Volkswagen Touareg
£50k large SUV squares up to the Audi Q7
T-ROC, TIGUAN, TOUAREG… VOLKSWAGEN’S SUV line-up is now complete, but the Touareg stands out in that crowd like a nun in a nightclub.the current car has been on sale since 2010, and if VW wants to compete against luxury SUV class leaders such as the Audi Q7, Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90, the model needs a signi cant rebirth.
This new Touareg is wider and longer than the car it replaces, yet it’s also more than 100kg lighter. It sports a large front grille with wide air intakes and thin LED lights and sits on alloy wheels ranging in diameter from 18-21in. Underneath, it shares many components with the latest Porsche Cayenne.
There’s also more space in the boot than before, at 810 litres. Given that the previous Touareg rarely fell short on boot space, the new model should comfortably swallow everything you need with room to spare.
A dual-screen dashboard layout, dubbed the Innovision Cockpit, is standard in the new Touareg. Volkswagen’s now-familiar 12.0in digital instrument cluster and a big, 15.0in infotainment screen form one long panel that’s angled towards the driver.
This design means there are very few buttons elsewhere, and the system includes Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, four USB ports, a wi- hotspot and an optional head-up display.
The Touareg has only ve seats, despite the fact that rivals such as the Q7, Discovery and XC90 all offer space for seven.
There will be only one engine option initially: a 3.0-litre V6 diesel with 282bhp. Shortly after launch, the range will be expanded to include another 3.0 V6 diesel with 228bhp, a 335bhp 3.0 V6 petrol and a 416bhp 4.0 V8 diesel.
Volkswagen will also add a plug-in hybrid to the Touareg line-up, producing 362bhp from its petrol engine and electric motor.the model will initially go on sale in China only; no launch date has yet been given for Europe.
SEMI-AUTONOMOUS FEATURES
All Touaregs will get four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Drivers can choose between ve standard and four optional driving modes via switches on the centre console.
Buyers can choose from three trim levels – Atmosphere, Elegance and R-line – which add equipment as well as different treatments for the Interior. Atmosphere models get leather and wood materials inside, while Elegance trim features glossy plastics. R-line models get a sporty interior and exterior styling additions.
Other standard equipment on the Touareg is likely to include a panoramic sunroof, dualzone climate control and automatic lights and wipers, as well as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
The Touareg’s options list now includes massaging front seats and new ‘matrix’ LED headlights, which work in combination with a thermal camera to highlight potential hazards at night.
There are some semi-autonomous features on offer, too, with Volkswagen’s Traf c Jam Assist system allowing the car to accelerate, brake and steer itself at speeds of up to 37mph. there’s also a self-parking function, as well as post-collision braking and lane-keeping assist.
Volkswagen won’t reveal the Touareg’s starting price until closer to its launch, but with an estimated price of around £50,000 – some £5000 more than the outgoing Touareg – it will be only slightly cheaper than the Q7 and more expensive than the XC90.
‘A plug-in petrolelectric hybrid with 362bhp will be added to the Touareg line-up’