2011 VW Touareg TDI. Photo: VW
In the market for a mid-size SUV / Crossover vehicle? Can you hold out just a little while longer? If you can, then you may want to give VW’s second generation Touareg SUV a drive when it hits dealer showrooms later this fall. For diesel fans, this is very good news since the Touareg will be back with a TDI clean diesel variant. Unfortunately, the V10 turbodiesel and it’s stump pulling 553 ft lb of torque won’t be used in second generation, but there’s still enough grunt in the new oil burner to keep torque fans happy.
Photo: VW
The 2011 Touareg will be offered with three motor options, beginning with a 3.6 liter V6 (280 horsepower, 265 ft lb of torque) that gets 23 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. A new hybrid version, available next spring, gives you a supercharged 3.0 liter V6 coupled with an electric motor that yields a combined 380 horsepower and 428 ft lb of torque, while returning an estimated 25 mpg highway. Finally, the aforementioned 3.0 liter turbodiesel will get you 225 horsepower and an impressive 406 ft lb of torque, while netting you 28 mpg highway and 19 mpg city. All motor choices shift through a new eight speed automatic transmission, and all Touareg models come with VW’s 4MOTION all wheel drive system. Finally, all engine options are rated to tow up to 7,700 pounds when equipped with the factory installed tow package.
Photo: VW
Several Trim levels are planned, including Sport, Lux, Hybrid and Executive. All include an 8” touchscreen nav and infotainment system, Sirius Satellite Radio, HID headlights, rearview camera, power adjustable and heated front seats and dual zone climate controls. All Touareg models include six airbags, an improved head restraint system, ABS, traction control and electronic stability control. Expect pricing to start at around $41,000 for a 3.6 liter V6 Sport.