VW Touareg

The spotlights will be on VW's Touareg at the Paris Motor Show this week

Auto Express Car Reviews

As well as new headlights, Toureg gets revised buper

By Chris Thorp

30th September 2006

Spied months ago by Auto Express (Issue 901), the Touareg features a reshaped grille and bumper to go with its curvy lights. At the back, restyled lamps, a new spoiler and remodelled bumper complete the makeover.

Subtle revisions have also been carried out inside, where the seat materials have been upgraded and a Dynaudio sound system has been fitted.

However, Volkswagen engineers have also gone to work on the brake set-up. The latest Touareg features a new system called ABSPlus, which reduces the stopping distance by as much as 20 per cent on loose ground by applying the brakes differently when the car is travelling on slippery surfaces.

There's also enhanced ESP stability control, ensuring the model's safety technology is cutting edge.

Electrical wizardry aside, the chassis has been left untouched. A genuine off-roader, the Touareg will still be able to take on the toughest rivals in the mud, thanks to its low-range gearbox and sophisticated full-time 4WD.

The current engine line-up remains unchanged, however, with buyers having the choice of a 276bhp 3.6-litre V6 petrol powerplant and three diesels. The derv options comprise 172bhp 2.5, 222bhp 3.0 and 309bhp 5.0-litre V10 variants. Only the entry-level oil-burner is available with a manual gearbox - all other models are fitted with six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmissions. Complete with its new look and enhanced trim levels, the new Touareg will go on sale in Britain at the end of January. Company bosses have yet to confirm prices, but a slight increase is expected over those of the outgoing model. Sharing the SUV's limelight on the stands in Paris will be the revised Touran, which is due in British showrooms in the spring.

The new corporate face being worn by both these cars is to be adopted across VW's entire model range.