Volkswagen Touareg unveiled

The latest Touareg unveiled in Europe, looks sharper and introduces its first hybrid version powered by the pairing of an electric motor and new supercharged 3.3-litre V6.  The second-generation Touareg picks up the Volkswagen family face echoed by the Golf and melds it into a more aerodynamic body.

It has grown 40mm in wheelbase and length (now 2900mm and 4758mm respectively) and down 20mm in height to 1724mm, though there's no change to the 1928mm width.  The European Touareg gets an eight-speed transmission and, on most models, start/stop technology, touchscreen satellite navigation and leather upholstery.

Options include High Beam Assist that automatically dips the headlights when it senses oncoming traffic, Side Assist to warn of vehicles occupying blind spots, adaptive roll compensation air suspension and airconditioned, massaging seats.

The first Volkswagen hybrid mates the 3.3-litre V6 supercharged petrol engine — producing 250kW and 360Nm — and a 35kW electric motor to result in a total output of 283kW and 582Nm.  Volkswagen says the electric motor can operate independently of the engine to make the new Touareg a full hybrid.

"On electric power alone the new Touareg is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 50km/h,'' the company says.  Alternatively the electric motor can supplement the V6 engine to provide a useful boost during overtaking manoeuvres and allows the Touareg Hybrid to accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 240km/h.''

The base Touareg retains the existing 3-litre V6 180kW/550Nm turbo-diesel. There is also a 4.2-litre petrol V8 with 254kW/802Nm but no sign of a V10 turbo-diesel. 

One of the four models, the Escape, is for the more adventurous buyer. It gets the V6 turbo-diesel engine and a low-range gearing system called 4XMOTION which has reduction gearing, centre and rear differentials that can each be fully locked for off-road applications and five-stage control for the 4WD system.

The first stage is for on-road applications, the second is for off-road use and activates automatic control for the mechanical differential locks, stage three engages the low-range gearbox with revised mapping of the gearbox to raise the shift points and switches off the automatic upshift in manual mode. Stage four applies the centre differential lock, stage five adds the rear differential lock.

Though the Touareg remains a five-seater, legroom in the rear has grown significantly due to the new sliding rear bench and reclining backrests while the boot measures from 580 litres to 1642 litres depending on the seating arrangement.  Right-hand drive production starts in June before first deliveries expected in Australia in the fourth quarter. Prices and specifications will be announced closer to launch.