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Volkswagen has given its popular Touareg SUV, the second generation of which was launched in South Africa in 2010, a mid-life makeover with design tweaks, new suspension and technical enhancements. The engine line-up is unchanged.
Meanwhile, seeing as how auto companies seem determined to put the news out before it has happened, here's what we've been told so far: new technologies include auto post-collision braking, optional adaptive cruise control and an improved suspension.
DESIGN TWEAKS
Xonon headlights are standard across the range, along with supporting light-emitting diodes and fog lights. There's also has a redesigned and chromed grille while the rear has redesigned tail lights.
Compared to the outgoing version (see picture at top), there are four chromed slats on the grille as opposed to two and the bottom air intake forms a broad, stylised A instead of a V. The rear bumper has been reshaped and it sports a new diffuser.
IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Volkswagen Touareg
The Touareg can be equipped from a choice of two new alloy rim designs; 18” 10 -spoked 'Arica' (standard on V6 units) or 20” ‘Masafi’, five-spoked.
...AND IN THE CABIN, WHICH...
has new aluminium rotary knobs and white illumination (switches, doors, footwell, roof console) instead of red lighting. It has chromed trim on switches such as its suspension adjuster.
Above the infotainment system on the centre console, additions have been made to the central row of buttons which include an additional switch for the heatable steering wheel, offered for the first time in the Touareg (only available in the V8). A new front-seat feature is the adjustable lumbar support (optional in V6 FSI).
The V6 units gain leather upholstery, xenon headlights, all-wheel drive, tyre-pressure monitors, infotainment system with a 16cm touchscreen, aux and USB connectivity, auto aircon and electronic stability control.
The V8 unit adds Nappa leather seats, stainless-steel pedals, walnut accents for the facia, doors and centre console, leather heatable multi-function steering-wheel (with paddle shifts), keyless start, “easy open” tailgate, “Chrome and Style” design package, satnav and 19” alloy rims.
Optional kit includes sunroof, 360 view and reversing camera, lane assist, side assist, ACC, satnav, DynAudio ‘Confidence’ 12-speaker system with 620W amplifier, powered and foldable towball and air suspension.
R-LINE PACKAGE
Similar to the outgoing SUV, the new Touareg can be offered with an optional sporty R-Line package. It includes 20” Talladega alloy rims, bumpers in the 'R-Line' design, black air intakes with chromed trim, side sill extensions, black diffuser, chromed tailpipes and spoiler.
Inside it gains black headlining, leather steering wheel, 'R-Line' decorative inlays, 'R-Line' door tread plates and stainless steel pedal caps. Its rear windows are tinted.
New technologies:
Auto post-collision braking – used in the Golf and new Polo, the system automatically slows the vehicle down if it is involved in a crash.
ACC - automatically regulates the distance between the SUV and the vehicle ahead. A speed control system accelerates and brakes automatically.
Area View – Using four cameras (rear hatch, external mirrors and radiator grille), this transmits images of the vehicle’s surroundings to the central touchscreen.
Lane Assist - The lane departure system warns if a driver heads towards a line line without indicating. Works from 65km/h.
Side Assist - Two rear radar units scan approaching traffic. Diode lights in the external mirrors inform the driver of any vehicle in its blind spot or approaching at extreme speed.
ENGINES
The new Touareg uses the same engine line-up as the previous model with one petrol (3.6 V6 FSI) and two diesel engines (3.0 V6 TDI and 4.2 V8 TDI). All engines are mated to an eight-speed auto, driving power to all four wheels via its 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The six-cylinder 3.6 V6 FSI, the only petrol unit in the range, is capable of 206kW/360Nm. It has a claimed fuel consumption of 10.9 litres/100km and emissions of 259g/km. The 3.0 TDI V6 is capable of 180kW/550Nm with a fuel consumption of 7.2/100km and emissions of 189g/km.
The V8 TDI produces 250kW/800Nm and has a fuel consumption of 9.1/100km with emissions of 239g/km. The V8 unit propels the Touareg to 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds to a top speed of 242km/h.
In standard guise, the Touareg has all wheel drive with a self-locking Torsen transfer case (uphill capability of 31 degrees) and electronic differential lock (EDS). The Touareg is also equipped as standard with an 'Off-road Driving Programme'.
4xMOTION AND NEW SUSPENSION
The 4xMOTION with low-range gear is is only offered with the V6 TDI with Terrain Tech package and has the capacity to climb inclines of up to 45 degrees. It includes a lockable central differential with electronically controlled multi-plate lock and reduction gear (2.69:1), ground clearance of 230mm (front) and 235mm (rear), compared to the standard ground clearance of 220mm.
The new Touareg can be equipped with steel-spring or optional air suspension. The steel-spring suspension has been enhanced to improve steering and ride comfort.
The optional air suspension includes self-levelling and ride height adjustment, as well electronic damper control. As an alternative to the automatic 'Normal' mode the driver is able to select a 'Comfort' or 'Sport' mode (ride height lowered by 25mm). On rough terrain the air suspension further improves off-road qualities by means of variable ride height.
The 'Terrain Tech' derivative raises the body by 10mm at the front and 15mm at the rear. With the optional air suspension ground clearance is increased to a maximum of 300mm.
PRICES
3.6 V6 FSI Elegance - R709 100
3.0 V6 TDI Luxury - R796 500
3.0 V6 TDI Escape – Terrain Tech - R822 100
4.2 V8 TDI Executive - R990 600
The new VW Touareg is sold with a three-year or 120 000km warranty and five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan. All models are sold with a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Service intervals 15 000km.
