Earlier this afternoon, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) officially launched the all-new 2024 Touareg R-Line to the Malaysian market. The locally assembled (CKD) flagship SUV is priced at the recommended retail price of RM469,990, inclusive of Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP) but before insurance. The Touareg, now in its third generation, is Volkswagen’s first SUV back in 2002 and was last sold here in 2012. So this is a comeback of sorts for the brand in terms of full sized, large SUVs as well as into the premium market.
Volkswagen has sold over 1.14 million units globally and it remains a popular model in the current lineup. It has been missing in Malaysia for more than a decade and it is now back as the brand seems to be on a more upward push into more premium segments. It does make sense as most German brands seem to have a more premium outlook to them when it comes to Malaysians.
Managing Director of VPCM, Denyu Bostandzhiev said, “The Touareg carries the biggest significance for Volkswagen and is a pioneer in so many ways. This was our first SUV, truly the DNA of Volkswagen’s SUVs began with the Touareg. And to be the first country to locally assemble the Touareg outside of its factory in Slovakia is a big recognition from the Volkswagen Group.”
“As our top-of-the-range offering, I believe the Touareg will appeal to a group of customers in the premium SUV segment looking for something that extra special. With its commanding design and list of pioneering tech, the Touareg will set them apart from other SUV drivers.” he added.
The Touareg SUV is certainly more premium than what has been offered. The larger, full sized SUV now sits on top of Volkswagen models sold here and is the flagship model for the brand. It is based on the MLB platform which the group also uses for other premium SUVs like the Audi Q7 and the Porsche Cayenne. The Touareg has Volkswagen touches of course, and it looks, and feels very VW inside.
I think the reason for this push as stated above is the need for the brand to search out more customers in the more profitable premium segment. This is where buyers, while choosy have the purchasing power to actually buy the best or more premium that they feel is as such. The Touareg could be for those that want a badge that is slightly more under the radar than other Volkswagen group offerings but still have all the luxuries that a premium car can offer.
With assembly in Pekan, Pahang, VPCM has tried its hardest to price it reasonably right even with currently fluctuations as well as rising costs of parts. There is also the question that Volkswagen on a global scale is slowly moving towards more battery electric cars and there is a move away from large or mid sized petrol or diesel powered sedans and hatchback in Volkswagen's lineup. So with the Artyon and Passat now in its final year of production (globally also, not only locally), there is a need to come up with options for models that can be sold locally. And the Touareg is one of them.
I personally like this brute of a SUV. it looks good, a little bit more understated than its SUV group mates. The overall styling is very current VW and has a nice blend on chunky with some curves here and there. The interior is also well specced with the large 12.3inch instrument cluster for the driver and that 15inch infotainment system with a 13 speaker premium sound system to match.
The performance is definitely up to scratch, a large 3.0liter engine is very welcome after hearing so many cars launched with smaller than 2.0liter engines or having electric motors that are slightly larger than your blender at home. The 3.0lliter 340ps, 450Nm engine does make a decently good sound when it was started and it should be quite fun up to its limited 250kmh maximum speed. It is also all-wheel drive via an 8 speed automatic transmission so it will be able to channel the power well.
It may be a Volkswagen, but it is upmarket. And it has that 3.0liter V6. Refreshing in this day and age.
PRODUCT SUMMARY
Balance of efficiency and performance
The Touareg is powered by a proven 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
Sharpened design
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.
OTHER KEY FEATURES
Sound
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
Comfort and Convenience
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.
Suspension
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.
Safety
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.
Colours
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.
www.volkswagen.com.my/touareg-rline.
Bookings and test drives can be made at any authorised Volkswagen dealership
in Malaysia.
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