But what about the price?

The Volkswagen Touareg hybrid, VW's first hybrid vehicle, is a "home run" and "its technology a considerable advancement for hybrids in general" according to MotorTrend. But why?

Is it the diesel hybrid technology that most impresses MT? The 375 horsepower or the 425 feet of torque? Maybe it's the 7700 pounds of towing capability?

MT never defines exactly what makes this hybrid such an "advancement". And, unfortunately, we've heard such sentiment from MT before regarding GM and Chrysler's dual mode hybrids, for instance. However, the price of dual mode hybrids has simply been too expensive, too cos-ineffective for most consumers.

The VW Touareg might be a technological home run, but if it isn't cost-effective, then it'll only be a single or double, at best, in the real world.