Photo: Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Touareg might have a tricky name and lack-luster design, but it's one of the most popular models in its class and offers German premium qualities for the budget buyer. Since launch in 2002, they've sold over 750,000 and now a new chapter is being opened. This summer, a facelift for the Mk2 generation is going on sale in most major markets, starting with the domestic German one.
Local pricing and availability was recently announced, along with an ingenuously constructed model range. Enhancing the appeal of the Touareg, Volkswagen is offering all versions with bi-xenon headlights and the multi collision brake as standard. Only turbodiesel TDIs and one hybrid engine are available, all updated to meet the Euro 6 emissions regulations.
Unlike with a Passat or Golf, there aren't any trim levels per say in the official German configurator. The base model, which starts at €52,125, comes with a 204 PS 3.0 TDI engine, all-wheel drive and a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.
However, we'd actually go for the more powerful version of the same engine, which produces an impressive 262 PS and is equipped with the "Terrain Tech" pack that includes a central differential with electrically controlled multi-plate lock and low range gearing, plus a lockable rear. Yours for €57,625, the V6 TDI Terrain Tech is the sweet spot in the range.
A new hybrid engine is available in the standalone 2014 Touareg Hybrid model, available for €77,000. This combines a 333 PS V6 petrol engine to a 52 PS electric motor. Despite its total 380 PS output, consumption is just 8.2 l/100 km (equates to 193 g/km CO2). It can drive at speed up to 50 km/h in all-electric driving, but only for really short distances. Believe it or not, the hybird is actually the most powerful model in the range.
Despite the fact that Mercedes just dropped the V8 petrol fro the E-Class and ML-Class in America, Volkswagen still has a large V8 diesel, which we think is rather cool. Available from €74,725, this packs in 340 PS of Euro 6 compliant power but demands a heftier toll at the pumps, after it drinks fuel at the rate of 12 l/100km in the city.
Touareg Exclusive is the name of a new model that combines all the best features available for this SUV. It starts at €63,025 in Germany and comes with 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels, silver anodized roof railing, inlays in precious wood "Olive Ash" and special door sills. You can also have the R line body kit (pictured above), which adds sporty character and makes this old Volkswagen SUV look a little bit like a Range Rover.
Unlike with a Passat or Golf, there aren't any trim levels per say in the official German configurator. The base model, which starts at €52,125, comes with a 204 PS 3.0 TDI engine, all-wheel drive and a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.
However, we'd actually go for the more powerful version of the same engine, which produces an impressive 262 PS and is equipped with the "Terrain Tech" pack that includes a central differential with electrically controlled multi-plate lock and low range gearing, plus a lockable rear. Yours for €57,625, the V6 TDI Terrain Tech is the sweet spot in the range.
A new hybrid engine is available in the standalone 2014 Touareg Hybrid model, available for €77,000. This combines a 333 PS V6 petrol engine to a 52 PS electric motor. Despite its total 380 PS output, consumption is just 8.2 l/100 km (equates to 193 g/km CO2). It can drive at speed up to 50 km/h in all-electric driving, but only for really short distances. Believe it or not, the hybird is actually the most powerful model in the range.
Despite the fact that Mercedes just dropped the V8 petrol fro the E-Class and ML-Class in America, Volkswagen still has a large V8 diesel, which we think is rather cool. Available from €74,725, this packs in 340 PS of Euro 6 compliant power but demands a heftier toll at the pumps, after it drinks fuel at the rate of 12 l/100km in the city.
Touareg Exclusive is the name of a new model that combines all the best features available for this SUV. It starts at €63,025 in Germany and comes with 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels, silver anodized roof railing, inlays in precious wood "Olive Ash" and special door sills. You can also have the R line body kit (pictured above), which adds sporty character and makes this old Volkswagen SUV look a little bit like a Range Rover.
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