TEXT: JQ QIU
RADAR
JULY 2019 PRESTIGE 171
SUVS ARE NO LONGER THE CHUNKY,
mud-ploughing beasts they once were – in form, at
least. Still well equipped for off-road forays should
the mood strike you, the new breed of sport utility
vehicles boasts chic, sophisticated styling and
top-of-the-line innovations that make them perfect
for urbanites and adventurers alike.
Epitomising this is Volkswagen’s Touareg, a
premium SUV that has seen some one million
units sold since its 2002 launch. This year, the
German carmaker upgrades its fl agship SUV with
aesthetic and technological updates that make the
third-generation Touareg perhaps the best one yet.
Looks-wise, the latest Touareg maintains the
commanding presence of its predecessors, but
comes longer and wider, sitting lower for a more
dynamic form, with powerful rear haunches
accentuating its robust air.
The range-topping R-Line model (with
exclusive premium interior and trim upgrades for a
sportier look) features the brand’s innovative
IQ.Light LED matrix headlights, which not just add
to the rugged charm of the chromed solid frontgrille, but also enhance night-time drivability by
way of the interactive light control.
The allure extends to the inside as well, with
the plushly padded interior ensuring occupants
remain pampered throughout the journey. Glass-
covered surfaces, wood or gleaming metal panel
inserts on the dash, and touches of chrome all
spell luxury, topped by a panoramic roof overhead.
In keeping with the Touareg’s position at the
top of Volkswagen’s hierarchy, the third-gen
Touareg comes with the latest technology and
comfort amenities.
Making its debut, for instance, is the
Innovision Cockpit, which sees an intuitive
15-inch touchscreen display that is the Discover
Premium infotainment system segue seamlessly
into the 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit; for ease of use,
the former is curved towards the driver, making
access to the Touareg’s features literally at one’s
fi ngertips. To minimise distractions, there is even
a Head-Up Display, which projects information
onto the Touareg’s windscreen, into the driver’s
direct line of vision.Sleek and powerful, the new-generation Volkswagen Touareg
checks all the right boxes for urban adventurersTAKE A LUXURY TOUR Big on safety, the Touareg also comes with
features such as Front Assist With City Emergency
Brake & Pedestrian Monitoring, which applies
emergency braking in critical situations to prevent
accidents with other road users. There is also the
Traffi c Jam Assist, available only with the Touareg
R-Line, which takes over steering, acceleration and
braking functions for semi-autonomous driving and
safe progress in times of jams or start-stop traffi c.
Then there’s what’s under the hood. Powered
by a creamy smooth 3.0L V6 TSI, the Touareg hits
100km/h in just under 6 seconds and is good for a
top speed of 250km/h; it’s spritely for its size, so
progress is smooth and swift. The R-Line variant
comes with the All-Wheel Steering system, which
affords a smaller turning radius, improves low to
medium speed manoeuvrability and aids
high-speed stability. While Volkswagen’s 4Motion
all-wheel drivetrain provides maximum grip in all
surface conditions, the All-Wheel Steering injects a
dose of dynamic verve to the drive.
With the necessary panache and credentials
for its tour of multiple duties – be it shuttling to
the offi ce, client meetings, herding the kids to
school, or simply taking off on an impromptu road
trip – the Touareg has you covered.Volkswagen, 247 Alexandra Road |
6474 8288 | volkswagen.com.sg |
facebook.com/volkswagenSG; @volkswagensg