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Volkswagen's latest addition to the Individual R line of models may look big and brawny but not at the expense of fuel consumption, the company says.
The new Touareg R50 runs a more powerful version of the company's 5-litre V10 turbodiesel engine, in this case producing 258kW at 3500rpm and 850Nm of torque at 2000rpm. But the carmaker says the extra 28kW and 100Nm over the standard V10 doesn't bump up fuel economy or tailpipe emissions.
Volkswagen NZ general manager Dean Sheed said with an increase in performance, one would expect an increase in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions but it had been achieved without an increase in either.
The Touareg R50 landed here last week, priced from $179,990. It stands out from the crowd, with its 21-inch Omanyt alloy wheels and 295mm wide tyres, blue-painted brake calipers, wheel arch flares, sideskirts and distinctive bumpers, as well as a modified radiator grille in a matte chrome finish.
The vehicle gets air suspension as part of an adaptive dynamic package that lowers the chassis by 20mm and stiffens up spring rates. On the inside, features include a sport seating system in nappa leather with R50 logo integrated in the headrests, as well as in the stainless steel tread plates. Also in keeping with the sporty character is the "engine spin" decor of the interior.
Standard specification includes 12-way electric front seat adjustment with memory function, six-CD changer, electric seatbelt height adjustment, electric steering column adjustment, heated front and rear seats, keyless entry and engine-start.
