The facelifted 2014 Volkswagen Touareg.
We’ve not yet seen all the new products set to debut at this year’s New York Auto Show, but several makers have already begun rolling out offerings set to debut next week as the Beijing Motor Show gets underway. Among those is Volkswagen AG, preparing to show off a facelifted version of its big Touareg sport-utility vehicle.
One might understand why VW is so anxious to get a jump on things considering it’s the Chinese market leader – but facing a tough battle with second-place rival General Motors. The updated SUV is just one of several previews it has scheduled for China’s capital.
The 2015 VW Touareg – which will later be rolled out in the U.S. and Europe, as well – undergoes some relatively modest updating to its interior and exterior, and gains some important new technology, as well.
Visually, the most obvious body changes are the new front and rear bumpers, new bi-xenon headlamps, and integrated rear fog lamps. The Touareg also gets new color and wheel options.
VW hopes to expands its presence in the SUV and CUV markets in the coming years.
Inside. The SUV gets new aluminum knobs, while the car’s control panel is now framed in red. But the new rotary knob on the center console signals other changes. Much like the MMI controller used by sibling brand Audi, Volkswagen has opted for a single, multi-function system to handle a wide range of vehicle functions. That’s in line with the general industry trend to trim back on the number of knobs and switches which can rapidly get out of hand in the age of the infotainment system.
And there’s plenty of new technology onboard the 2015 VW Touareg, including an extensive array of safety features. These include a back-up camera, lane keep assist, blind spot warning, adaptive cruise control, pre- and post-crash protection systems, and active high beams. The airbag total now rises to nine.
(Click Here to check out TheDetroitBureau.com’s complete coverage of the 2014 NY Auto Show.)
In terms of power, VW will maintain the 3.0-liter V-6 TDI diesel. And to further improve mileage, a new driveline system will decouple the transmission while coasting to reduce parasitic energy losses.
The updated Touareg interior.
Also on tap are a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine, as well as a hybrid combining a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 with an electric motor – that package turning out 380 hp. VW will use an 8-speed automatic with all engine packages, while its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system will be standard-issue.
(VW updating, renaming its small SportWagen. Click Here for more.)
Meanwhile, look for the maker to launch a sportier Touareg R-Line model later this year, offering such niceties as 21-inch wheels, Napa leather and Alcantara interior trim, and stainless steel pedals.
VW is hoping to make a more aggressive push into the SUV and crossover segments in the coming year, among other things by adding a new mid-range model based on its CrossBlue Concept. It hopes to produce that model in the U.S., though the final decision on an assembly plant appears to have been delayed.