Volkswagen has launched its most technologically advanced SUV in South Africa - the third-generation Touareg.
The BMW X5 rival is larger than ever, measuring in at 4,878mm long, 1,984mm wide and 1,702mm high, and rides on the same platform as the Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne, Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus. Extensive use of aluminium in the construction of the luxury SUV has meant a 106kg drop in weight, but up to 810 litres of space inside the boot thanks to the SUV’s longer and wider dimensions.
The interior is dominated by what Volkswagen calls its new ‘Innovision’ cockpit. The digital instrument panel is a 12-inch screen and the infotainment system gets a 15-inch display. As a result, VW says that designers and engineers have worked hard to try and get rid of as many buttons from the dashboard as possible. From the inside, it also features the largest panoramic roof ever fitted to a Volkswagen, measuring 1,270mm long and 825mm wide.
The luxury SUV also boasts the latest safety and assistance technologies including a thermal imaging camera, head-up display, semi-automated steering and lane keeping, front cross-traffic assist, active 4-wheel steering, 'IQ. Light Matrix LED headlights' and an optional Night Vision assistance system. In fact, the Touareg is launching with the largest range of assistance, handling and comfort systems ever to be integrated into a Volkswagen.
South Africa only gets two derivatives – Luxury and Executive - both being powered by the same 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with 190kw and 600nm – up from 180kw and 550nm in its predecessor. The motor is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system as standard.
And yes, and Volkswagen’s sporty R-Line package is one again available on the Touareg as part of the Executive specification. The size of the alloy wheels now starts at 18 inches instead of 17-inches and ends with the 21-inch format. The Touareg comes standard with a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan and a 3-year/120 000km warranty.
Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Luxury R999 800
Touareg 3.0 V6 TDI Executive R1 088 200
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Touareg cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen Touareg starts from around R1,2 million for the Luxury derivative, while the Executive specification pushes closer to R1,4 million depending on optional extras.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Touareg worth buying?
The Touareg is worth buying if you want German luxury SUV credentials without paying Porsche Cayenne money, plus it offers serious tech like the 15-inch infotainment screen and thermal imaging camera that puts it ahead of rivals like the BMW X5.
Q: How powerful is the Volkswagen Touareg engine?
The Touareg uses a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 producing 190kW and 600Nm, which is a healthy bump from the previous generation's 180kW and 550Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Volkswagen Touareg?
The Touareg's main rivals include the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Land Rover Discovery, all fighting in the premium large SUV segment around the R1 million to R1,5 million price bracket.
Q: How much boot space does the Volkswagen Touareg have?
The Touareg offers up to 810 litres of boot space thanks to its larger dimensions, making it practical enough for family holidays or serious shopping trips to the Waterfront.
Should You Buy It?
The best premium German SUV under R1,5 million in South Africa is the Volkswagen Touareg Executive at around R1,4 million. This third-generation model finally gives the X5 and GLE something to worry about, packing serious tech like the massive 15-inch touchscreen, thermal imaging camera, and that gorgeous panoramic roof into a package that shares DNA with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q8. The 190kW turbodiesel V6 delivers proper grunt with 600Nm, while the 106kg weight saving means it doesn't feel as hefty as its 4,9-metre length suggests. Yes, you should buy it if you want cutting-edge German engineering without the premium badge tax, though budget for options because the base Luxury at R1,2 million feels a bit sparse for the money.
