The updated Volkswagen Touareg will go on sale later this month, with prices starting at £43,000.
Revealed at the Beijing motor show earlier this year, revisions to the SUV focus on economy, with slow-selling V8 and hybrid versions dropped from the range.
Although V8 diesel and hybrid powertrains will no longer be offered, Volkswagen has retained the 201bhp 3.0-litre V6 TDI and has boosted power for the 242bhp version to 258bhp.
Myriad revisions have been carred out to improve efficiency, including the fitment of low-rolling resistance tyres and stop-start and battery regeneration systems. Both engines are EU6 compliant thanks to a new catalytic converter option that uses AdBlue to reduce emissions.
Volkswagen claims that 201bhp versions return 42.8mpg on the combined cycle and emit 173g/km of CO2, while the 258bhp version records 42.8mpg and 174g/km. Previously, those engines returned 34.4mpg and 33.6mpg respectively.
The 2015 Volkswagen Touareg features larger Bi-Xenon headlights fitted across the range, a new larger grille and a reprofiled bumper. At the rear a new bumper and diffuser is fitted. Other additions include a new range of alloy wheel designs, paint colours and shades of leather upholstery.
All models are fitted with a post-collision braking system and a coasting function integrated into the standard-fit eight-speed automatic gearbox. The car’s optional adaptive cruise control also now includes a city braking function.
Three trim levels are available, with entry-level SE models getting 19-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control and parking sensors.
Mid-level Escape cars get four-wheel drive, off-road suspension with 18-inch alloy wheels and under-body protection. Top-spec R-Line trim adds 20-inch alloys, lowered sports suspension, LED lights and a panoramic glass sunroof outside, while the cabin is upgraded with a heated steering wheel and keyless entry and start.
Prices for the Touareg start at £43,000 for the 201bhp 3.0-litre TDI in SE specification, and rise to £47,700 for the 258bhp 3.0-litre TDI in R-Line trim.
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VW DOWNGRADE THEIR BEST CAR.
Volkswagen trails on tech front
The diesel V6 that cost substantially less offered better CO2 and MPG. In comparison Lexus 450h costs considerably less and is a country mile ahead in terms of efficiency and MPG. Perhaps in future, VW may beg the diesel-hybrid tech from Porsche and offer it in their Touareg.
@ fadyady
VW seem to be swimming against the tide. Why delete a petrol hybrid just as governmental opinion abandons diesel?
I think they may have to rethink this!
Having said all this, I think the new Touareg looks good, much better than the last iteration which was frankly a retrograde step after the original which also had a really classy cabin.
This could be an option for me.