The Touareg has always been known as a slightly bling but sturdy and luxurious SUV. It’s more capable off-road than many a so-called mud plugger and it makes for an excellent towing vehicle. Those merits aside, it has never been renowned for its eco-friendly abilities, but VW has wised up and created a prototype with a hybrid powertrain. It’s not on sale yet, but the company plans to put it into production when the new generation of Touareg arrives next year.
Full Volkswagen Touareg V6 TSI Hybrid road test report
Volkswagen Touareg car leasing prices
Volkswagen Touareg new and nearly new car prices
Prices haven’t been confirmed for the hybrid yet as it’s still in the concept stages, but the current Touareg V6 costs £36,995 and it’s realistic to expect a premium for the hybrid technology and powerful supercharged engine, so around £40-£45,000 is likely. Fuel economy is up to 31mpg, which isn’t amazing but it’s an improvement on that of the rest of the range – the most economical engine of the current line-up is the 2.5 TDI, which averages 28mpg. Emissions are down to 210g/km – again, not brilliant, but an improvement on outgoing Touaregs and not bad for a car of its bulk. The hybrid might not be the most efficient car around, but it’s a step in the right direction for what has previously been a seriously thirsty car.
