Volkswagen reveals new Touareg
Volkswagen Touareg combines comfort and convenience features of a superior SUV with the all-terrain attributes of a sophisticated off-road vehicle. This configuration of the four-wheel drive Volkswagen sports utility vehicle, which doubles as a robust and capable off-roader for any adventure into the bush, gives it a fascination all of its own.
The new Touareg has been given a significantly sharper look and technical enhancement. Features of the new Touareg generation include a redesigned front and rear, new driver assistance systems such as Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard, an optional new generation of the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and an improved layout of the suspension.
Exterior with new front and rear designs. The new Touareg can be vusially differentiated by its redesigned front and rear. Striking features at the front-end are the redesigned bi-xenon headlights, which are now standard across the range. At the back, new rear lights have been introduced. The range of colours has been updated to include ’Light Silver Metallic’, ‘Tungsten Silver Metallic’, ‘Reef Blue Metallic’, ‘Black Oak Brown Metallic’ and ‘Moonlight Blue Pearl Effect’. The designers have also given a new look to the alloy wheels available: Senora (17-inch), ‘Arica’ (18-inch), ‘Everest (19-inch), ‘Masafi’ (20-inch) and ‘Talladega’ (20-inch for optional R-Line package).
Interior with new materials, colours and switches. Redesigned interior features include the aluminium switches synonymous with the Touareg class. All buttons and switches are now illuminated in white which gives the interior ambience an additionally refined and sophisticated feel. The range of interior colours and styles of leather has been updated.
Engine line-up unchanged. The engine line-up remain unchanged with one petrol – 3.6 V6 FSI (206kW) and two diesel engines – 3.0 V6 TDI (180kW) and 4.2 V8 TDI (250kW). All engines come with the standard 8-speed automatic transmission.
Updated suspension and new assistance systems. The standard steel-spring suspension has been optimised, with improvements including an even more agile steering and extra comfort. Available again as an option to the Touareg range is an air suspension system, with which ground clearance can be increased to as much as 300 mm on off-road terrain. Meanwhile, at higher speeds (140 km/h and above) the air suspension automatically lowers the vehicle’s body.
‘R-Line’ package. The new Touareg is available with an optional sporty R-Line package which includes 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels, ‘R-Line’ design bumpers, side sill extensions, a black gloss diffuser at the back (also with additional chrome trim), chrome-plated tailpipes and an aerodynamically optimised roof edge spoiler.
Exterior & Interior
Key highlights on the exterior and interior:
- New bi-xenon headlights form a stylistic unit with the likewise redesigned chrome radiator grille
- New front bumper gives the Touareg a much broader and thus more powerful look
- White illumination and ambient lighting add finesse to the night-time design
The all new second generation Touareg was launched in South Africa late in 2010. The new Touareg has been mid-lifecycle enhancements in accordance with the Volkswagen design DNA, which calls for very clear and precise lines with strong horizontal division of both front and rear sections. The front section in particular, with its remodelled band of radiator grille and headlights, creates a first link to the Volkswagen SUV concept cars of recent times.
Exterior
Front. The design of the front-end of the Touareg has been completely redesigned. The most striking elements are the new larger headlights. These are bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and dynamic cornering lights are standard across the range. The trapezoid-shaped light fittings form a line towards the centre of the vehicle with the restyled radiator grille, which incorporates the VW emblem (3D design). In contrast to its predecessor, the grille is embellished by four rather than two chrome slats and extends. The same applies to the headlights further down into the bumper, which is now horizontally divided even more strongly than before. As a result the new Touareg looks appreciably wider.
The bottom section of the bumper with its new looks fits well into this image. The bottom air intake, complete with decorative grille, now forms a broad, stylised ‘A’ instead of a ‘V’; on its immediate left and right are the side air intakes in trapezoid form. This gives the Touareg more presence on the road. Sitting below this, are the redesigned fog lights. Stylistically, they form the outer bottom ends of the aforementioned ‘A’. If the ‘Chrome & Style’ package has been ordered, there follows at the next level a chrome strip and a bumper zone painted in the vehicle body colour. This enhancement continues around the sides and rear section.
