KEY POINTS:
There's a new Volkswagen Touareg in town. The second-generation version of the luxury off-roader, which has just launched in New Zealand, may look strangely similar to the old version but carries 2300 new parts.
The biggest styling change is the addition of VW's corporate grille - a large double layer chrome-look affair, flanked by new headlamp designs.
The rear features darkened tail-light lenses, exposed exhaust pipes and a larger roof edge spoiler.
The two petrol engines now have direct injection (FSI) technology. The 3.6-litre V6 FSI has 206kW/360Nm, which represents a 16 per cent upgrade from the previous 3.2-litre motor. Fuel consumption has been reduced by three per cent, despite the extra power.
The Touareg 4.2 V8 FSI is the first Volkswagen to offer an eight cylinder direct-injection powerplant. With an output of 257kW, the new engine is 13 per cent more powerful, while torque is up, seven per cent to 440Nm. As with the V6, fuel consumption has been reduced - this time by six per cent.
The range of diesel (TDI) engines continues, with the addition of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) fitted as standard across the diesel range. The range starts with the 128kW/400Nm R5 TDI and tops out at the monster 750Nm 5.0 TDI V10.
A new ABSplus anti-lock system is claimed to shorten the braking distance on loose surfaces by up to 20 per cent.
The Touareg also picks up some safety technology from the Audi Q7, with the option of side scan lane change assistance. Radar is used to monitor areas behind and next to the Touareg for other vehicles. The presence of another vehicle in the "blind spot" is shown via an indicator lamp in the outside mirrors. If the driver indicates a lane change, the indicator lamp will rapidly flash to warn the driver of the imminent danger.
Prices start from $99,990 for the R5 TDI and go up to $174,990 for the flagship Touareg 5.0 V10 TDI.
