Volkswagen simplifies Touareg line-up

VOLKSWAGEN has updated its Touareg large-SUV range with a lightly restyled exterior and the addition of more base variant power and standard kit, but it has dropped most trail-happy variant.

As with all versions, the mid-range V6 TDI still has Volkswagen's 4Motion four-wheel drive eight-speed automatic transmission but is now without the 'X' in the name of the previous 4XMotion, which had rock-crawling low-ratio hardware and locking differentials.

For 2015 the all-diesel line-up extends to three, starting with a pair of 3.0-litre V6s and the flagship V8 TDI R-Line at the top of the trio.

As before, the range still opens with the 150TDI but its 3.0-litre diesel V6 has an extra 50Nm taking torque up to 450Nm, while maintaining the 150kW of power and fuel consumption of 7.2 litres per 100km from the previous version.

The torque boost and extra kit, including bi-Xenon headlights and satellite navigation has taken the price up by $4000 to $67,990, before on-road costs, while the mid-range V6 TDI price has also risen marginally by $1200 to $81,990.

Without the low-ratio transfer box, the price of the mid-range V6 TDI is effectively $3800 less than the discontinued V6 TDI 4XMotion and like the 150TDI, the mid-range Touareg gets bi-Xenon headlights as standard. The V6 TDI also has a new Masafi 20-inch wheel design.

Output remains the same at 180kW and 550Nm, but torque has been spread from 2000rpm to between 1750rpm and 2250rpm.

Only the top-performing and best-equipped V8 TDI R-Line price is unchanged at $114,990, which is relatively new to the range, arriving at the start of 2013.

It has a different bodykit to the rest of the range with new sportier R-Line front and rear bumpers and 21-inch wheels on the outside, with a special R-Line steering wheel, two-tone Nappa leather, embroidered R-Line head restraints, heated rear seats and unique aluminium dash inserts to differentiate the interior.

Its 4.2-litre V8 churns out a healthy 250kW and 800Nm of torque while using 9.2-litres of diesel per 100km.

A panoramic electric glass roof can be added to any variant for $3000 while 150TDI and V6 TDI versions have a choice of metallic and pearl paint finishes for $1500, a technology pack for $3500 or a driver assistance package for $5400.

Volkswagen Touareg pricing*

150TDI (a)	$67,990
V6TDI (a)	$81,990
V8 TDI R-Line (a)	$114,990

*Excludes on-road costs.