Oops, there goes the low box

Originally a very competent if expensive off-roader, Volkswagen finally came to the conclusion that Touareg buyers don't want to go off road* and has eliminated low-range gearing from the latest model. However, hedging its corporate bets, an off-road pack incorporating the gearing is available as an option on the two V6 turbo diesel models – but not on the top air suspended V8 turbo diesel that replaces the V10.

* If I'd just spent between $92,000 and $139,000 on a new 4WD I probably wouldn't want to go off road in it, either.