TOP GEAR New Touareg: The most innovative Volkswagen yet The New Touareg is Volkswagen s über SUV that embodies a state-of-theart celebration of technology and innovation. It also offers the best value for money in its class 12 Volkswagen By Tanja Van Wie The New Touareg leads the Sports Utility Vehicle segment into a new era with an athletic new design, highly intelligent and intuitive driver assistance systems and up to 20% more fuel efficiency*. Just launched in South Africa, the eagerly anticipated New Touareg is the most technologically innovative Volkswagen ever made. With its dynamic power, superb design, luxurious comfort and innovative technology, the New Touareg raises the ideal of what a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) should be. The New Touareg reinterprets a multi-purpose SUV in a relevant and contemporary way. This is thanks to a range of engines that are nearly 20% more fuel efficient*, a lighter, more aerodynamic body design as well as state-of-the-art innovation in the new driver assistance and safety systems built into the vehicle. And its exceptional safety and versatility complete the impressive package. Volkswagen of South Africa s Touareg Brand Manager, Tarryn De Klerk, got the opportunity to test drive the New Touareg earlier this year in Antalya, along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. De Klerk comments that Volkswagen has left no aspect of the New Touareg without innovation. This flagship vehicle of the Volkswagen range is a bold statement in design and technological advancements. It *engines in the New Touareg are up to 20% more fuel efficient than previous generations
is amazing how the New Touareg is bigger and more fuel efficient at the same time. Packed with impressive driver assistance systems and equipped with BlueMotion Technology, there is as much to explore inside the New Touareg as there is in the wilderness it takes you to, says de Klerk. Efficient power trio In South Africa the New Touareg range will include the 3.6-litre V6 FSI; the 3.0-litre V6 TDI (with BlueMotion Technology read more on page 6) and the top of the range 4.2-litre V8 TDI. This efficient trio of engines produce significantly improved fuel economy and emission values when compared with the previous generation Touareg. The 3.6-litre V6 FSI is a direct injection petrol engine with a power output of 206kW and a maximum torque of 360Nm. This naturally aspirated engine goes from 0 100km in 7.8 seconds and has a fuel consumption of 12.4 litres/100km on a combined cycle. That s 0.9 litres less than its predecessor. Its CO 2 emissions are 248g/km (21g/km less than before). Among the diesel engines, the Touareg 3.0-litre V6 TDI with BlueMotion Technology represents a quantum leap forward in SUV fuel efficiency, consuming just 7.4 litres/100km. With a power output of 176kW and a maximum torque of 550Nm this powerful engine goes from 0 100km in 7.8 seconds. Volkswagen s top of the range New Touareg is the 4.2-litre V8 TDI. It boasts a phenomenal power output of 250kW at 4 000rpm and an incredible maximum torque of 800Nm between 1 750 and 2 750rpm. Considering the impressive power and torque this vehicle delivers, its combined fuel consumption of 9.1 litres/100km is excellent. A first in this market segment is the standard 8-speed Tiptronic transmission offering significant fuel economy advantages over the previous model. The 7th and 8th gears are laid out as fuelefficient overdrive gears that save fuel and reduce emissions further. Volkswagen 13
The New Touareg has nine airbags for driver and front passenger and a head airbag system for front and rear passengers The 4Motion Terrain Tech Package offers a 45 climbing ability Wading depth in water is 580mm with optional air suspension Ready for off-road duty Also modified in pursuit of reduced fuel consumption, all New Touaregs have all-wheel drive 4Motion with Torsen limited-slip differential as standard, offering a climbing ability of 31. At the press of a button the New Touareg s off-road driving programme tunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-road duty, activates Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the automatic gearshift points. With a 3.5-tonne trailer payload, the New Touareg is capable and ready to meet any heavy-duty towing requirements. For the serious off-roader, the 4xMotion Terrain Tech Package (optional only on the 3.0 V6 TDI) is designed to tackle even greater off-road challenges with a more rugged transfer case designed for effortlessly tackling the toughest territory. Features include reduction gearing and centre and rear differential locks, each with up to 100% locking of power to the wheels. This provides a climbing ability of 45 and a fording depth of 580mm, with air suspension. The New Touareg can conquer most terrains. Lateral inclination of up to 35 Approach and departure angle is 33 with air-suspension for the Terrain Tech Package A ramp angle