The uninspiring but talented Volkswagen Touareg has just been given its first major overhaul since this shape of vehicle was launched, back in 2010/2011. Its badge and wide spread of abilities have made it popular, even though it felt like a different kind of car to its predecessor which was a chip off the old Bentley (Continental) block.
To be revealed at the Beijing motor show on April 20, the revised 2015 Touareg is presented alongside its lengthy list of updates and changes.
There’s nothing dramatically new about it, and even thought it sports a redesigned front fascia and a reshaped rear, you’d have to have owned the previous one to notice the difference – few non-car people will… Two new wheel designs will also be on offer as will five new body color choices, which bring the grand total of standard paint finish options to twelve.
Inside, buyers will be presented with a wider choice of leather colors, trim options and new buttons; white backlighting is present throughout the cabin – this replaces the red backlighting of the old/current model. Materials quality is also said to have been improved.
Engines-wise, there’s nothing new to report, other than the fact that the mainstay choice of the European buyer, the V6 diesel (in all its power output variants) is now EU6-compliant. This unit comes with either 202 hp or 255 hp. There’s also a V8 TDI on offer and 4Motion all-wheel drive is still standard on all models, like it’s always been.
Petrol engines have also been updated and their output, though availability will vary greatly according to the market they’re sold on. V6 and V8 TSI models have been announced, along with a V6-based hybrid model with 377 hp.
Overall fuel consumption is reportedly down (up to) six percent (for the base V6 TDI which achieves 7 l/100km or 33 mpg US/40 mpg UK), “thanks to extensive aerodynamic improvements (such as air inlet openings in front, modified door mirror caps, new wheel spoiler), tires optimised for low rolling resistance and standard 8 -speed automatic gearbox optimised for low friction.”
It also features a new coasting function that aids in that respect, as well as an optimized start-stop system that now cuts in even if the car is still rolling.
The new Touareg hits the worldwide scene this summer. “In late summer,” they will make the new sporty R-Line (interior/exterior) styling packs available, as well
By Andrei Nedelea
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