Volkswagen's latest-generationTouareg is now available in South Africa and the Uitenhage-based manufacturer has announced the specifications and pricing of its all-newPremiumSUV range.

The 3rd-generation Touareg comes to market replete with advanced safety tech, connectivity, and, of course, a luxurious cabin. Compared with its predecessor, it is wider and longer (claimed luggage space hasincreased from 697 to 810 litres), yet it is 106 kg lighter, thanks to the clever use of aluminium and high-tech steel.There are numerous alloy wheel sizes and designs to choose from, ranging from an 18-inch to a 21-inch.There's just one engine for now. It's the 3.0 V6 TDI which offers 190 kW and 600 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels via an 8-speed transmission.

What's more, Volkswagen claims its new Touareg is one of the safest and comfortable cars in the world. For the first time, the Touareghas been equipped with night vision, which can detect pedestrians or animals in the road. The headlights are highly advanced and feature 128 LEDs in each unit. The Touareg also features trailer assist, which makes trailer maneuvres a lot easier, as well as numerous sensors and cameras for parking.

There are 2levels of trim available for the new Volkswagen Touareg: Luxury and Executive. Luxury does what it says on the tin, whereas Executive leans towards the sportier elements.

The dual-screen setup is quite similar to what Mercedes-Benz offers in the E-Class and other contemporary high-end models. Still, it looks great.

VW Touareg Luxury specifications

Exterior:

Design package (Scuff plates, trapezoidal tailpipes, decorative aluminium trim & boot edge trim)LED taillight clusters19-inch Esperance alloy wheelsLED Headlampswith Daytime Running LightsRoof rails, silver-anodised

Interior

Multi-function leather-trimmed steering wheel, with shift paddles"Vienna" leather trim with rear centre armrestActive climate electrically adjustable front seats (with memory functionand 4-way lumbar support)Climatic air conditioningEasy Open/Easy Close (Keyless Access with Easy Open sensor; Power opening and closing tailgate)Lights and Vision Package (including Light Assist High-Beam control)Adaptive Cruise Control ACC ''Stop & Go'' including speed limiterFront Assist (''Pre Sense'') automatic brakingPanoramic sunroof"Discover Pro" navigation systemVolkswagen Media Control with App ConnectElectrically-foldingtowbar with Trailer AssistParking Package: reverse-view camera with Park Assist and Park Distance Control

Optional features:

Suspension Package with air suspensionR-Line Package18-inch Concordia alloy wheelsRoof Racks: Silver anodised cross-bars with Silver-anodised roof railsAmbient Light Package: Additional interior lighting, illuminated door sill platesAmbient Light Package for R-Line: Additional interior lighting, illuminated R-Line door sill platesCargo Package: Net partition, luggage compartment mat, variable luggage/load compartment floor and luggage net and roll-up sunscreen for rear side windowsInnovision CockpitDynaudio sound system: subwoofer, effect speakers, centre speakers and amplifierAdvanced Safety Package: Lane Assist and Side Assist with Night Vision and Head-up DisplayClimatronic in front and multi-zone controls in the rear (4-zone).

As a pure 5-seater SUV, the Touareg has heaps of room for all passengers.

VWTouareg Executive specifications

(over and above the Luxury spec stated above)

Exterior

R-Line exterior kit: R-Line design front and rear bumpers with R-Line logo on radiator grille and side fenders, R-Line design on lower door parts, stainless steel load edge protection, chrome exhaust pipes, chrome decorative trims on side windows, scuff plates in stainless steel with R-Line logo in frontIQ Light Matrix LED headlights and LED tail lights with dynamic indicatorsHeadlamp washer systemDynamic Chassis Control with atyre pressure monitor system

Interior

White ambient lightingBlack headlinerPedals in brushed stainless steelCentre console in gloss black/ silverDecorative inserts in Silver WaveR-Line ergoComfort seats in Vienna leather trim with seat heating, 4-way adjustable lumbar support and rear centre armrestLeather-trimmedR-Line multi-function sports steering wheel with shiftpaddlesClimatronic in front and multi-zone controls in the rear (4-zone)

Optional features

21-inch Suzuka alloy wheels4-corner air suspension with electronic shock absorption control and 4-wheel steering.

The new Touareg shares its underpinnings with the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus.

Volkswagen Touareg prices in South Africa

The new Touareg comes standard with a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan, 3-year/120 000 km warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and space saver spare wheel. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km.

3.0 V6 TDI 190kW (Luxury) R999 800

3.0 V6 TDI 190kW (Executive) R1088 200

The promotional clip for the new Touareg was filmed in Cape Town and surrounds, check it out:

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