

Sure,
The same could be said of Pajero during their Dakar reign, but I firmly believe that there is cross-polination between the race engineers and the production design engineers.

I would rather be associated with a winning culture brand, than some "also ran" brand. I'd like to believe that my sweet revving 3.8V6 had some influence from the all conquering Dakar machines
Roelf

I agree. There certainly must be a transfer of knowledge & technology. Remember, the first Mitsu's at Dakar (to Cape Town) was actual Pajero's (obviously HEAVILY modified, even then).

I am sure VW is also transferring knowledge & technology into their road (& off-road) vehicles.

In the meantime, I hope Mitsu' is coming up with a plan to resume participation. Maybe when the "Dakar" is actually at Dakar again?

Anton

[RoelfleRoux]

On the topic of other 4x4 brands and the Paris (Dakar) le Cap rally:
Below is a pic of my Sani in Springbok, preparing to head off into Namibia to catch the Dakar boys on their way south. AND, then we caught them on one of the hottest days in my short living memory.