Volkswagen unveils all-new Touareg

Volkswagen has unveiled the all-new Touareg. The new model is 200 kg lighter and up to 20% more fuel efficient than the current model.

The new vehicle still maintains all the same virtues of space, comfort, refinement and off-road and towing ability seen in the original Touareg but with subtle improvements to the exterior design, interior comfort and overall engine efficiency.

Exterior Design:
The new 2010 Touareg’s overall length and wheelbase have each grown by 40 mm so that the new car measures 4,758 mm and 2,900 mm respectively. The width of the new Touareg remains the same but the overall height drops by 20 mm to 1,724 mm making the car more aerodynamic and sportier in style.

An automatic 8-speed transmission now comes as standard and start/stop technology, touchscreen satellite navigation and leather upholstery is available on the majority of models. The new Touareg also comes with a choice of advanced new options, such as high beam assist that automatically dips the headlights when it senses oncoming traffic, side scan to warn of vehicles occupying blind spots, adaptive roll compensation air suspension and air conditioned, massaging seats.

Interior Design:
The new Touareg’s plush interior is enhanced by a subtle mix of leather, wood and aluminium highlights, depending on the version. There’s more space than ever before thanks to the vehicle's longer wheelbase and the new sliding rear bench and reclining backrests give passengers significantly greater legroom than in the current Touareg model.

New Touareg Hybrid:
For the first time in a Touareg, a hybrid model will now be available. The new Touareg Hybrid brings together a 3.3-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 333 PS and 265 lbs ft (359 Nm) of torque and an electric motor generating 47 PS, resulting in a total output of 380 PS and 428 lbs ft (580 Nm) of torque.

The electric motor can operate independently of the combustion engine making the new Touareg a full hybrid. On electric power alone the car is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph. Alternatively the electric motor can supplement the V6 engine to provide a useful boost during overtaking manoeuvres and allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 149 mph.

Engines:
At the heart of the new model is a range of highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. The entry-level engine is a powerful and refined 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine generating 240 PS and 405 lbs ft (549 Nm) of torque while returning 38.1 mpg and emitting 195 g/km of CO2.

A new 4.2-litre TDI V8 engine produces 340 PS and 590 lbs ft (800 Nm) of torque and sits at the top of the new Touareg range. It is capable of achieving 31 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 239 g/km of CO2.

The new Volkswagen Touareg model line-up for the UK will include the SE, Altitude, Hybrid and Escape. Production starts in June while and first deliveries commence in August.

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Glenn Nutsey.