VOLKSWAGEN’s halo vehicle, the Touareg V8 310 TDI R-Line, arrives in October 2021 as the headliner in a revised range that now including more powerful and fuel efficient V6 diesel variants.
Now a standalone variant, the V8 TDI R-Line, which shares the Bentley Bentayga’s 4.0-litre twin turbo diesel, will be joined by the 170 TDI, 210 TDI and 210 TDI R-Line, with the 150 Touareg Adventure examples headed here in August to be the last 190 TDI.
The new 6-cylinder diesels offer 6.8-litres/100km, an appreciable improvement on the 7.4-litres/100km of the outgoing 190 TDI range. The Touareg V8 R-Line returns an impressive 7.5-litres/100km.
Stop/start technology and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with AdBlue reduce emissions, with a larger 90-litre fuel tank and 24-litre AdBlue tank adding to the capability of the range.
All engine options are paired with the exemplary ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and the constantly adjusting 4MOTION all-wheel-drive that imbues the new generation Touareg with benchmark dynamics.
Visually, the 2021 Touareg range is the first to be emblazoned with Volkswagen’s new logo. This can be seen of front and rear badges, wheel centre caps, the new ‘Touch’ steering wheel, instrument cluster, infotainment systems and key fobs.
You’re unlikely to miss it. To reduce complexity, the Innovision package is now standard on the 210 TDI Elegance and the new 210 TDI R-Line model. For the first time, the Sound and Comfort package is available as an option on the entry grade Touareg (the 170 TDI).
The Touareg V8 will arrive in fully equipped R-line specification, including standard Night Vision, Sound and Comfort, and Innovision packages. Unlike other premium competitors there will be no long option list.
Customers need only select their preferred exterior colour or consider a panoramic glass sunroof. The night vision system is activated simultaneously with the front assist function to provide enhanced safety via thermal imaging.
Once darkness is detected and the headlights are on, the system (in good weather conditions) can detect if a person or animal is in the warning range, and notify the driver with an acoustic warning.
At speeds less than 50km/h, the thermal image is displayed. At more than 50km/h, the red warning symbol for front assist is displayed. The brakes are pre-filled and the threshold in the brake assist system switches to increased sensitivity.
If a person is detected, the marker light flashes in the direction of the person three times, as long as no oncoming traffic will be dazzled, and the vehicle is travelling outside built-up areas.
Travel assist, which replaces traffic jam assist, allows for partially automated driving across practically the whole speed range from commuter traffic to freeway speeds.
With the press of the travel assist button on the steering wheel, the system activates adaptive lane guidance and adaptive cruise control to allow semi-autonomous driving on highways.
Travel assist is enhanced with the new capacitive Touch steering wheel. It is now sufficient that the driver merely touches the steering wheel, the surface recognises that the driver is controlling the vehicle even by the conductive touch of a single finger.
Conventional buttons have also been replaced with ‘touch’ buttons giving haptic feedback with a slight touch when a selection is made.
All new Volkswagens come with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, and are offered with optional three or five year care plans.
Pricing for the 2021 Volkswagen Touareg starts from $81,490 (drive away) through to the V8 TDI R-Line at $136,490. Further information and specifications will be announced closer to launch.
