TOUREG has and will always be, the premium SUV within the VW extensive portfolio.
Thanks to its blending luxury, technology, and practicality, I experienced during the test drive.
Packed with 3.0-litre powertrain, V6 turbodiesel, it features revamped front end, a redesigned grille that not only emphasises the car’s width, but now incorporates IQ.Light HD matrix headlamps.
It combines three LED modules with three L-shaped elements for the daytime running lights. The rear design complements the front’s sharpened styling and is highlighted by a continuous horizontal LED strip connecting the taillamps that incorporate an illuminated red Volkswagen logo.
Mirror housings with puddle lamps that project the VW logo onto the ground are another suitably premium touch. Aha…It caught the attention of the mourners at Chief Molete’s wife in GaMaloka- NW, where thousands gathered to send their last respect.
The material used on the centre console trim is softer, adding a layer of tactile finesse. It’s a small detail but one that matters in a vehicle of this calibre. The R-Line trim brings electrically adjustable leather seats as standard, as well as ambient lighting, which now features 30 adjustable colours across three zones. This lighting has been expanded to include illumination in the footwells and cupholders.
The R-Line is powered with190 kW @ 3 250-4 250 r/min, and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Innovision Cockpit takes centre stage, housing a massive 15-inch touchscreen that manages the infotainment (including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and vehicle settings.
Voice control has been significantly improved, responding more intuitively to commands. Pair this with the 45-watt USB-C charging ports and wireless smartphone charger, and you’ve got a cabin that accommodates modern digital accessory-driven lifestyles well.
Technology has always been one of the VW Touareg’s strong points, as the updated model is kitted with a suite of assistance systems that include Travel Assist. This system provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities at any speed, while Night Vision enhances safety during late-night drives by detecting pedestrians and animals, that came in handy in my village.
The Area View Camera is particularly useful in a variety of driving conditions, serving up a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
On road, loved its acceleration: clearing 0-100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds.
Despite its kerb weight of 1 927 kg, the Touareg overtakes with ease and never feels short of ‘breath’ when scaling an incline, etc. On safety, equipped with air suspension (standard on the R-Line) the handling and refined ride came tops, aided by active roll stabilisation and a rear-axle steering module that tightens the car’s line when cornering at speed, despite its ground clearance of 215 mm, aided by the massive, optional 285/40 R21 tyres.
Its refreshed design gives it newfound presence, the technology upgrades bring it nicely up to date with its rivals, and the V6 turbodiesel engine remains a standout; be it for raw power or efficiency.
Its Torque: 600 N.m @ 2 250-3 250 r/min and top speed 227 km/h
Fuel consumption: 7.7 L/100 km
Its no-wonder its in the same league as your Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5 or sister Audi Q7.
If stressed, enjoy the automatic driver and passenger front seats, that comes with ‘massage’ system.
Oh, since its Mother’s Day in couple of days, why not order one for your special lady, aunt, sister or Mom…?
The R-Line comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and a space-saver spare wheel.
Retail price: R1 763 900
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Fuel 1-10 (6)
Top image SLM (The technology savvy VW Toureg SUV).
