The Volkswagen Touareg 2010

The second-generation of the Touareg is bigger butwith an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard.
lighter than the outgoing model, losing about 208kg inThe base powerplant is the 3.0-litre TDI V6 unit that
weight. The Touareg 2010 is based heavily on theproduces 240bhp and 549Nm of torque. It combines a
upcoming new Porsche Cayenne, and features theversion of Audi's 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and an
familiar Volkswagen family front look that has alreadyeight-speed automatic transmission with a built-in
been seen on the Golf and Polo. The Touareg 2010electric motor. Next is the 4.2-litre TDI V8 which has
features a lower roofline and curvier lines compared to335bhp and 800Nm of torque. The most exciting one
the old model. The steel body adopts an edgier lookhowever, is the hybrid model, which has a 3.3-litre
with tauter surfacing, more defined feature lines andsupercharged V6 TSI petrol engine that produces
squared-off wheel arches. The front is characterized330bhp and 359Nm of torque, mated to a 46bhp
by Volkswagen's latest corporate grille, while the rearelectric motor, for a combined power output of 376bhp
updates the look of the old model with a largeand 580Nm of torque. The Touareg Hybrid can be
single-piece tailgate carrying distinctive LED-enhanceddriven up to a speed of 50km/h in pure electric mode,
taillights.and can go from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
Inside, Volkswagen has loaded the Touareg with aAll Touaregs get Volkswagen 4Motion all-wheel-drive
whole host of new features, such as a push buttonsystems as standard, with a Torsen limited-slip
parking brake, stop-start system, and whatdifferential and an "Off-road driving programme", which
Volkswagen claims to be the largest panoramictunes the ABS, EDS and ASR for off-roading,
sunroof of all SUVs. The Touareg is also moreactivates Hill Descent Assist and adjusts the automatic
spacious, with the rear bench now 160mm longer andgearshift points, at the press of a button.
having an adjustable backrest. The seats can also beThe Touareg can also be ordered with a "Terrain
folded down at the press of a button, increasing theTech Packet" as an option instead of the standard
boot capacity to 1642 litres. The other standardsystem, which has an even more rugged transfer
features are a radio-CD infotainment system thatcase designed for off-road duty. It includes reduction
comes with a 6.5-inch touch-screen display,gearing and centre and rear differentials, each with up
multi-directional camera system, 6-disc CD changer,to 100 percent locking.
and nine air bags.Like the previous generation Touareg, the new one
Despite the reduced weight, the new Touareg is saidfeatures a rotary switch that allows the driver to
to have five percent more torsional rigidity than the oldadapt the car to specific duty conditions over five
model. Volkswagen will offer three engines at thelevels, On-Road, Off-Road, Low, Addition of centre
launch of the new Touareg, with two turbo diesels anddifferential lock, Addition of rear differential lock.
the new petrol-electric hybrid. All three engines come