Volkswagen unveils facelifted Touareg

Volkswagen has announced details of its Touareg update, which goes on sale in the UK in August. Volkswagen's large SUV gets a number of improvements over the previous model, with updated exterior styling, new interiors and more efficient engines. Order books open in the summer, with deliveries starting in November.

The updated Touareg will be available with four-wheel drive as standard, along with the choice of two V6 diesels with 204PS or 258PS. Both TDI units will be mated to an eight-speed automatic DSG gearbox as standard and feature start/stop and regenerative braking. Volkswagen has also incorporated a ‘coasting’ feature, which decouples from the gearbox to utilise the car's kinetic energy on descents, which could improve economy by six per cent. 

The standard steel-spring running gear has been updated to improve handling and an automatic post -collision braking system will now be included as standard.

Visually, the Touareg has been brought into line with the rest of the Volkswagen range, with tinted headlights, slimmer bumpers and revised trim. Xenon headlights are now standard on all models, along with LED rear fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels. Volkswagen has also improved interior quality, with updated upholstery and wood accents and the option of Nappa leather. The Touareg will also get a raft of online services , with points-of-interest search via Google, live traffic information and map displays via Google Earth.

Volkswagen is also offering the updated Touareg in a total of 12 body colours; five of which are new to the range with Light Silver, Sand Gold, Moonlight Blue, Black Oak Brown and Reef Blue. A sporty R-Line model will be packed in September, with stainless steel trims, larger wheels and spoilers.