Rear. From behind, the new Touareg can be identified by its new, clearly shaped bumper, which similarly to the front-end now underlines width of the SUV’s. A diffuser, also redesigned, has been integrated between the tailpipes of the exhaust system. The designers have relocated the LED rear fog lights and the reflectors into the bumper. Looking from bottom to top, features that catch the eye around the rear-end are the chrome strip (added here too with the ‘Chrome & Style’ package), the remodelled VW emblem and a sharpened character line between the rear lights.
Silhouette. The features that distinguish the Touareg from the side are two redesigned styles of wheels. In the 18-inch format the ‘Arica’ alloy wheel (standard in V6 derivatives) comes into use with this new model generation. Its design is characterised by ten spokes. By contrast, the optional ‘Masafi’ 20-inch alloy wheel has five double spokes.
Colours. Volkswagen will be offering the new Touareg with a choice of nine colours, some of which are new to the range. The available colours are: Pure White, Canyon Grey Metallic, Tungsten Silver Metallic, Light Silver Metallic, Moonlight Blue Pearlescent, Black Oak Brown Metallic, Deep Black Pearlescent, Oryx White Pearlescent and Reef Blue Metallic.
Interior
New switches and white illumination. The interior of the Touareg reflects an extraordinary alliance of robust SUV elements and elegant high-class features. The SUV elements in the Touareg include the aluminium rotary knobs for the Climatronic system, suspension adjustment and air suspension control, for the radio/navigation system, wing mirror adjustment and air vents. These have all been replaced by redesigned high-end aluminium rotary knobs, which have been optimised in terms of both look and feel. Another striking feature is the illumination of the controls, which is now white instead of red. The ambient lighting (doors, footwells and roof console) is now also white.
Also new: chrome trim around control modules such as the suspension adjuster. Above the infotainment system on the centre console, additions have been made to the central row of buttons and indicators. Until now there were three elements here from left to right: ‘Park Distance Control’ (PDC), the hazard warning lights switch and the ‘Passenger Airbag Off’ indicator. Arranged to the left of the PDC button there is now an additional switch for the heated steering wheel, being offered for the first time in the Touareg (only available in V8). A new front-seat standard feature is the electrically adjustable lumbar support (optional in V6 FSI).
Seat cover materials and wood accents. The range of seat cover materials has been extended. For example, ‘Vienna leather’: in addition to ‘Titanium Black’, Corn Silk Beige’ and ‘Natural Brown’, a fourth colour, ‘Bonanza’ (dark, reddish brown) is now available. Over and above these four colours, the particularly refined ‘Nappa leather’ is standard in the V8.
Standard and optional features
Key highlights on the standard and optional features
- New Automatic Post-Collision Braking System standard
- Adaptive Cruise Control with City Emergency Braking function
- V8 standard with RNS 850 Navigation system, automatic tailgate opening and Keyless Access
Volkswagen is offering its premium class SUV with a number of standard features as well as a large array of driver assistance and convenience systems. These systems include Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, Park Distance Control (front and rear) and fatigue detection. The new Touareg can also be customised with the optional ‘R-Line’ package.
Standard features
Standard features of the V6 models. The standard features in the V6 FSI (cricket leather seats) and V6 TDI (Vienna leather with electric memory front seats) derivatives include new bi-xenon headlights with LED headlights, permanent four-wheel drive, 17-inch ‘Sonora’ (V6 FSI) and 18-inch ‘Arica’ (V6 TDI) alloy wheels, the new Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Park Distance Control (front and rear) cruise control with multifunction steering wheel, tyre pressure monitor, RCD 550 infotainment system with 6.5 inch touchscreen, MEDIA-In with iPod/iPhone socket, automatic air conditioning (Climatronic), Servotronic steering and ESC.
