Volkswagen Touareg updated with new looks and tech

Volkswagen has today revealed its facelifted third generation Touareg, the brand’s flagship SUV, introducing us to new styling, additional technology, and updated powertrains.

The German carmaker has sold more than 1.13 million Touaregs since it first introduced the model in 2002 and now comes the most advanced one of the lot.

The look of the Touareg has also been updated, having been given a new mouth with the upper and lower grilles growing wider. Another change is the LED matrix headlights which now come as standard on the base model. A new strip light runs between both light units as well.

Changes are also apparent at the rear with a similar motif taking place with the taillights, including a continuous horizontal LED bar running between the taillight clusters which also features a red-illuminated VW logo pride of place in the middle.

There’s also a range of four new wheel designs to choose from that come in 19-, 20-, and 21-inch in diameter, as well as new 22-inch units on the Touareg R.

The updates and standard equipment upgrades continue inside, with the new Touareg getting Volkswagen’s Innovision Cockpit which consists of a 12-inch driver’s instrument display and a 15-inch infotainment touchscreen. There’s also a voice control system as well as app integration via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Other changes to the interior include upgraded buttons and the volume control wheel in the centre console, redesigned illuminated trims, and the addition of a Touareg logo on the dash panel.

In terms of driver assistance systems, the refreshed SUV comes with a 360 degree camera, Park Assist which allows the vehicle to park itself via an app, Trailer Assist, and Night Vision.

The standard set of steel springs and optional air suspension system have been modified to support the addition of a roof load sensor for cargo, allowing the vehicle to remain more stable on the road. Other improvements include active roll compensation and all-wheel steering.

Five powertrains will be introduced for Europe, each being a 3.0-litre V6. These include a turbocharged petrol engine making 250kW, two turbocharged diesel engines making 170kW and 210kW respectively, and two plug-in hybrids. The Touareg eHybird makes 280kW while the top of the range Touareg R eHybrid produces 340kW.

All engines are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission as well as the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

While the updated Volkswagen Touareg has yet to be confirmed for New Zealand, we will likely see the model hit local showroom floors from early next year.