The 2012 Touareg from Volkswagen now comes with a new hybrid powertrain, and a supercharged V6 engine connected to an electric motor.
The engine comes in two versions. The first one is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 TDI Clean Diesel engine with a leading fuel economy for its class (19mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway). This engine produces 406 lb-ft of torque (pretty impressive for a car in this class) and 225 horsepower. The second engine choice is a 3.6-liter V6 FSI gasoline engine that comes as standard for the 2012 Touareg, with a fuel economy of 16mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, which delivers 265 lb-ft of torque and 280 horsepower. The transmission on all of the new Touaregs is an eight-gear automatic one. The last two gears are considered by Volkswagen to be fuel-efficient driving modes.
On the inside, there is an optional panoramic sunroof that is 350% larger than the previous one. The seven-inch display provides the driver information about the car and navigation. The premium version of the Touareg features an eigh-inch screen, DVD player, Satellite stereo and 60GB hard drive. The Touareg sport brings some extra interior features (rearview camera, heated front seats, Bluetooth connectivity and others), BiXenon headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, and others. The Executive trim brings 20-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, heated seats (both front and rear), keyless entry, Park Distance Control, and a premium sound system.
The car will become available this year, at a starting price of $43,275.
