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| The choice of three engines, the extra gears and the lighter weight add up to a complete SUV package that has the potential to reduce one's footprint on the planet without sacrificing comfort and functionality. If the Porsche Cayenne hybrid is out of your price range, the Touareg can deliver similar performance, gas mileage and technology. |
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| Model Highlights |
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| The Touareg is the first production VW to use a hybrid system worldwide. It uses a 3.0L supercharged V6 gasoline engine alongside an electric motor. Together, they produce 380 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, and yet achieve 25 mpg combined. The 8-speed transmission disengages from the engine, which shuts off when the driver releases the gas pedal, allowing the vehicle to coast without using any power. It can drive up to 30 mph using only electricity, and it uses regenerative braking to keep the batteries charged and start-stop technology to save fuel.
The 3.0L turbocharged V6 TDI Clean Diesel engine with 225 hp gets 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway and uses AdBlue urea additive to reduce emissions by up to 90%. The 3.6L V6 gasoline engine powers the base Touareg with 280 hp and still gets 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway.
The lightened Touareg is more responsive, with some of the weight savings coming from the new aluminum double-wishbone suspension. Safety systems include anti-slip regulation, anti-lock brakes, auto-hold and hill-hold assist and stabilization control.
The hybrid only has one trim level, which includes automatic headlights, standard leather seats, heated front seats, and an 8-speaker sound system. The gasoline and diesel models each have three trim levels, Sport, Lux and Executive. Sport models are similar to the hybrid, including navigation with rearview camera and dual-zone climate control, but have standard vinyl seats rather than leather. The Lux trim adds the two-piece panoramic sunroof, 12-way adjustable front seats with leather seating surfaces and burr walnut inlays. Executive trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, front, and rear seats, keyless entry with push-button start, and park distance control. |
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| Model News |
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| The VW Touareg is the baby brother of the Porsche Cayenne SUV. The biggest news is the choice of engines: V6 gasoline, V6 diesel or V6 gasoline-electric hybrid. All of these are mated to a new 8-speed transmission, with the top two gears optimized for fuel economy.
The Touareg body is longer, wider and shorter for an aggressive stance. 350 pounds have been removed from the vehicle -- again, with fuel economy the goal. The new available sunroof is 350% larger than the previous model, and a new premium touch-screen navigation system is available. Five new colors have been added to the palette: Cool Silver Metallic, Flint Gray Metallic, Toffee Brown Metallic, Night Blue Metallic and for the hybrid, Tungsten Silver Metallic. |
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| Value Writeup |
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| Diesel, hybrid, and gasoline engines; 8-speed transmission and all-wheel drive; improved interior insulation and acoustics |
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