The facelifted Volkswagen Touareg has finally arrived in Australia 12 months after its European debut. A tweaked four-strong range runs from $86,790 to $129,990 before on-road costs, and the tested 170TDI is the most affordable.
Not only is it $2450 more affordable than the previous base model, it comes fitted standard with the 15-inch 'Innovision' touchscreen –previously an $8700 option – now with full screen Apple CarPlay.
The price adjustment is crucial for Volkswagen which is looking to target family buyers. The more gentle price step up from its Tiguan medium SUV should help. Compared to a flagship Ford Everest Platinum V6, too, the 3500kg braked towing capable Touareg is only 10 per cent dearer.
Inside, the Touareg's handsome and luxurious cabin has been lightly refreshed with open pore wood trims and a few changes to functionality, with added shortcut buttons that enhance usability.
Real leather upholstery, three-stage seat heating, 18-way power adjust front seats and digital driver's display with full-size map make the 170TDI a great tourer.
The Touareg remains five-seat only though it is very well packaged. Plenty of space in the door pockets and centre console for storage while three adults can sit in comfort across the rear bench and 810L boot capacity. The only miss is the lack of a space saver or full-size spare tyre.
This is backed up by a sophisticated driving experience. The torquey 170kW/500Nm diesel and re-tuned eight-speed automatic is slick and smooth. The urban ride can be a little busy but in the countryside the smooth Touareg is a peach. It has lovely confident steering and excellent road, engine and wind noise refinement.
A big fuel tank and rated 7.3L/100km economy figure means driving range easily in exceeds 1000km with a full tank. A '4Motion' full-time four-wheel drive system with off-road modes and a 35000kg braked towing capacity make the base Touareg a great choice for a big country like ours.
Volkswagen Touareg 2024: 170TDI
| Safety Rating |
|
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Turbo V6, 3.0L |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 6.8L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $84,150 - $96,690 |
Pricing Guides
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| 170TDI | 3.0L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $89,240 |
| 210TDI Elegance | 3.0L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $108,240 |
| 210TDI R-Line | 3.0L, Diesel, 8 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $117,540 |
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