of up to 27 Light and aerodynamic design The New Touareg s design fuses the performance features of an uncompromising off-roader with the comfort and luxury of a premium class sedan. Its aggressive stance is accentuated by Volkswagen s new design DNA, with elegant horizontal lines that extend to the distinctive headlights, and a leaner more agile car body. The slightly longer body tapers athletically in the middle and provides more space in the rear seating area. The shoulders and rear of the New Touareg are muscular, whilst the narrowing chrome outline of the side windows gives it a feeling of perpetual motion even when stationary, explains Tarryn de Klerk. The New Touareg body has also been designed with aerodynamic refinements. It rides lower to the ground, reducing the airdrag coefficient by 4.3%, while still providing more headroom in the cabin. It has a wider wheelbase and has a slightly longer body at 4.8m. It also offers an impressive 7cm more legroom in the rear. Volkswagen strives for sustainability in all its vehicles and significant achievements have been made in the New Touareg. It is 208kg leaner in the base version, yet the body has 5% more torsional rigidity. The New Touareg s technological advancements include an optional 1.4m 2 panoramic sliding sunroof that almost fills the entire roof area. The largest sunroof in any SUV, it can tilt and slide open completely, and features an electric sunblind for warmer and brighter days. The sunroof does not impact on the rigidity values of the vehicle thanks to its reinforced subframe. 3.6 V6 FSI Tiptronic 3.0 V6 TDI Tiptronic 4.2 V8 TDI Tiptronic Price (incl. VAT) R562 600 R622 000 R776 000 Power (kw) 206 @ 6 200 176 @ 4 000 250 @ 4 000 Torque (Nm @ rpm) 360 @ 3 200 550 @ 2 000-2 250 800 @ 1 750-2 750 0-100 km/h (seconds) 7.8 7.8 5.8 Top Speed (km/h) 228 218 242 Fuel Consumption (litres/100km) 10.4 7.4 9.1 CO 2 Emissions (g/km) 248 195 239 14 Volkswagen
The supremely spacious interior offers premium comfort features such as 12-way adjustable front seats and Climatronic air conditioning Versatile interior The new interior has been designed with absolute attention to detail. The intuitive layout of controls brings together timeless elegance and a high level of functionality. The quality of the interior is exceptional and has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. The ergonomically designed cockpit is finished in luxury chrome trim, with an option of Burr Walnut or Vavona wood finish. All key information is displayed within the driver s field of vision and the instruments feature black and white illumination. A seveninch multi-functional colour display between the speedometer and rev counter displays navigation, media, cellphone, vehicle and driver assistance information. On board infotainment includes the latest audio system featuring an RCD 550 radio/cd player with 6.5-inch touch-screen and integrated 6-disc CD changer. An optional upgrade includes the RNS 850 satellite navigation system with an 8-inch touch-screen that features a 3D topographic map representation, a 40 gigabyte hard drive and a DVD player. Standard with an auxiliary input in the front centre armrest, the system can be further expanded to include a multimedia ipod interface. The standard sound system has eight loudspeakers. Cellphone preparation and Bluetooth connectivity is also standard on all models. Premium comfort A multi-function leather steering wheel, two-zone draft free Climatronic air-conditioning (four-zone Climatronic air-conditioning standard in the V8) and rain sensors ensure supreme driving comfort. The multi-function steering wheel can be fitted with Tipshift paddles to complement the standard eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. This is standard on the V8 TDI model. Another innovation is the new design parking brake, which is now activated by push-button. Volkswagen 15
The first Hybrid SUV from Europe The New Touareg is the first Volkswagen to be offered as a hybrid, and the first hybrid SUV from Europe. The Touareg Hybrid couples a 245kW 3.0-litre V6 TSI petrol engine with an electric motor offering 34kW. Working simultaneously these motors produce a total power output of 279kW and maximum torque of 580Nm. With a combined fuel consumption of just 8.2 litres/100km and CO 2 emissions of 193g/km, the Touareg Hybrid sets new standards amongst fullfledged SUVs with petrol engines. The electric motor can power the Touareg Hybrid independently up to 50km/h, completely emissions free. A disengagement clutch detaches the petrol engine when it is not required, particularly when the accelerator pedal is released, allowing the vehicle to coast for longer. Additionally the Touareg Hybrid is equipped with Volkswagen s BlueMotion Technology for further efficiency. The Touareg Hybrid delivers fuel savings of more than 25% in city driving compared to a conventional SUV of the same size and power. This demonstrates Volkswagen