VW Touareg 2019: what we know so far

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed local launch of the new, third-generation Touareg SUV for the second quarter of 2019, with the flagship model showcasing a range of design and technology innovations.

Although final pricing and specification for this market is yet to be confirmed, the new full-size five-seater is the first VW to incorporate the ‘Innovision Cockpit’ which combines a configurable 12.0-inch ‘Digital Cockpit’ instrument display with the top-shelf ‘Discover Premium’ multimedia system to form an almost buttonless information, communication, and entertainment hub.

The Touareg will be the first VW to incorporate the ‘Innovision Cockpit’.

Unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, the 2019 Touareg is marginally wider and longer than its predecessor, yet its body has been trimmed by 106 kilograms thanks to its “mixed material construction” (aluminium - 48 per cent, high-tech steels - 52 per cent).

Cargo space is claimed to have increased from 697 to 810 litres (with rear seats upright), headlights are ‘IQ.Light’ LED matrix units (128 LEDs per headlight), and the head-up display now projects directly onto the windscreen.

According to Volkswagen Australia public relations and brand experience manager Kurt McGuiness, engine options for the local Touareg line-up are yet to be locked down.

“In a post-WLTP world, we’re still investigating what can be homologated for our market," Mr McGuiness said.

WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicle Test Procedure) is an EU standard laboratory test measuring passenger car fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Volkswagen Australia has confirmed the third-generation Touareg SUV for the second quarter of 2019.

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Volkswagen claims the new Touareg is designed to handle trailer weights of up to 3.5 tonnes.

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The current Touareg is available with two versions of a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (150kW/400Nm and 180kW/550Nm), as well as a 4.1-litre twin-turbo-diesel V8 (250kW/800Nm). All are matched with an eight-speed auto, sending drive to all four wheels via the brand’s ‘4Motion’ permanent AWD system.

In Europe the new model will launch with upgraded V6 turbo-diesels (170kW and 210kW), followed later by a petrol V6 (250kW) and revised V8 turbo-diesel (310kW). A plug-in hybrid (270kW) drivetrain will be a China-only option initially, with timing for availability in other markets yet to be determined.

In Europe the new model will launch with upgraded V6 turbo-diesels (170kW and 210kW).

Volkswagen claims the new Touareg is designed to handle trailer weights of up to 3.5 tonnes, with the standard ‘4-corner’ air suspension system offering ‘Normal’ and ‘Comfort’ modes, with availability of additional ‘Off-road’, ‘Special off-road’, ‘Low’ and ‘Loading’ settings varying by model.

Active safety highlights include, 'Traffic Jam Assist including Roadwork Lane Assist' (semi-automated driving up to 60 km/h), ‘Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring’, ‘Front Cross Traffic Assist’ (warns driver of cross traffic in front of the car), ‘Side Assist’ (lane change and turn assistant), and Night Vision (night-time assistance via thermal imaging camera).

Final pricing will be announced closer to launch, but for reference the current Touareg line-up ranges from just under $70k for the 150 TDI, to just over $115k for the V8 TDI R-Line.

Is the next VW Touareg worth waiting for? Tell us what you think in the comments below.