11 February 2010

New Touareg in the autumn


Volkswagen has revealed a new generation of its Touareg SUV which will include a hybrid powertrain in its lineup.

Due for launch in RHD form in the autumn, the styling changes include the new 'family' grille, a lower roofline, and a longer body.

According to VW it will be 20 percent more fuel efficient than its current version, partly due to a significant 200kg cut in weight.

A 3.0 diesel will have available an 8-speed autobox and engine stop-start.

VW is dropping the V10 TDI and the flagship engine will be a 4.2 V8 TDI.

The hybrid will have a 3.3 supercharged V6 as its primary power source, with a 46hp booster electric motor which will on its own be able to power the car at speeds of up to 50km/h.