Standard features of the V8. In the case of the V8, additional standard include Nappa leather seat trim, stainless steel pedals, ‘Burr Walnut’ accents for dashboard, door trim panels and centre console, leather heated multi-function wheel with tip shift paddles, KESSY keyless locking and starting system, easy open package for tailgate opening, Chrome and Style design package, RNS-850 navigation system and 19-inch ‘Everest’ alloy wheels.
Optional features
Key optional features and assistance systems. With its numerous systems for providing driver assistance and added comfort, the Touareg is one of the safest and most comfortable SUVs on the market.
Optional features offered with the new Touareg include panoramic sunroof, area view and rear view camera, lane assist, side assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), radio/navigation system, DynAudio ‘Confidence’ 12-speaker system with 620W amplifier, electrically foldable towbar and air suspension.
‘R-Line’ package
‘R-Line’ for exterior and interior. Similarly to the previous model, the new Touareg will be offered with an optional sporty R-Line package. Included in the ‘R-Line’ exterior package are 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels, bumpers in the ‘R-Line’ design, black gloss air intakes with additional chrome trim, side sill extensions, a black gloss diffuser at the back (also with additional chrome trim), chrome-plated tailpipes and an aerodynamically optimised roof edge spoiler. The ‘R-Line’ badge on the radiator grille is a further indicator of the vehicle’s especially dynamic specification.
The ‘R-Line’ interior package adds to the Touareg, titanium black headlining, leather heated multi-function steering wheel, ‘R-Line’ decorative inlays in ‘Silver Lane’, ‘R-Line’ door tread plates and stainless steel pedal caps. The rear side and rear windows are 65% tinted.
Driver assistance and convenience systems
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. Currently available in the new Golf and new Polo, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is now a standard feature in the new Touareg. The system automatically slows the vehicle down if it is involved in an accident in order to significantly reduce its residual kinetic energy. Triggering of the post-collision braking system is based on detection of a primary collision by the airbag sensors. The system’s deceleration of the Touareg is limited by the ESC controller to a maximum of 0.6 g. This value ensures that the driver can maintain control of the car even in the event of automatic braking. The driver can ‘override’ the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System at any time. If, for example, the driver applies any noticeable pressure to the accelerator, the system is disabled. The automatic system is also deactivated whenever drivers themselves initiate an emergency stop at an even higher rate of deceleration. In essence, the driver assistance system applies the brakes and slows the car down to a speed of 10 km/h. This residual speed enables the car to be driven to a safe place to stop following the braking process.
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) automatically regulates the safe distance between the Touareg and the vehicle in front – a speed control system that not only accelerates automatically, but brakes automatically as well. In an emergency, it does this all the way to a complete stop. The space in front of the vehicle is scanned via two radar sensors. This double radar system has a range of 200 metres with an aperture angle of 40 degrees.
Area View. Area View is a surroundings monitoring system. Via four cameras (in the rear hatch, the wing mirrors and the radiator grille) Area View transmits images of the complete area around the Touareg onto the central touchscreen in the centre console. Via split screen it is possible to display multiple images at the same time. The control unit also calculates from the four individual camera images a high-quality overall view of the surrounding area – from the perspective of a virtual camera above the vehicle. On off-road terrain Area View relays via the front and side cameras the scene immediately ahead and to the side of the vehicle – in extreme situations a sometimes invaluable benefit.
Lane Assist. The way that the Lane Assist lane departure warning system works is also camera-based. If there is a danger of the car changing lane without indicating, the system warns the driver by vibrating the steering wheel and by depicting the detected lane markings that the car has crossed on the instruments’ multifunction display. The system consists of a camera between the rooflining and rear-view mirror and a vibration motor inside the steering wheel. The camera recognises visible lane markings (markings on one side suffice) and, using a special algorithm and taking into account driving dynamics data, calculates the risk of the car leaving the lane. Lane Assist is activated at speeds of 65 km/h and above, that is outside of urban areas. When the car’s speed drops below 60 km/h, the system automatically deactivates.
