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New 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Facelift-Review Test Prices

Volkswagen has premiered its new SUV, Volkswagen Touareg for 2011 model year on the 80-th International Geneva Motor Show. This car is one of the most important models in the brand’s lineup, next to Golf and Passat. The manufacturer describes Touareg as the most technically advanced and innovative Volkswagen car produced to date.

One of the biggest changes on the new Touareg is the successful diet applied. The weight has been lowered by a significant 208kg, but the SUV is even much stronger and resistant to external forces than before, and we can say, a lot safer. All of the models will be equipped with 8-speed automatic transmission, the same with the new 2011 Audi Q7. 8-th speed automatic transmission is refined and improved than the predecessor and helps lowering the fuel consumption even further and keeping the CO2 emissions to the minimum. Other important feature is the 4Motion All-Wheel-Drive, using Thorsten differential, which allows the Touareg to climb the hills under 31 degrees incline.

Speaking about motorization, there are three options available at the moment:

- V6 TDI producing 179kW (240 hp) and 550Nm (405 lb-ft) of torque. Average fuel consumption is 1.9 liters less than the predecessor and equals 7.4 liters/100km with 195 g/km CO2 emissions.
- 4.2 V8 TDI is a more efficient and even stronger replacement for the current V10 TDI and the performance numbers are as follows: 253kW (340 hp) and 800Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. The consumption is just 9.1 liters/100km, which is a perfect result for the engine this size and power. This engine will be available just on European and Asian market.

- For the first time Hybrid Touareg is appearing on the scene, propelled by the V6 TSI, turbo-petrol engine capable of producing 248 kW (333 hp) and 580 Nm (427 lb-ft). When both engines are running at the same time, the power is increased to 380hp.

Standard equipment includes automatic boot opening on a touch of a button, Side Assist Warning System, Adaptive Cruise Control and many more smaller things that make your life easier and comfortable.

All in all, new Volkswagen Touareg has lost some of its raw power and muscular image, but more than made up with great doze of sport elegance and urban style. So, in front of us is a Sport Utility vehicle with excellent city performance and highway motoring power, but is more than happy when it leaves the road and continues its journey without traffic signs in the vicinity. This is especially true if Touareg is equipped with the suitable off-road tyres.