New tech for Touareg

Volkswagen quietly slipped its facelifted Touareg into dealerships in January and late last month we published the first local model range details including price increases rather than reductions because Australians won't be offered the more efficient sub-7.0L/100km versions that would be luxury car tax-exempt here.

Now, Volkswagen Group Australia has released full local pricing, specs, options, including Technology and Driver Assistance packages as part of the midlife facelift for Volkswagen's largest SUV.

As we've reported, MY15 Touareg prices have increased by $4000 (now $67,990) for the Touareg 150TDI and by $1200 (now $81,990 plus on-road costs) for the mid-range V6 TDI model, which comes with a higher-output 180kW/550Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6.

The 4.2-litre V8 TDI R-Line flagship continues to be priced at $114,990 and an eight-speed automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive remains standard in all models.

Gone from the simplified model 2015 range is the slow-selling V6 TDI 4XMOTION variant with off-road pack, meaning the Touareg is no longer available with low-range gearing.

On the upside, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and RNS850 satellite-navigation are now standard across the range, which opens with a higher-output Touareg 150TDI – now offering 50Nm more peak torque at 450Nm between 1250 and 2750rpm.

Fuel consumption remains at 7.2L/100km, but Euro 6 emissions-compliant engines fitted with a diesel particulate filter return as little as 6.6L/100km in some left-hand drive markets.

Cosmetically, all models feature new front and rear bumpers, fog lights, air intakes and alloy wheel designs on the outside, and new controls and white cabin illumination inside.

Volkswagen's Multi-Collision Brake post-accident safety system from the Golf 7 joins carryover safety features including Driver Fatigue Detection, reversing camera and nine airbags, plus a Coasting Function to save fuel when not accelerating.

The base Touareg 150TDI comes standard with Vienna leather appointed seat upholstery, heated front seats, front/rear parking sensors, electric front seats with 14-way adjustment including electric lumbar adjustment and electro-pneumatic side bolsters, rear seat backrest with 'remote' 60/40-split folding function and the new 18-inch Arica alloy wheels.

The mid-range Touareg V6 TDI also scores a revised 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, which produces the same 180kW of power as before (up from 150kW in the 150TDI, but less than the European version's 193kW) and the same 550Nm, but now over 1750-2250rpm.

Standard features over the 150TDI include Nappa leather appointed seat upholstery, air suspension with adaptive damping control, alarm system with interior monitoring, tilt sensor and central locking, an automatic tailgate, new 'Masafi' 20-inch alloy wheels and 'Sapelli' mahogany ornamental wood decorative inserts in the dashboard, centre console and doors.

The V6 TDI variant is also now available with the Technology Package ($3500) and Driver Assistance package ($5400). The Technology Package includes Area View, providing a 360-degree exterior view, power-adjustable door mirrors, front seats and steering wheel with memory function, automatic kerb view function when reversing, keyless entry and starting, and a larger 100-litre fuel tank.

The Driver Assistance Package includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Front Assist function and City Emergency Brake (City EB), a heated multi-function leather-clad steering wheel, proactive occupant protection system and Side Assist lane-keeping assistance.

At the top of the Touareg tree remains the V8 TDI R-Line and its 250kW/600Nm 4.2-litre diesel V8. It comes standard with both the Technology Package and Driver Assistance Package (excluding Lane Assist), plus unique R-Line design elements, including bumpers, grille, a multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel with gearshift paddles, two-tone Nappa leather appointed seat trim with R-Line logos, and heated front and rear outer seats.

The R-Line V8 also scores 21-inch 'Mallory' alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, a 620-Watt 12-speaker 'Dynaudio confidence' premium audio system and aluminium 'Silver Lane' dash, console and door inserts.