Being an intelligent reader, you know that the Touaregs are an indigenous people that live west of the Nile, somewhat north of here. Historically these interesting people spoke the Berber language. All very well and good, I hear you say. But what’s all this got to do with the mighty V8 diesel Volkswagen Touareg?

Well, Touaregs are mostly nomads and for over two millennia, they operated the trans-Sahara, connecting the great cities on the southern edge of the Sahara via five desert trade routes to the northern Mediterranean coast of Africa. Hence the cleverly named Volkswagen alludes to its same continent crossing, nomadic ability. However, that’s where the connection abruptly ends.

While Volkswagen’s Touareg has only been around since 2002, it has built up a reputation as strong and refined 4×4 that was also genuinely capable in proper off-road situations – something that can’t be said for many new 4x4s on the market these days. This second-generation Touareg doesn’t look much different to the original, but appearances can be deceptive. This is no straightforward facelift or reskin. It’s longer and wider, but less tall than the outgoing model. Perhaps the most significant change is a weight saving of over 200 kg.

The first Touareg was a lardy 2.4 tonnes and was widely commented upon at the time. But this bulk was quickly matched or exceeded by others like the Mercedes Benz GL class and the Land Rover Discovery 3. Most manufacturers have now cottoned on that in the interests of fuel economy and the environment, a new generation off-roaders would have to be lighter. The latest Touareg is a happy outcome of that thinking and is all the better for the ‘diet’.

Weight-saving is a key part of the 4×4’s better economy, but the much improved engines have played a big role as well. The original Touareg served up one of the biggest range of powerplants seen in a Volkswagen. How many other makes can you think of that offered six, eight and twelve cylinder petrol engines and five, six, and ten cylinder diesels? In this latest iteration of the car, the extremes of the Touareg’s engine range have now been pruned somewhat. The VW that was sent to me for review was powered by the tasty 4.2-litre V8 diesel, the replacement for the previous 5.0-litre V10. Like the V6 TDI, it has common rail direct injection.

As is the trend nowadays, less is more and the new motor delivers more power and torque, but also much better economy from its smaller capacity. At 9.1 L/100 km (equivalent to 239 g/km CO2), its combined fuel consumption is extremely good considering its enormous power and incredible maximum torque of 800 Newton-metres (between 1 750 and 2 750 r/min). CO2 emissions have been reduced by about 25 percent compared to the V10.

On the road, the V8 is excellent. It’s smooth, quiet and powerful. In practice, the immediate and potent mid-range response is more rewarding than its sprint ability (which in itself, is still very impressive at 0 – 100 km/h in only 5.8 seconds). The pleasantly resonant V8 is mated to Volkswagen’s excellent eight-speed auto ’box, which enables the powertrain to provide exactly the sort of smooth, over-indulgent experience that this car needs if it’s to justify its R797 100 price tag.

The clean new styling draws inspiration from the design direction established by the Volkswagen Head of Design, Klaus Bischoff. First seen in the Scirocco a while back, the new VW family face is becoming commonplace on the roads now.

As you would expect, a standard feature is the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with a Torsen limited-slip differential. For the minority of buyers who actually venture off road with their Touareg, you’ll be delighted to know that this system will allow it to climb up 31 degree inclines. This feat will remain an interesting ‘pub fact’ for most owners, though.

The car is roomy, comfortable and understated and the interior is very similar to what went before, which is no bad thing. A large colour multifunction touch screen display reveals the key context menus for navigation, audio, telephone, vehicle, assistants and so on, without the need for an iDrive type selector. You can expect the same intuitive control logic as in a Polo or a Golf, but it’s defiantly a big step up in luxury and ambience.

The load area measures from 580-litres to 1 642-litres, depending on the seating arrangements. This is significantly more than on the previous model (555 and 1 570-litres). Nifty features available standard and/or optionally include a remote tailgate opener, the Side Assist warning system and Adaptive Cruise Control. The optional panoramic sunroof is worth specifying. It practically occupies the entire roof area – 350 percent larger than a normal sunroof – yet the car is way more rigid than its predecessor.

Standard ground clearance is 220 millimetres, but order the ‘Terrain Tech’ package and you are able to have the ride height increased by an additional 10 millimetres in front and 15 in the rear. With the optional air suspension, ground clearance increases to a maximum of 300 millimetres and the Touareg’s wading depth is 580 mm when equipped with air suspension. I found the air suspension acceptable, certainly, but was prone to be a little lumpy over local urban roads. It smooths out on motorways, where it serves as a seriously effective tourer capable of vast nomadic distances in absolute comfort.

As before, the Touareg is a great all-rounder that’s as happy towing a horse box as it is cruising on the motorway. It also handles amazingly well for what is a large vehicle and feels agile on corners without too much body roll.

