VW Touareg (2010) first official photos

By Chris Chilton

First Official Pictures

10 February 2010 20:00

Volkswagen’s all-new Touareg range includes a clever hybrid version that can hit 62mph in 6.5sec or travel 30 miles on electric power alone.

Set for a Geneva motor show unveil in March  2010 alongside the Porsche Cayenne – with which it once again shares a platform and most of its hardware – the new lower, curvier Touareg is 40mm longer than the car it replaces but up to 208kg lighter. Just like Georg Kacher predicted years ago.

What's new on the 2010 VW Touareg?

There are three engines from launch. Two diesels:

• 3.0 V6 TDI, 237bhp, 405 lb ft, 38mpg, 195 g/km
• 4.2 V8 TDI, 335bhp, 590 lb ft, 31mpg, 239 g/km

And the hybrid:

• Supercharged 3.3 V6 TSI, 328bhp, 265 lb ft (374bhp and 428 lb ft with the electric assist), 34.4 mpg, 193 g/km

VW Touareg Hybrid: how clean?

Those figures would make the VW hybrid massively less green than the Lexus RX450h (148g/km, 45mpg). But then what are the chances of achieving those with the accelerator jammed wide open? And anyway, more than a couple of miles on electric power and the Lexus is back to guzzling unleaded.

Rubbish CO2 numbers or not, Volkswagen claims this is the most tech-heavy car it’s ever built. As well as the hybrid drivetrain and the eight-speed gearbox and stop-start system fitted across the range, there’s the option of lane assist and departure warnings, active lights and air suspension with adaptive roll compensation.

Will the new 2010 VW Touareg go off-road?

Like the old car, this latest Touareg should be just as good off road as on. A Torsen limited slip differential is standard but buyers can opt for a ‘Terrain Tech Pack’ that brings low ratio gearing and centre and rear differential locks. And the optional Area View camera package that gives multiple views of the car's extremities should be as useful when it comes to negotiating rock strewn mountain passes as when trying not to curb the wheels outside a posh Surrey school.

It appears that cabin quality has taken another leap forward and there should be more room in there too, thanks to the bigger body and a sliding rear seat. No word yet on prices but expect them to kick off at around £35k for the 3.0 TDI when UK deliveries start in August 2010.

By Chris Chilton