When, in 2003, Volkswagen released its first ever SUV on the American market, buyers and critics were surprised. Volkswagen was known for its compact, innovative sedans, coupes, and convertibles. However, the American public took the Touareg SUV, although not quite as well as Volkswagen executives had anticipated. The design of the Volkswagen Touareg was unlike other vehicles in Volkswagen's lineup, and presumably buyers were a bit off-put by the contrast. Nevertheless, the maker kept the SUV around, and in 2008 unveiled a revamped version called the Volkswagen Touareg 2.

This latest edition of the Touareg stays true to its roots. Rather than feature the "2" on the badging, the SUV has stuck with just "Touareg" and only uses the "2" in pamphlets and advertising. The Touareg 2 gets a FSI 3.6L V6 engine that produces around 276 horsepower. This replaces the earlier Touareg's 3.2L V6 engine. Interestingly, Volkswagen has not done anything to improve the fuel economy, and it still gets a meager 17 city MPG and 20 highway MPG. Critics are quick to point out that the Touareg 2 needs to improve in this capacity if it wants to compete with the latest hybrid SUVs gracing the American marketplace.

Built in Slovakia, this 4WD SUV is featured in amusing television advertisements where it is paired with the classic Volkswagen Beetle. The two carry on a conversation and laugh comically for the camera during the commercial. A 1970s-styled band plays in the background, reiterating the "flower power" history of Volkswagen. So, while the Touareg 2 does not necessarily appear to fit in with the rest of Volkswagen's lineup, the commercial aims to connect the new with the old.

The Volkswagen Touareg 2 isn't just a family-friendly SUV. The SUV is used in different motorsport races and even received 4th place in the 2007 Dakar Rally. At the 2006 Essen Motor Show, Volkswagen featured a race version of the Touareg 2 also. So, while the Touareg 2 may not seem like a Volkswagen, the maker is doing everything it can to get American buyers as attached to this latest vehicle as they have been to the Beetle, Golf, and Cabrio. Racing, witty commercials, and overall staying power are what make the Touareg 2 an up and comer. Nevertheless, according to critics, Volkswagen will need to make some much needed changes if it wants to make a real impact on American buyers. Those changes include improved fuel economy, a more fitting design for the Volkswagen lineup, and even a lower price (2008 base MSRP $39,300).