ON THE ROAD- IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS THE RANGE TOPPING VW TOUAREG R

Joining the Touareg line-up is the most powerful production Volkswagen to date- the R and it takes its place as the flagship of the SUV family. This very impressive new high-performance SUV has 462 PS and 700 Nm of torque available which adds up to performance aplenty. Rest to 100kph (62 mph) takes a mere 5.1 seconds and accelerates the newcomer into the territory of the brand’s other R models, and is within half a second of the Golf R’s 4.7 second figure. Like the aforementioned Volkswagen performance champion, the Touareg R’s top speed is limited to 250kph (155 mph) where permitted. A maximum of 70% of the vehicle’s torque can be transferred to the front wheels, and up to 80% to the rear axle, via a centre differential lock with asymmetric torque distribution (Torsen) acting as a transfer box.

At heart of the matter is a sophisticated three litre V6 TSI eHybrid plug-in powertrain and not only is it powerful, but it is also smooth and refined and, moreover, is frugal enough to make the R the most running-cost-friendly model in the Touareg range, with good fuel economy and CO2 emissions of 67 g/km. A 45km (28 mile) electric only range, accessible in the E-MODE, adds to the model’s low-CO2 credentials, with the 14.3 kWh (net) battery reducing running costs for this versatile performance SUV. Packed with features, with numerous innovations combining to represent considerable value against competitors, as well as an equipment list that marks the newcomer out as a technological tour-de-force.

The new model bolsters the already generous equipment offering provided by the standard Touareg range, and adds a number of extra luxuries as standard, with black ‘Puglia’ leather-upholstered, diamond-quilted ergo comfort seats finished with contrasting blue stitching and piping, and active climate (heating and ventilation) function for front occupants. The new R also benefits from a unique heated leather sports steering wheel with R logo and DSG shift paddles, thirty colour interior ambient lighting, and a keyless locking and starting system. The interior is further stylised with illuminated, R-branded scuff plates, diamond-quilted leather panels in the door cards, and blue highlights on the carpet mats. Air suspension system with automatic self-levelling function, height adjustment and electronic shock absorption control and a Park Assist package with 360-degree Area View camera adds to the convenience offered, while the intelligent IQ. Light LED use information from the car’s front camera, navigation data and GPS information, steering angle and speed of travel to optimise lighting for numerous driving situations. The system also incorporates LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights with dynamic turn signal, and Dynamic Light Assist high-beam control. Like the Black Edition, the Touareg R also counts a panoramic sunroof among its vast list of standard-fit equipment. The luxurious specification continues with items from across the generously-equipped Touareg range, with dynamic road sign display, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist as standard. Meanwhile, tinted glass, six interior USB ports (four front, two rear) and four zone electronic air conditioning are all included. The R features the Touareg’s acclaimed Innovision Cockpit, which incorporates a fifteen inch central infotainment screen and 31.2cm (12.3-inch) Digital Cockpit display, is factory-fit from R-Line Tech models upwards.

You can further add to this SUV with a number of options, Driver Assistance Pack Plus, which in addition to Emergency Assist, Front Cross Traffic Assist, Predictive Pedestrian Protection, Side Scan and proactive occupant protection systems, brings Travel Assist, a camera and sensor-controlled system with the capacity to steer, brake and accelerate, providing Level 2 driving.

On the subject of pricing, ROI €87,775; N.I. £71,995 is the start figure.