VW's Touraeg cleans up it's act

Here's an SUV that’s turning blue to go green! Volkswagen is releasing an eco-friendly BlueMotion version of its Touareg 4x4. As with other cars in the green range, it gets a number of revisions to boost economy and cut emissions.

These include slippery aerodynamics, regenerative braking and a more efficient alternator. The car also rides 25mm lower to the ground on low-rolling-resistance tyres.

All this enables the 222bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine to return 34mpg – up from 30.4mpg on the standard 3.0 TDI. CO2 output is down from 244g/km to 219g/km.

A launch date has yet to be announced, but the BlueMotion will carry a £420 price premium – although owners will pay £190 less in road tax each year.