s aim to continuously strive to achieve sustainability in its vehicle offerings. The Touareg Hybrid is currently not available in South Africa. The front and rear seats of the New Touareg have been fully redesigned and they offer significantly improved comfort on long journeys. In the V8 the driver and passenger comfort seats are equipped with a 12-way electronic adjustment with programmable memory on the driver s seat. Climate control seats are optional across the range, providing ventilation against your skin to ensure you arrive at your destination cool and refreshed on a hot day. Unbelievably the New Touareg even has airconditioned seats! The modular rear seat system offers 160mm longitudinal movement and three-stage backrest adjustments. The rear bench seat has also gained significant leg room. The 40:20:40 split bench can be conveniently unlatched electrically via a button in the cargo area. The rear bench also folds forward with one hand operation, providing a maximum of 1 642 litres of luggage space. The cargo management system in the boot consists of a series of telescopic rods, adaptable eyelets and straps and is latched into deviated runners for securing luggage in various configurations. Further additional storage can be found under the reversible load bed. Another feature in the New Touareg is the optional electric tailgate (standard on the V8 TDI), which can be operated from outside the vehicle at the tailgate, inside the vehicle, or via remote control. An electric release swivelling towbar is available as an option. Intelligent safety and driver assistance systems The New Touareg offers an impressive range of new, highly advanced driver assistance systems and safety technology. It has six airbags for the driver and front passenger seats, front side airbags and a head airbag system for front and rear passengers. The front passenger airbag can be deactivated for a baby seat. The new generation ESP, with trailer stabilisation, includes ABS, plus Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) and Anti-Spin Regulation (ASR). Add to this Hill Decent and Hill Start Control and it s clear that the New Touareg has impressive built in safety. Bi-Xenon headlights (standard on 4.2 V8 TDI) are intuitive and instinctive. With cornering lights and LED daytime running lights, the 16 Volkswagen
Bi-Xenon headlights let the driver know what s around every corner, before taking it. There are several optional driver assistance systems including: Area View: Utilises four cameras (placed in the tailgate, outside mirrors, and radiator grille) to display the New Touareg s external surroundings on the monitor inside the vehicle. This enhances safety in both an on and off-road environment by giving the driver a full 360 view of the vehicle s surroundings. A trailer view mode can display the trailer s movement as a function of the steering input, allowing the driver to accurately predict the movement of the trailer. Lane Assist: This system automatically detects lane markings and causes the steering wheel to shudder if the vehicle leaves its lane without the indicator being activated. Side Assist: Uses radar sensors in the rear of the New Touareg to warn the driver of vehicles approaching from the rear in the adjacent lane when the Touareg is changing lanes. Light displays in the exterior mirrors flash to warn the driver. Best of both worlds The New Touareg is a luxury SUV that offers supreme levels of comfort, sporty driving performance, avant-garde styling, luxurious quality and unlimited expedition capabilities. It is essentially the best of the premium sedan and off-road worlds united in one innovative SUV. We ve named it the über SUV as a nod to its German heritage and because it redefines the SUV. Fuel efficiency through BlueMotion Technology The new 3.0-litre V6 TDI Touareg boasts fantastic fuel efficiency at just 7.4 litres/ 100km on a combined cycle. This is achieved in part by the innovations of BlueMotion Technology integrated in this model. These include: Stop-Start Technology system: Seamlessly switches off the engine when the vehicle is braked to a stop and quietly restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal. This saves fuel and reduces emissions, especially in high traffic urban environments. Energy Recuperation: Uses less energy for battery charging during acceleration and charges the battery whilst braking, thereby using less fuel and lowering emissions. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): The V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology model is fitted with a DPF, designed to remove diesel particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gas of a diesel engine, thereby making the exhaust emissions cleaner. The DPF burns off the accumulated particulate matter in a process called regeneration. With BlueMotion Technology, the New Touareg offers a high performance, yet environmentally conscious drive. Volkswagen 17