First look: Touareg gets a make-over in Paris

VOLKSWAGEN’S revised and repositioned Touareg range – including a new 3.0-litre V6 TDI model variant – goes on sale here next month, but a facelifted version of the luxury SUV has surfaced in Paris ahead of a likely Australian introduction early next year.

In addition to standard facelift fodder such as a new "corporate" front end, modified rear styling, updated cabin trim and a new premium sound system, the revised Touareg gains Volkswagen’s first direct-injection V8.

Not expected to be sold in Australia in the short-term (according to Volkswagen Group Australia), this version develops 257kW/440Nm, up from the current 4.2-litre V8’s 228kW/410Nm.

The latest Touareg also has new and revised technology, including "ABSPlus" – which is claimed to shorten braking distances by up to 20 per cent on loose surfaces – and extra features on its electric stability control system including "Active Rollover Protection" (ARP), "rain brake support", "fading brake support" and "understeer control logic". The latter is said to improve "turning behaviour" in the event of understeer.

The front-end styling revisions include a new waterfall grille and revised bonnet, front mudguards and bumper, as well as new headlights and mirrors with integrated lane-change technology. At the rear, the lights, spoiler, bumper and exhaust system have also been modified to freshen the car’s appearance.



Also making its debut at Paris is Volkswagen’s updated seven-seat Touran compact MPV (left).

Not destined to be sold in Australia, the revised Touran benefits from a series of cosmetic and technological improvements including a new parking guidance system, revised front end (similar to the recently launched Eos coupe-cabriolet) and, on the inside, new fabrics and stainless steel trim, and an MP3-compatible radio/CD player.

In Europe, the mini-MPV will be available in a range of four-cylinder petrol and turbo-diesel engines ranging in size from 1.4 to 2.0 litres.