New-look Touareg does more with less

Published Apr 17, 2014

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By: IOL Motoring Staff

Auto China Show, Beijing - Volkswagen has given its long-running Touareg full-sized SUV a comprehensive update, with new plastics at both ends, new features and trims, and improved fuel-efficiency - and given us a clear indication of where it sees its growth market for bling on wheels by premiering the new Touareg in Beijing.

The front treatment focuses on larger headlights (now bi-xenon as standard across the range), a deeper grille with four instead of two horizontal fins and a new bumper, specifically reprofiled to make the car look wider.

The new rear bumper is intended to do the same, with a new rear diffuser between the dual tailpipes and LED rear foglights integrated in the bumper. New side-mirror housings, a range of new rim designs and new paint colours complete the exterior makeover.

CABIN CLASS

Inside, there are new colour choices for the standard leather upholstery, new design accents and new lighting - as well as updated technology and new safety features.

All Touaregs will now come with an automatic post-collision braking system and a coasting function on the eight-speed automatic gearbox that uses car's kinetic energy when driving downhill or when acceleration isn't needed.

As on existing Volkswagen models, it can be temporarily held by simply tapping and releasing the brake pedal, or switched off through the vehicle's systems.

EMERGENCY BRAKING FUNCTION

The optional automatic distance control, which uses a radar sensor built into the front of the car to detect distance from the car in front, maintain a preselected speed and automatically brake or accelerate in traffic, now also includes a city emergency braking function, and can automatically pull away in stop-and-go traffic.

The bunny-huggers get a nod with new low rolling-resistance tyres, idle stop and battery regeneration as standard, while both V6 TDI engines are now EU6 emissions compliant, thanks in part to the use of a new SCR-DPF catalytic converter module that uses AdBlue to reduce emissions.

The power of the entry-level three-litre V6 TDI remains at 150kW, while the previous 180kW version is now rated at 190kW - but the 150kW engine is now quoted at 6.63 litres per 100km in the combined cycle and 174g/km of CO2 (previously 7.02 and 184), while the 190 version is rated at 6.82 litres per 100km and 178g/km, down from 7.11 and 189.

The new Touareg is set to arrive in SA early next year.

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