By Dr Long
Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) has unveiled the facelifted Touareg, after the ‘predecessor’ has logged over 300,000 units sold worldwide over the last five years. Updates include a new matt chrome grill extended to frame the lower bumper air vent (think: Audi Q7) and a pair of shapelier headlamps. Sportier and bolder alloy wheels complement the remodeled wing mirrors and also the more distinct rear spoiler.
The 2007 Touareg also feature ABSplus which is claimed to work better with 4WD. Also new is a set of new rollover sensors, called Active Rollover Protection (ARP). Conventional ABS brakes don't work well on loose surfaces of sand or gravel. With ABSplus, in soft and non-grippy surfaces, the system allows the front wheels to lock up briefly and clump pieces of the road surface material to produce a type of braking wedge. It is also claimed to reduce the braking distance on loose surfaces by up to 20%, thereby improving off-roading safety.
However, the drivetrain is pretty much carried cover from the last pre-facelifted unit tested by the writer. The larger displacement (from 3.4 to 3.6L) V6 FSI now churns out 280PS at 6200rpm and 360Nm of torque from 2500-5000rpm, still mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The interior is enhanced with redesigned features such as the cruise control interface, audio buttons on the steering wheel and an improved electronic compass display. Built quality is of course for a VW, as usual, near-vault solid.
While the new Touareg 3.6 V6 has undergone some 2,300 parts changed or updated, the price of RM437,283 (on the road, without insurance) remains untouched.
Related post:
The 2007 Touareg also feature ABSplus which is claimed to work better with 4WD. Also new is a set of new rollover sensors, called Active Rollover Protection (ARP). Conventional ABS brakes don't work well on loose surfaces of sand or gravel. With ABSplus, in soft and non-grippy surfaces, the system allows the front wheels to lock up briefly and clump pieces of the road surface material to produce a type of braking wedge. It is also claimed to reduce the braking distance on loose surfaces by up to 20%, thereby improving off-roading safety.
However, the drivetrain is pretty much carried cover from the last pre-facelifted unit tested by the writer. The larger displacement (from 3.4 to 3.6L) V6 FSI now churns out 280PS at 6200rpm and 360Nm of torque from 2500-5000rpm, still mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The interior is enhanced with redesigned features such as the cruise control interface, audio buttons on the steering wheel and an improved electronic compass display. Built quality is of course for a VW, as usual, near-vault solid.
While the new Touareg 3.6 V6 has undergone some 2,300 parts changed or updated, the price of RM437,283 (on the road, without insurance) remains untouched.
Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/04/test-drive-volkswagen-touareg-36-v6-fsi.html
