The new Volkswagen Touareg has been introduced in South Africa with a few design changes, updated suspension and new assistance systems.

Key highlights

The facelifted Touareg benefits from a redesigned chrome radiator grille, new bi-xenon headlights, new front bumper, and white illumination and ambient lighting ‘which adds finesse to the night-time design.’

At the back, new rear lights have been introduced, including a choice of two new alloy rim designs; Senora (17-inch), ‘Arica’ (18-inch), ‘Everest (19-inch), ‘Masafi’ (20-inch) and ‘Talladega’ (20-inch for optional R-Line package). The range of colours has also been updated to include ’Light Silver Metallic’, ‘Tungsten Silver Metallic’, ‘Reef Blue Metallic’, ‘Black Oak Brown Metallic’ and ‘Moonlight Blue Pearl Effect’.

As opposed to red lighting, the redesigned interior has new aluminium rotary knobs and white illumination on the switches, doors, and footwell and roof console. It also has chromed trim on switches such as on the suspension adjuster. The range of interior colours and styles of leather has been updated.

Optional equipment includes sunroof, 360 view and reversing camera, side assist, lane assist, DynAudio ‘Confidence’ 12-speaker system with 620W amplifier, electrically foldable towball and air suspension, and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), radio/navigation system

Updated suspension and new assistance systems

The standard steel-spring suspension has been optimised, with improvements including an even more agile steering and extra comfort. As an option Volkswagen also offers the Touareg with a four-wheel drive system (4MOTION ‘Terrain Tech’; 45-degree uphill capability) complete with low range gear and innovative air suspension that is even more suitable for off-road use. The new assistance systems include Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Area View, Lane Assist and Side Assist.

Engine line-up unchanged

The engine line-up remains unchanged with one petrol – 3.6 V6 FSI (206kW) and two diesel engines – 3.0 V6 TDI (180kW) and 4.2 V8 TDI (250kW). All engines come with the standard 8-speed automatic transmission.

R-Line package

Similar to the outgoing model, the new Volkswagen Touareg will be offered with an optional sporty R-Line package. It includes 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels, bumpers in the ‘R-Line’ design, black gloss air intakes with additional chrome trim, side sill extensions, a black gloss diffuser at the back (also with additional chrome trim), chrome-plated tailpipes and an aerodynamically optimised roof edge spoiler.

The interior features titanium black headlining, leather heated multi-function steering wheel, ‘R-Line’ decorative inlays in ‘Silver Lane’, ‘R-Line’ door tread plates and stainless steel pedal caps. The rear windows are tinted.

New Volkswagen Touareg price in South Africa

Volkswagen Touareg 3.6 V6 FSI Elegance – R709 100

Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Luxury – R796 500

Volkswagen Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Escape – Terrain Tech – R822 100

Volkswagen Touareg 4.2 V8 TDI Executive – R990600

The new Volkswagen Touareg comes standard with a 3 year/ 120 000 km manufacturer warranty and 5 year/100 000 km Automotion Maintenance Plan. All models have a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000 km service intervals.