Side Assist. Two radar sensors at the rear on the Touareg scan the approaching traffic. LEDs in the wing mirrors immediately inform the driver of any vehicle in the blind spot (Blind Spot Detection) or approaching at extreme speed (Lane Change Assist). Any use of the indicator during this information phase shows that the driver intends to change lane and thus signals potential danger. The LEDs in the wing mirrors now flash brightly, warning the driver of the possible dangerous situation. If the Touareg is equipped not only with Side Assist but also with ACC, the functionality of the Adaptive Cruise Control system is extended by a fusion of the data from both systems. Interlinked in this case with the Side Assist system, the ACC then weighs up, for instance, whether speeding up could perhaps prevent a rear-end impact, provided that the road ahead of the Touareg is clear.
Engines
Key highlights on the V6 and V8 engines
- Power output ranges from 180 kW (V6 TDI) to 250 kW (V8 TDI)
- V8 TDI delivering 250 kW is the most powerful diesel engine in the Volkswagen model range.
- Touareg comes standard with 8-speed automatic transmission
The new Touareg is offered with the similar engine line-up as the previous model. The power output ranges from 180kW (V6 TDI) to 250kW (V8 TDI). The 3.0 V6 TDI is offered with BlueMotion Technology with Stop Start system and brake energy recovery function. The engine’s power is transmitted to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox and 4MOTION permanent four-wheel drive.
V6 engines
V6 FSI delivering 206 kW. The 3.6 V6 FSI is the only petrol engine in the range. This engine has power output of 206 kW available 6 200rpm. The smooth six-cylinder unit develops a maximum torque of 360 Newton-metres, which is constantly available at a low 3 200 rpm and guarantees superior high-torque performance It has a claimed combined fuel consumption of 10.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions value of 259 g/km. The Touareg V6 FSI has a top speed of 228 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds.
V6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology delivering 180 kW. The popular 3.0 TDI V6 engine outputs 180 kW of power at 4,000 rpm. This common rail turbodiesel engine (injection pressure: 1,800 bar) with 2,967 cm3 displacement develops a strong 550 Newton- metres torque from 2,000 rpm and consumes a low 7.2 l/100 km (equivalent to 189 g/km CO2). It has a top speed of 218 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in a sporty 7.8 seconds.
V6 TDI with 180kW and ‘Terrain Tech’. Touareg customers that enjoy outdoor life can order the ‘Terrain Tech’ derivative of the V6 TDI. The ‘Terrain Tech’ derivative comes standard with a centre differential with a powerful transfer case designed for off-road use, including both a low range gear and 100% locking centre and rear axle differentials. This version has a five-stage rotary switch, via which the driver can adapt the SUV to the different uses.
V8 engine
V8 TDI delivering 250kW. The most powerful TDI in the Touareg range is a V8 with an engine displacement of 4,134 cc and power output of 250 kW (at 4,000 rpm). Like the V6 TDI, the V8 TDI works with a common rail direct injection system. Its maximum torque of 800 Newton metres is available at between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. It has a modest claimed fuel consumption of just 9.1 l/100 km (equating to 239 g/km CO2). Like the V6 TDI, the V8 TDI also has a thermal management system with a switched water pump in order to shorten the warm-up phase. The Touareg V8 TDI achieves a top speed of 242 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds.
Four-wheel drive and suspension
Key highlights of the four-wheel drive and suspension
- The Touareg steel-spring suspension has been made more comfortable; in parallel with this agility has been further improved.
- Air suspension provides different height levels and lowers automatically at higher speed.
- 4xMOTION ‘Terrain Tech’ for tough off-road use optionally with lockable central differential and low range gear.
