Volkswagen has opened the UK order books for the third generation 2018 Touareg. Based on the Volkswagen Group’s modular longitudinal matrix (MLB), it is wider and longer than before, withamaximum load capacity of 810 litres (seats up) or 1800 litres (seats down) and a kerb weight of 2070 kg for the launch car.
Powered by a choice of 3.0-litre V6 TDI engines, the Touareg comes with an 8-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox and 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with centre differential lock providing asymmetric dynamic torque distribution front to rear. In the UK, it will come with a 286 PS / 600 Nm unit which offers 42.8mpg* on the combined cycle, as well as a 0-62 mph time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph.
A 231 PS version of the 3.0 V6 TDI will follow in the autumn and a 340 PS 3.0 V6 TFSI petrol engine will be available to order in late 2018, with deliveries beginning in 2019. A plug-in hybrid drive, with a system power of 367 PS, first planned for China, will follow in Europe, although dates have yet to be set.
Offered in three comprehensive New Touareg for UK specifications: SEL, R-Line and new R-Line Tech, the new Touareg is available with the latest assistance systems, including Trailer Assist technology to facilitate simple slow-speed manoeuvring when towing. Other assistance, driving dynamics and comfort systems include technologies such as Night Vision (thermal imaging camera), Traffic Jam and Roadwork Lane Assist (partly automated steering and lane departure warning up to 37 mph, acceleration and braking), Front Cross Traffic Assist (responds to traffic crossing in front of the Touareg), active all-wheel steering and a new roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars.
The Touareg also offers the option of the new Innovision Cockpit, with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster – Active Info Display–merged with the 15-inch TFT touchscreen of the new Discover Premium infotainment system to form a new digital operating, information, communication and entertainment unit.
Inside, optional electrically adjustable front seats offer a new, pneumatic massage function with no fewer than eight programs, with the intensity of the massage functions can be continuously adjusted using individual air cushions. A flexible rear seat system allows the position of the rear seats to be shifted by 160mm (6.25 inches) fore and aft, to create more space in the rear if required, while the rake of the rear seat backrests is also variable in three stages, up to 21 degrees. An optionally available panoramic sliding roof – at 1270 mm long and 825 mm wide, the largest yet offered by Volkswagen – can be continuously opened and electrically moved back by almost halfametre (495 mm) and raised. A newly developed optional LED ambience lighting system can be personalised using 30 different light colours whose brightness can be adjusted.
The latest five-seat model in the largest product offensive in Volkswagen’s brand history, the new Touareg heads a global SUV range that also includes the new T-Roc, Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace, Atlas (USA) and Teramont (China). The T-Cross compact SUV is also due to make its debut in 2018, with a zero emission model, the I.D. CROZZ – the first fully electric SUV from Volkswagen – to be launched in 2020.
PRICES Touareg
SEL 3.0 V6 TDI SCR 286 PS 8-spd tiptronic 4MOTION £51,595.00
R-Line 3.0 V6 TDI SCR 286 PS 8-spd tiptronic 4MOTION £55,095.00
R-Line Tech 3.0 V6 TDI SCR 286 PS 8-spd tiptronic 4MOTION £58,195.00
