New VW Touareg is the most advanced model yet

Volkswagen has revealed its new, third-generation of Touareg SUV.

The brand describes the flagship model as "the most technically advanced Volkswagen of its era", featuring a new construction, driver assists and useful technologies. It uses the same MLB platform as the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7.

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For this third-generation model, the Touareg has grown slightly – 77mm longer and 44mm wider. It's lower to the ground than before though, sitting 7mm beneath the previous generation. The increase in size allows for greater interior volume, which increases the luggage capacity from 697 litres to 810, with all of the seats in place.

Despite the minor size increase, the new Touareg is significantly lighter than the second-generation car. 48 per cent of the cars construction uses aluminium, contributing to a 106kg reduction in kerb weight. Depending on model, that's around 5 per cent, improving handling, fuel economy and tyre and brake life.

For European markets, the Touareg will only be available with a V6 diesel engine. There's two options available, with 228hp or 282hp. A plug-in hybrid will be available in China, the brand's largest market, and this may become available at a later date in Europe.

Volkswagen's focus with this car is technology, and the Touareg has the widest range of assistive technologies ever fitted to a Volkswagen. These include roadwork lane assist with semi-automated steering and lane-keeping, front cross traffic assist and a night vision assistance system which uses thermal imaging to detect people and animals hidden in the darkness. The LED matrix headlights, with 128 LEDs each, feature an intelligent main beam function, and there's a head-up display projected onto the windscreen.

The Touareg also features the debut of the Innovision Cockpit. This fully digital, 12-inch display system takes the place of conventional dials. There's also a huge 15-inch infotainment system alongside, angled towards the driver. The Innovision Cockpit allows individual drivers to set up the assistance, handling and comfort systems to suit and store their own preferences.

It's expected that the car will be available later this year, with full specs and UK prices to be unveiled in due course.

By Andrew Evans

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