Volkswagen sold a huge number of these cars, especially for such a big and comparatively expensive car; More than 500 000 of the first-generation Touareg found owners world-wide and it’s unlikely that the new one will be any less successful.

What we like…

• The V8 diesel lump – you won’t find more torque for the price.
• It’s not flashy. Feels like an intelligent choice
• Very well made.

What we would like…

• More character.
• Less intrusive engine stop/start.

Richard Webb is the publisher of Blower, South Africa’s longest running car magazine and contributor to SACarFan.

Volkswagen is touting the new Touareg as all things to all people – “a luxury sport utility vehicle that offers a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avantgarde styling, excellent quality and unlimited expedition capabilities.”

The new Touareg line-up also brings with it more efficient engines, up to 25 percent more efficient than the outgoing model in some cases. The new 3.0 V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology with 176 kW is the first BlueMotion Technology engine to be introduced in South Africa. The 550 Nm strong turbodiesel engine consumes a miserly 7.4 l/100 km (equivalent to 195 g/km of CO2), which is 1.9 litres less than the previous engine. CO2 emissions were reduced by 49 g/km.

The 4.2 V8 TDI with 250 kW is the newest turbodiesel engine. It has maximum torque of 800 Nm and combined fuel consumption of 9.1 l/100 km (equivalent to 239 g/km of CO2), which is 2.8 litres less than the now retired V10 TDI.

The Touareg is now shifted by a standard 8-speed automatic transmission. The 7th and 8th gears are laid out as fuel-efficient overdrive gears. The 8th gear reduces engine speed by 34 percent compared to 6th gear. This saves on fuel and reduces emissions.

The weight of the base model Touareg has been reduced by 208 kilograms. Yet, the body has five percent greater torsional rigidity, which makes it the leader in its competitive class. Designers attained a significantly improved aerodynamic Cd value by reducing it from 0.38 to 0.35.

The parking brake is now activated by pushbutton. The V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology engine automatically shuts off at traffic lights and restarts as soon as the driver releases the brake pedal (Stop-Start system). The oil dipstick has been removed, replaced by an electronic display.

The Touareg’s extended wheelbase allowed a substantially roomier design of the rear seating and cargo areas compared to the previous model. The interior length available in the rear is now 1,819 mm. When sitting down in the car for the first time, the driver will notice right away that legroom towards the transmission tunnel has been perceptibly improved by the new centre console design. The centre armrest now extends further forward and optimises arm support. On the previous model, the shorter support surface had to be shifted forward to obtain the same comfortable effect. Rear knee room on the rear bench seat has also increased, since it was the interior that benefited from the 40 mm longer wheelbase. The results: legroom up from 68 mm to 104 mm.

All Touareg versions are equipped with permanent all-wheel drive. Unlike the first generation, however, two different systems are now being offered: 4MOTION for lighter off-road use, or – available as an option on the Touareg V6 TDI – the 4XMOTION system for tough off-road driving.

New generation Touaregs with the base version 4MOTION system have an all-wheel drive system with limited-slip Torsen differential (climbing gradient 31 degrees) and electronic differential locks (EDS) at all four wheels. The more rugged 4XMOTION drive (climbing gradient 45 degrees) is available with the Touareg V6 TDI. This option is offered as a “Terrain Tech” package. Like its predecessor, it consists of a locking centre differential with electrically controlled multi-plate differential and reduction gearing (2.69:1), increased ground clearance (10 mm in front, 15 in rear).

V6 versions of the Touareg (FSI and TDI) have standard 17-inch alloy wheels and size 235/65 tyres. In the case of the V8 version, 19-inch alloy wheels and size 265/50 tyres are used.

Prices include a 3-year/120 000 km warranty and 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. All models have a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty and 15 000 km service intervals.

The all-new Touareg has been unveiled – a car which is up to 200 kg lighter and up to 20 per cent more fuel efficient than the model it replaces. It’s sharper, cleaner and yet, in Hybrid form, able to out-accelerate many hot hatches while returning 8.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The new vehicle maintains all the same virtues of space, comfort, refinement and off-road and towing ability that have led the original Touareg to build up a loyal following since its launch in 2003.

Clean new styling, which draws inspiration from the design direction established by the Golf 6, the new Polo and the New Compact Coupé concept, lends the new Touareg greater presence and a lower drag coefficient without sacrificing the functional requirements of short front and rear overhangs for off-roading. The overall length and wheelbase of the Touareg have each grown by 40 mm to measure 4 758 mm and 2 900 mm respectively. The width of the new Touareg remains as before at 1 928 mm while overall height drops by 20 mm to 1 724 mm.

