VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia's (VPCM) 2024 Touareg R-Line makes its debut in a big way.
Now in its third generation, the flagship sports utility vehicle (SUV) model in R-Line styling will be for the first time locally assembled (CKD) outside of its factory in Slovakia.
"The Touareg carries the biggest significance for Volkswagen and is a pioneer in so many ways. This was our first SUV, truly the DNA of Volkswagen's SUVs began with the Touareg. And to be the first country to locally assemble the Touareg outside of its factory in Slovakia is a big recognition from the Volkswagen Group," said VPCM managing director Denyu Bostandzhiev.
"As our top-of-the-range offering, I believe the Touareg will appeal to a group of customers in the premium SUV segment looking for something that extra special. With its commanding design and list of pioneering tech, the Touareg will set them apart from other SUV drivers," he added.
Sitting at the top of the brand's line, the Touareg R-Line which adopts the Volkswagen Group's MLB Evo platform is powered by a proven 3.0-litre V6 TSI which delivers an output of 340 PS and up to 450 Nm of torque.
The engine is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive (AWD) intelligent 4Motion system.
Air suspension is automatic self-levelling that adapts the vehicle height to match terrain conditions and can lower the ride height by 40 mm for easier loading or unloading of cargo. Wading level is 550mm.
It has an all-new look on the exterior both at the front through its radiator grille, headlight, and front apron, while the rear is also sharper with its continuous horizontal LED strip for the taillight clusters.
The Touareg utilizes a new IQ Light HD Matrix lighting technology for its headlights which is a highly intelligent lighting system of more than 38,000 interactive micro-LEDs to precisely illuminate the road depending on the situation.
There's also the entry and exit puddle lighting illuminates the ground by the doors with the Volkswagen logo.
Its rear Volkswagen logo is now illuminated in red, which is a first as this was previously only available in markets such as China and the US.
The R-Line trims includes 20-inch Braga alloy wheels, enhanced chrome detailing, and the 'R' insignia at the doors and emblazoned on the front grille.
In the cabin is the Innovision Cockpit which is a combination of digital display panels merged to form a 'one-screen design'. These consist of the 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit in front of the driver and the 15-inch touchscreen of the Discover Pro Max infotainment system with Wireless App-Connect and wireless charging.
Sound is delivered through the 730W Dynaudio Consequence sound system that is powered by an 80W amplifier. The system has 13 speakers strategically situated around the cabin with one sub-woofer located in the boot floor.
The 4-zone climate control is a Touareg exclusive. Front passengers also get Active Climate Seats while rear passengers can control the temperature, blower intensity and direction of the air to their preference.
A first for a Volkswagen here in Malaysia is a Night Vision system that uses an infrared sensor in the camera to detect thermal signatures from humans or animals up to 130 metres ahead to keep the driver aware of potential collision at night.
Besides that is the brand's IQ.Drive advanced safety technology. The suite of active and passive safety systems includes: Adaptive Cruise Control, Area View, Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Lane Assist/Lane keeping, Park Assist, Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced driver attention & drowsiness monitor and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.
Touareg of this generation is also the first Volkswagen model to be offered with Front Cross Traffic Assist.
There are five colour choices for the exterior: Lapiz Blue, Silicon Gray, Grenadilla Black, Oryx White and Dolomite Silver.
Available at a recommended retail price of RM469,990 the Touareg R-Line is offered with the Volkswagen Assurance Package that includes 5 years free maintenance, 5 years unlimited mileage warranty, and 5 years complimentary roadside assistance.
The Touareg is Volkswagen's first SUV when it made its global preview in 2002. Over 1.14 million units have been sold worldwide and remains a popular model at the top of Volkswagen's SUV range.