The new Touareg has standard permanent four-wheel drive system (4MOTION; 31-degree uphill capability) and a steel-spring suspension; the running gear has been extensively upgraded. As an option Volkswagen also offers the Touareg with a four-wheel drive system (4MOTION ‘Terrain Tech’; 45-degree uphill capability) complete with low range gear and innovative air suspension that is even more suitable for off-road use.
Four-wheel drive system and suspension in detail:
Four-wheel drive system 4MOTION. In the standard configuration, the Touareg has four-wheel drive with a self-locking Torsen transfer case (uphill capability of 31 degrees) and electronic differential locks (EDS) at all four wheels. The Touareg is also equipped as standard with an ‘Off-road Driving Programme’, which attunes the ABS, EDS and ASR to off-road use, activates Hill Descent Assist and adapts the shift points of the automatic gearbox.
4xMOTION with low range gear. This combination is only offered with the V6 TDI with Terrain Tech package and this 4xMOTION drive system has the capacity to climb inclines of up to 45 degrees. It includes a lockable centre differential with electrically controlled multi-plate lock and reduction gear (2.69:1), plus greater ground clearance of 230 (front) and 235 (rear) mm – standard ground clearance is 220mm. In normal operation there is a seamless, slip-dependent distribution of tractive power between front and rear axle (40:60). Additionally, it is possible to lock the centre differential in order to achieve a fixed distribution of power. It is also possible to switch off the ESC as well. In the case of vehicles with air suspension any unwanted lowering of the vehicle from the off-road level can be prevented via a ‘Lock’ button, which limits the speed of the Touareg to 70 km/h.
Suspension
Steel-spring suspension. Volkswagen is offering the new Touareg with a steel-spring suspension or optional air suspension running gear. The steel-spring suspension with independent wheel suspension has now been further enhanced. The improvements include even more agile steering and added comfort. The basic layout is formed as before by two double wishbones, at the front with top suspension arms made of aluminium and lower arms made of steel. At the back the double wishbone suspension has forged upper aluminium arms and lower triangular steel arms.
Air suspension. The optional air suspension’s system includes self-levelling and ride height adjustment, plus electronic damper control. On tarmac roads the air suspension guarantees an extremely high level of comfort and – thanks to speed-dependent reduction of the ride height – optimised handling characteristics. As an alternative to the automatic ‘Normal’ mode the driver is able to select a ‘Comfort’ or ‘Sport’ mode. If ‘Comfort’ is chosen, the Skyhook system provides the best possible compensation for road surface unevenness, while in ‘Sport’ mode with the ride height lowered by 25 millimetres the result is increased agility. On rough terrain the air suspension further improves off-road qualities by means of variable ride height while maintaining comfort at an extraordinarily high level.
Off-road characteristics. With its double wishbone suspensions, the suspension of the new Touareg continues with a tried and tested layout, which permits great spring travel and good axle articulation (4MOTION: 157 millimetres / 4xMOTION ‘Terrain Tech’ with low range gear: 173 millimetres) on off-road terrain. The version with the standard steel-spring suspension has an approach angle of 22º at the front and a departure angle of 23º at the back. Allied with ground clearance of 220 millimetres, the new Touareg thus cuts an excellent figure away from off road driving too.
With ‘Terrain Tech’ derivative, the vehicle body is 10 millimetres higher at the front and 15 higher at the rear. With the optional air suspension ground clearance goes up still further, to a maximum of 300 millimetres, thus also increasing the approach and departure angles.
Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)
3.6 V6 FSI Elegance (206kW) R709 100
3.0 V6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology Luxury (180kW) R796 500
3.0 V6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology Escape – Terrain Tech (180kW) R822 100
4.2 V8 TDI Executive (250kW) R990 600
Warranty and Service
The new Touareg comes standard with a 3 year/ 120 000 km manufacturer warranty and 5 year/100 000 km Automotion Maintenance Plan. All models have a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000 km service intervals.
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