The changes over the outgoing model extend far beyond new styling. Standard examples of the new Touareg will feature an eight-speed transmission as well as, on the majority of models, Start/Stop technology, touchscreen satellite navigation and leather upholstery. In addition, a choice of advanced new options can be specified including High Beam Assist that automatically dips the headlights when it senses oncoming traffic, Side Assist to warn of vehicles occupying blind spots, adaptive roll compensation air suspension and air conditioned, massaging seats.

At the heart of the new Touareg is a range of highly efficient petrol and diesel engines and, for the first time, a Hybrid. The new Touareg Hybrid brings together a 3,3-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 245 kW and 359 N.m of torque and an electric motor generating 34 kW, resulting in a total output of 279 kW and 580 N.m of torque. The electric motor can operate independently of the combustion engine making the new Touareg a full hybrid. On electric power alone the new Touareg is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 48 km/h. Alternatively the electric motor can supplement the V6 engine to provide a useful boost during overtaking manoeuvres and allows the Touareg Hybrid to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 238 km/h.

The entry-level engine and the likely volume seller is a powerful and refined 3,0-litre V6 TDI engine generating 176 kW and 549 N.m of torque while returning 7.4 l/100km and emitting 195 g/km of CO2.

A new 4,2-litre TDI V8 engine producing 250 kW and a whopping 800 N.m of torque sits at the top of the new Touareg range. Despite its substantial power and torque outputs the new engine is still capable of achieving 9.1 l/100km on the combined cycle while emitting 239 g/km of CO2.

The new Touareg range now includes two all-wheel drive systems. The traditional 4Motion system remains, but a new 4XMotion will be available on some models. 4XMOTION, which comprises reduction gearing, centre and rear differentials that can each be fully locked for off-road applications and five stage control for the four wheel drive system. The first stage is for on-road applications, the second is for off-road use and activates automatic control for the mechanical differential locks, stage three engages the low-range gearbox with revised mapping of the gearbox to raise the shift points and switches off the automatic upshift in manual mode. Stage four applies the centre differential lock, stage five adds the rear differential lock.

The greater refinement afforded by the new drivetrain is matched by an all-new interior featuring a subtle mix of leather, wood and aluminium highlights and more space than ever before thanks to the longer wheelbase on which the new Touareg sits. Though the Touareg remains a five-seater, legroom in the rear has grown significantly due to the new sliding rear bench and reclining backrests while the boot measures from 580 litres to 1 642 litres depending on the seating arrangement.

First deliveries for the UK begin in August, with a local debut expected before the end of the year.

Adapted from TestDriven

Volkswagen is gearing up for the 2010 Dakar Rally by launching a new free-of-charge iPhone application solely for the much-anticipated event.

The new app, which Volkswagen is calling the “Volkswagen Rally mobile – 2010 Dakar”, allows users to keep updated on Volkswagens preparation for the event through news, videos, and background information on the company’s Race Touaregs. The cars will be competing in the two-week rally event in South America, which will run from Argentina to Chile from January 2 to 16, 2010.

According to Volkswagen’s motorsport director Kris Nissen, the new Volkswagen Rally iPhone app will allow users with never-before-seen access to Volkswagen’s preparation and performance before and during the event. “The iPhone application for the Volkswagen’s involvement in the Dakar is unique in the world of rally racing to date as well and offers users of the cult mobile the chance to stay informed about current Dakar events around the clock.”

The 2010 Dakar Rally will start in less than a month so and, like most rally fans all over the world, we can’t wait for it to start. So in the meantime, we’re getting our fix with anything and everything that’s Dakar-related – starting with downloading this new Volkswagen iPhone app.

Volkswagen are becoming an old hand at creating applications for the popular iPhone and iPod Touch. Earlier this year the company launched games featuring both the new Scirocco R and Polo.

The Porsche Cayenne is bucking the trend for larger and heavier cars. These spy pictures reveal the next evolution of the popular SUV will be smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

Hoping to integrate the Cayenne more seamlessly into the Porsche line-up, the German firm are looking to do away with much of the bulky off-road equipment to make the new car more driver focused.

Based on the next-generation platform used in the VW Touareg and Audi Q7, the new Cayenne will be 40 mm shorter and 20 mm lower than the old model. Other styling updates obvious from these shots are a higher waistline and a new set of LED daytime running lights.

Inside, the cabin will take its cues from the interior seen on the Panamera. That means a prominent media screen in the centre console, flanked by large air vents and a row of buttons on each side.

The new Cayenne may also become the first Porsche model to be available as a hybrid, with reports suggesting power will come from Audi’s 3,0-litre V6 mated to a 38 kW battery in the spare tyre well.

Among the more traditional power options are the 4,8-litre V8 from the Panamera and the twin-turbo 4,8-litre V8 from the Panamera Turbo.

As for oil-burners, Porsche will most likely borrow Volkswagen’s V6 TDI engine, which produces 175 kW and 550 N.m of torque.

Adapted from AutoExpress