Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has officially introduced the all-new Touareg R-Line in Malaysia. The locally assembled flagship SUV comes with the recommended retail price of RM469,990, inclusive of Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP).
The Touareg, now in its third generation, is Volkswagen’s first SUV when it made its global preview in 2002. Over 1.14 million units have been sold worldwide, and till today remains a popular model at the top of Volkswagen’s SUV range.
That being said, the Touareg is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 TSI. The output of 340 PS and up to 450 Nm of torque is delivered to all wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission and intelligent 4MOTION system. The system then allows the driver to select a mode that adjusts drivetrain characteristics to suit driving or terrain conditions.
New front and rear design adds to the Touareg’s commanding stance. At the front, the radiator grille, headlights and the front apron have been given a new look. The design of the rear end is also sharper with its continuous horizontal LED strip for the taillight clusters. The rear Volkswagen logo is now illuminated in red, a first as this was previously only available in markets such as China and the US.
The R-Line trims combine stylish elegance with sporty dynamism, and includes 20-inch Braga alloy wheels, enhanced chrome detailing, and the ‘R’ insignia at the doors and emblazoned on the front grille.
The Touareg redefines lighting technology with the new IQ LIGHT HD MATRIX headlights, one of the best lighting systems in the world. This highly intelligent lighting system of more than 38,000 interactive micro-LEDs illuminates the road more precisely than ever before. Furthermore, entry and exit puddle lighting illuminates the ground by the doors with the Volkswagen logo.
Also included is Night Vision – a first for a Volkswagen here in Malaysia – which provides the driver with a better view of the road at night. The system uses an infrared sensor in the camera to detect thermal signatures from humans or animals up to 130 metres ahead to keep the driver aware of potential collision.
Riding on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, the appointments in the spacious 5-seater cabin reflects the premium position of the Touareg. The highlight is the Innovision Cockpit – an intuitive combination of digital display panels merged to form a ‘one-screen design’.
These consist of the 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit in front of the driver and the 15-inch touchscreen of the Discover Pro Max infotainment system with Wireless App-Connect and wireless charging.
An immersive “concert hall” experience is provided with the 730W Dynaudio Consequence sound system powered by an 80W amplifier. The system has 13 speakers strategically situated around the cabin with one sub-woofer located in the boot floor as well.
The 4-zone climate control (exclusive to the Touareg) will provide customisable, cool environment for front and rear passengers throughout the cabin. Rear passengers can also tailor the temperature, blower intensity and direction of the air to their preference. Active Climate Seats provide added comfort to front passenger and driver, especially during hot weather.
Air suspension with Automatic Self-Levelling is standard and provides highest level of driving comfort. It automatically adapts the vehicle height to match terrain conditions and can lower the ride height by 40 mm for easier loading or unloading of cargo. Wading level is an impressive 550mm.
Besides the Night Vision mentioned earlier, the Touareg is also supported by IQ.DRIVE, Volkswagen’s advanced safety technology which provides intelligent support to the driver to enhance motoring safety. The suite of active and passive safety systems also simplify driving, reducing fatigue and stress so the driver can enjoy the journey more.
The system includes Adaptive Cruise Control ACC (with Stop & Go), Area View, Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Lane Assist/Lane keeping, Park Assist, Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced driver attention & drowsiness monitor and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
This Touareg generations were also the first Volkswagen model to be offered with Front Cross Traffic Assist, which uses the vehicle’s radar to monitor traffic approaching from either side at a junction. If there is the risk of a collision, the driver will be warned and if action is not taken, automatic emergency braking will be activated.
5 colour choices are available for the exterior finish – Lapiz Blue, Silicon Gray, Grenadilla Black, Oryx White and Dolomite Silver. The Touareg R-Line is offered with the Volkswagen Assurance Package that includes 5 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, and 5 years complimentary roadside assistance.
