Carsales Staff•18 Sept 2014
NEWS
Facelifted Touareg safer and more efficient
Volkswagen's updated SUV introduces Euro 6-compliant engines, bi-xenon headlights, new driver assistance systemsThe upgraded Touareg we first reported back in April is expected to post a fuel consumption figure below 7.0L/100km when it arrives in Australia next year.
Now Euro 6-compliant, the turbo-diesel V6 powering the revised Touareg will use as little as 6.6L/100km, due in no small part to an SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) converter and a coasting function incorporated in the eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption is reduced at open-road speeds when the automatic transmission decouples from the engine – on those occasions when the vehicle doesn't need power to maintain road speed. In addition, the Touareg is more aerodynamic and new tyres have been specified for their low rolling resistance properties.
According to the manufacturer the fuel efficiency gain (which applies specifically to the 150kW version of the 3.0-litre diesel V6) represents a 0.4L/100km improvement. The higher output version has jumped from 180 to 193kW, but fuel consumption has been pared back to 6.6L/100km just like the 150kW engine. That is a 0.6L/100km saving. Fuel consumption for the 4Motion variant has also been reduced, from 7.3 to 6.9L/100km. All figures quoted are based on the New European Drive Cycle combined test, which is typically around 0.1 or 0.2L/100km lower than Australia's ADR 81/02 standard.
The Touareg will be underpinned by revised suspension and will boast changes to improve steering response. Distinguishing cosmetic features of the Touareg include the bi-xenon headlights, new tail lights and a new colour choice, with 'Reef Blue Metallic' (pictured), 'Sand Gold Metallic', 'Black Oak Brown Metallic' and 'Moonlight Blue Pearl Effect' added to the palette. Four new alloy wheel designs are introduced: 'Arica' (18-inch), 'Salvador' (19-inch from Volkswagen R), 'Masafi' (20-inch) and 'Talladega' (20-inch from Volkswagen R).
Inside, the Touareg has been restyled, with new-look aluminium switch gear and white backlighting for the instruments in lieu of the current red lighting. Two new decorative wood veneers – Sapelli Mahogany and Engineered Ebony – have been introduced. Infotainment systems are now extended with the addition of online services such as 'Point-of-Interest (POI) Search' via Google, map display (Google Earth), Google Street View and Online Traffic Information. As a pre-requisite for the online services, the Touareg must be specified with Volkswagen's RNS 850 audio/satnav system.
Volkswagen has enhanced the Touareg's driver assist systems by equipping the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard, and upgrading the adaptive cruise control.
The new Touareg is due here – along with the rest of Asia – early next year. V6 and V8 diesel engine options are anticipated, as is the case currently.
Tags
Volkswagen
Touareg
Car News
SUV
4x4 Offroad Cars
Written byCarsales Staff
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalists
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